While there was a time when couples therapy was deemed unnecessary, therefore not covered by insurance, in recent years couples counseling has been included in many policies. However, the question now is, can and should you use that coverage? Unfortunately, as with many things in life, there are pros and cons to either decision.
The Benefits
There are two significant benefits to using your insurance coverage for therapy. First, you save money, and second, you can work toward resolving conflict in your relationship. The main reason people want to use insurance is to reduce the costs associated with counseling and therapy. While you may be required to cover the copay of your policy every visit, that can be the most affordable option for treatment. Also, the cost of therapy can often be a barrier to those who wish to seek treatment, meaning that coverage — even if it’s only partial — can alleviate the financial burden and allow a couple to find the therapy they want and need.
Potential Cons
While insurance coverage for couples therapy may be a huge step in the right direction, there is still the issue of medical necessity. In order for a couple to be covered, one or the other must be exhibiting signs of a psychological condition, such as anxiety, ADHD, or depression. When you schedule your initial consultation with a therapist, you can explain your current situation and ask if either you or your spouse are exhibiting signs of a condition that would require therapy. If not, then your insurance will likely not cover any of the cost because it is not deemed medically necessary.
A person may also choose not to use their coverage because they do not want a psychiatric diagnosis on their medical records. While such a diagnosis may not be problematic for many people, certain top-tier executives can experience professional consequences. Therefore, many high-level professionals choose to pay out of pocket for couples therapy instead of seeking insurance assistance.
Making a Decision
Insurance may not cover the total costs or any, but that does not detract from the importance of couples counseling. If you are searching for ways to pay for counseling, then you have already decided it is either necessary or worth pursuing. Therefore, seek treatment. If you cannot afford a couples therapist, then seek help from a minister — many of whom are licensed counselors — or find group therapy sessions.
The insurance industry seems to be making strides in the right direction with the inclusion of therapy on policies. However, while there are some benefits, there are still cons and even barriers to receiving coverage. If you would like to learn more about potential insurance coverage and couples counseling, then contact a local couples counselor, like a couples counselor in Palatine, IL, today.
Thanks to Lotus Wellness Center for their insight into whether you can, or should, use insurance for couples therapy.
