The Benefits of Seeing an Out-of-Network Therapist
When it comes to your mental health, finding the right therapist can be life-changing. While navigating the options can feel overwhelming, choosing an out-of-network therapist offers several unique benefits that might be the key to creating a truly transformative healing experience.
No Labels, No Diagnoses (Unless You Want Them)
One of the biggest perks of seeing an out-of-network therapist is that you’re not required to receive a mental health diagnosis (unless you are using OON benefits). Insurance companies often demand a formal diagnosis to justify coverage, which can feel limiting or even stigmatizing. If labels aren’t helpful for you, or if you want therapy to feel like a safe and non-judgmental space, working with an out-of-network therapist gives you that freedom.
Access to Premium, Flexible Services
Most in-network therapists are restricted to the standard 45- or 60-minute session, which might not suit everyone—especially those with trauma, ADHD, or neurodivergence who need more time to process. Out-of-network therapists can offer extended sessions or even specialized options like immersives or nervous system resets. My personalized immersives are designed to help clients get at the root of their symptoms more efficiently than the weekly therapy model. These longer sessions give you the space to truly explore your needs and create meaningful breakthroughs. My nervous system resets are intended for people who don’t have time to commit to regular therapy or are intimidated by it. They help clients get nervous system regulation without the pressure to get vulnerable with a stranger, and can leave feeling refreshes and grounded.
Freedom to Choose the Therapist That’s Right for You
We’ve all experienced the frustration of finding a great therapist, only to lose them when they go out of network or when an employer switches insurance plans. Working with an out-of-network therapist means your relationship isn’t dependent on insurance coverage, giving you the stability and consistency that are essential for building trust and making progress in therapy.
Specialized, High-Quality Care
As an out-of-network therapist, I offer a highly personalized approach that draws on advanced methods like somatic therapy, polyvagal theory, and trauma-informed practices. These tools are especially helpful for addressing complex trauma, chronic people-pleasing, and relational wounds—issues that often require more nuanced care than what’s available within the constraints of insurance-based therapy.
The Option for Partial Reimbursement
If your insurance plan includes out-of-network benefits, you might be able to receive partial reimbursement for your therapy sessions. I provide superbills (detailed receipts for services) that you can submit to your insurance company. While this requires a formal diagnosis, it can help make specialized therapy more accessible without compromising the quality of your care.
Your Goals, Your Privacy
Working outside the network means we’re not bound by insurance company requirements, so our focus stays where it belongs: on you. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, free from the constraints of checklists or predefined formulas. Plus, your sessions remain completely confidential—no insurance company has access to your records or personal details.
A Client-Centered Experience
Out-of-network therapists often keep their caseloads intentionally small, ensuring they can dedicate the time, energy, and care needed to create a deeply personalized therapy experience. This means I can be fully present with you, crafting a treatment plan that aligns with your unique goals, pace, and circumstances.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your healing journey deserves a space where you feel safe, seen, and supported. If you’re ready to explore whether working with an out-of-network therapist is the right choice for you, I’d love to connect. Schedule a free consultation call today, and let’s discuss how we can work together to help you reclaim your authentic self and create the life you deserve.
About the Author
Martha Carter is a licensed therapist providing virtual services in Colorado. She is trauma-informed and trained in somatic, neurobiology-based modalities to help people with all types of trauma, chronic pain, and eating disorders heal from the inside out.
(Colorado residents only)
