Private pay & confidentiality
Private-pay isn't a luxury. For you, it's protection.
The most important thing this practice offers some clients isn't a technique. It's control over their own record.
What private-pay actually means here
Because you pay privately, no insurance claim is filed and no diagnosis code is shared with any carrier, employer, or third party. Your clinical record stays between you and me. There’s no paper trail that follows you to a board seat, a license renewal, a clearance review, or a diligence process.
Insurance creates a paper trail. Diagnosis codes get logged, and carriers share data with networks, employers, and underwriters. With private-pay care, your employer has no access to your records, your session notes, or even the fact that you are a client. Nothing is logged anywhere outside this practice.
Out-of-network reimbursement, if you want it
If you have out-of-network benefits and choose to use them, I can provide a superbill to submit to your insurer. Many PPO plans reimburse a portion after your deductible. Whether to file is entirely your decision.
Your right to a Good Faith Estimate
Under the federal No Surprises Act, you have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your care will cost.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency services, including psychotherapy. You can ask for one before you schedule, and I provide one to every client.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute it. Keep a copy of any estimate you receive. For questions or more information, visit cms.gov/nosurprises.
To request your Good Faith Estimate, call (843) 960-3765.
Common questions
- Why don't you take insurance?
- To use insurance, a therapist must give you a billable mental-health diagnosis and share it, along with claim details, with your insurer, who may retain and share that data. Private-pay keeps your care off that record entirely. For people whose careers involve licensure, clearances, or public roles, that control is the point.
- Can I still use my out-of-network benefits?
- Sometimes. If you have a PPO with out-of-network coverage, I can provide a superbill you may submit for partial reimbursement (often 40 to 80% after your deductible, depending on your plan). Submitting it is your choice, and nothing is filed on your behalf.
- What is a Good Faith Estimate?
- Under the federal No Surprises Act, you have the right to a Good Faith Estimate of the expected cost of services before you begin. I provide one for every client. See the section above for details.
- Do you offer any flexibility on cost?
- Fees reflect specialized, concentrated care. Where it fits, I can discuss HSA/FSA use, payment timing, and format options. For first responders in particular, ask about availability.
Start with a confidential conversation.
A free 20-minute Clarity Call, no records, no pressure. We'll see if this is the right fit and which path makes sense.