If you’re looking for couples counseling, one of the first things you may be wondering is, “Do you accept insurance?” That’s such a normal question to ask. Most people want to understand the cost before they take the next step.

The short answer is that I don’t bill insurance directly, so I’m considered an out-of-network provider. But some clients are able to use their out-of-network benefits and get reimbursed for part of the fee.

So while I’m not in-network, therapy may still be more within reach than you might think.

What does out-of-network mean?

If a therapist is out-of-network, it simply means they don’t bill your insurance company directly.

In most cases, that means you would pay for your sessions upfront, and then your insurance may reimburse you for part of the cost afterward. Whether you receive reimbursement, and how much, depends on the details of your specific plan.

Insurance language can feel confusing, but the main thing to know is that out-of-network doesn’t always mean you’re paying the full fee entirely on your own.

Does insurance cover couples counseling?

Sometimes, yes. It really depends on your benefits.

Some insurance plans, especially PPO plans, include out-of-network mental health benefits. When that’s the case, those benefits may help cover part of the cost of couples counseling.

A lot of people assume therapy is either fully covered by insurance or fully out of pocket, but there’s often more of a middle ground than people realize.

Why I work with Mentaya

Why I work with Mentaya

Why I work with Mentaya

I work with Mentaya because some clients appreciate having an easier way to handle reimbursement.

Using out-of-network benefits can be helpful, but the paperwork and follow-up can feel like a lot, especially when you’re already stressed or trying to get support for your relationship. Mentaya helps simplify that process, which can save time and reduce some of the hassle.

I don’t receive any incentives or kickbacks from Mentaya. I recommend it only because some clients have found it helpful and convenient.

How Mentaya works

If you decide you want help with reimbursement, Mentaya offers a simple way to get started.

You can first use my Mentaya benefits checker to see whether your out-of-network benefits may apply to couples counseling.

Check Your Out-of-Network Benefits Here

If your benefits look like a fit, you then have the option to use Mentaya to help with claim submissions and reimbursement.

That said, using Mentaya is completely up to you. Some clients like the convenience, and others prefer to handle reimbursement on their own. Either way, it won’t affect your therapy or the care you receive from me.

I also want to be transparent that Mentaya charges a small fee for each claim submission they file. For many people, that tradeoff feels worth it because it can save time and reduce paperwork. But it’s simply an option, not a requirement.

For many people, having that choice means less stress and more space to focus on getting support.

Two smart steps to take before booking

If you’re thinking about getting started, there are two simple steps that can really help.

1. Check your out-of-network mental health benefits

You can call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask:

• Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?
• Do those benefits apply to couples counseling?
• What is my out-of-network deductible?
• What percentage do you reimburse after the deductible?

You can also use my Mentaya benefits checker to get a quick sense of whether your plan may include out-of-network benefits:

2. Don’t assume out-of-network means unaffordable

A lot of people hear the phrase “out-of-network” and immediately think therapy will be too expensive. But that phrase by itself doesn’t tell you what your actual cost will be.

It simply means the therapist doesn’t bill insurance directly. Depending on your plan, your real out-of-pocket cost may be lower than you expect.

Why the right fit matters

Why the right fit matters

Why the right fit matters

When people start looking for couples counseling, it’s easy to feel like they’re supposed to just pick a name from a list and move on.

But finding the right fit really matters.

You’re not just looking for someone who has an opening. You’re looking for a therapist whose style, approach, and experience feel aligned with what you need as a couple. That becomes even more important if you’re dealing with things that feel deeper or more stuck, like:

• repeated conflict
• emotional distance
• trust issues
• anxiety in the relationship
• old hurts that keep resurfacing
• feeling unheard or misunderstood

When you have out-of-network benefits, you often have more freedom to choose a therapist who feels like the right fit for your relationship, rather than limiting yourself to the most convenient option in a directory.

And that can make a real difference in how supported you feel and how meaningful the work becomes.

What to expect in a complimentary 15-minute call

I offer a complimentary 15-minute introductory call as a simple first step.

This call is a chance for me to hear a little about what’s been going on and make sure I’m someone who can truly help. It’s also a chance for us to meet and get a feel for whether we’d be a good fit to work together.

You’re welcome to use that time to ask any questions you have about therapy, insurance, out-of-network benefits, or what the process might look like. My hope is that it feels clear, supportive, and low-pressure. Click here for What to Expect in a Complimentary Call with Me

The bottom line

If you’ve been wondering, “Do you accept insurance?”, here’s the simplest answer: I don’t bill insurance directly, but some clients use their out-of-network benefits to get reimbursed for part of the cost of couples counseling.

If you’d like to explore your options, the next step is to schedule a complimentary 15-minute introductory call. It’s a simple way to ask questions, learn more, and see whether this feels like the right fit for you.

FAQ

About Me

I’m a licensed psychologist who specializes in helping couples feel more connected, understood, and less stuck in painful patterns. Clients often describe me as warm, thoughtful, and easy to talk to. I offer a supportive, practical approach for couples who want to strengthen communication, work through conflict, and create healthier ways of relating. I’m authorized to provide therapy in 43 participating PsyPact states. Check to see if your state is included in the PsyPact States Map.

If this blog resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you. I read all the comments.