How to Navigate and Secure Insurance for Counseling

Got to love insurance, right?!

Insurance can be both a blessing and a curse. I remember when it used to be simple just a $10 copay and you were done. Fast forward a couple of decades, and things have become a bit more complicated. Between deductibles, coinsurance, and network restrictions, it can feel overwhelming to even start the process.

But it doesn’t have to be. With a little clarity and preparation, you can confidently navigate your benefits and make informed choices about your mental health care.

Insurance and Mental Health

Insurance and Mental Health

Today’s insurance world is a maze of fine print and fluctuating coverage. Many people feel discouraged before they even begin therapy and understandably so. But learning a few key terms can make a big difference.

Below are five common terms to help you understand how coverage works and how it applies when working with us Nourivida Wellness.

(Keep in mind: every plan is different, so it’s always important to verify details directly with your insurance provider.)

Deductible

A deductible is the amount you must pay for health services before your insurance begins to share the cost.

How it works:

If your plan’s deductible is $3,000, you’ll pay 100% of eligible expenses until you’ve reached that amount. After that, your plan begins to pay a portion of the cost through coinsurance.

For out-of-network care, you typically pay the session fee upfront, and your insurance may reimburse you later depending on your plan.

Coinsurance

Coinsurance is the percentage of costs you’re responsible for after meeting your deductible.

Example:

If your insurance covers 70% of an out-of-network counseling session, you’re responsible for the remaining 30%. Your therapist provides a superbill (a detailed invoice) that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.

In-Network

An in-network provider has a contract with your insurance company to accept specific, discounted rates. You’ll typically pay less for in-network services but availability, fit, and specialization may be limited.

Out-of-Network

At Nourivida Wellness, we are out-of-network with all insurance plans. This allows us to provide flexible, specialized care without restrictions from insurance companies.

If your plan offers out-of-network benefits, you may still be eligible for reimbursement. After paying for your session, you’ll receive a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for possible partial reimbursement.

Clients often choose out-of-network care for:

• Specialized or integrative approaches to therapy

• Greater privacy and control over their records

• A strong therapeutic fit

• Consistency of care even when insurance changes

Reimbursement rates and policies vary by plan, so it’s best to confirm your benefits directly with your insurance company before starting therapy.

Tele-Therapy

Tele-therapy allows you to meet with your counselor from the comfort of your own home through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. It’s the same quality of care as in-person therapy just with the added convenience of being wherever you are. *Not all insurance companies pay for tele-therapy so it's important that you verify benefits with your insurance plan.

At Nourivida Wellness, we provide online therapy for clients located in Florida, New Mexico, and Colorado and in-person sessions for those located on the Treasure Coast, FL.

Co-Pay

A copay is a fixed amount you pay for a service, usually at the time of your appointment. Some insurance plans apply copays to mental health visits, while others only begin coverage after you’ve met your deductible. Every plan handles this differently, so always check your policy.

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Taking the Next Step

Don’t let insurance confusion hold you back from getting the care you need. Your mental health is worth the effort it takes to understand your options.

If you’d like guidance on using your out-of-network benefits or exploring self-pay options, we can review this together during your paid 30-minute consultation or in your initial session. Therapy is a personal investment and you deserve clarity, confidence, and care that fits your needs and values.

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Nourivida Wellness is in the heart of Port Saint Lucie and easily assessable from Vero Beach and Martin County due to our close proximity to US1 and the Turnpike. I am committed to the process of helping you find hope and healing and I look forward to getting started with you at your first appointment. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have. We very much welcome and appreciate new clients into our practice, so we can help them achieve the goals that matter to them most.