Using your Out of Network Benefits to pay for Therapy

Out-of-network insurance benefits can help make therapy more affordable. Unfortunately, new therapy clients often don’t understand that’s an option. Or, they truly find the process confusing and overwhelming. Insurance companies don’t always make their processes easily understood, unless you’ve spent some real time figuring it out (read: hours of your life spent on the phone).

To help you navigate the process, we put together a guide to understanding the basics so that you can get quality and affordable therapy, and get paid.

Photo of a person on the phone outdoors. This photo represents someone calling their insurance company to use their out of network benefits for therapy in Tampa, FL.

Need help covering the cost of therapy?

Out-of-Network benefits are the portion of costs that your insurance company will cover for services that are provided by someone who is not on their panel. These benefits can vary significantly from plan to plan (not just company to company). Not all plans even offer out-of-network benefits. Generally speaking, HMOs do not offer out-of-network coverage while PPO, EPO and POS plans do. 

Finding out about your specific coverage will help you make informed decisions about how to fit therapy into your budget. Planning ahead for expenses tends to be very useful when decreasing anxiety around beginning therapy.

Here are the steps to follow for Accessing Out of Network Benefits:

  1. You’ll want to find out about your specific coverage.

    Call your insurance provider using the number on the back of your insurance card. If there is a number specific to “behavioral health” or “mental health”, use that one. Otherwise, call the main benefits line.

  2. Once you are speaking with the proper representative ask these 4 questions:

    1. Do I have out-of-network coverage for therapy? If so, do I have a deductible to meet before my coverage kicks in?

    2. What percentage of each session will be covered? Is there a maximum allowed amount?

    3. Is there a limit to how many sessions I can access in a year?

    4. Will my benefits cover online therapy or only in-person services?

    5. How do I submit a superbill to my insurance provider? (See below for what a superbill is.)

  3. Understanding the lingo that your insurance company may use

    Understanding some of the lingo that the insurance company will use is super helpful as well. Because after you figure out your benefits, you’ll want to ask your therapist or their admin staff for a Superbill.

    1. A Superbill is is essentially a very detailed receipt that provides your insurance company the information it needs to process a claim for reimbursement. The client pays the therapist for services up front, requests the superbill from the provider, submits the superbill, and then is reimbursed directly by the insurance company. Usually they’re reimbursed through a check that will come in the mail.

    2. Your insurance company will most likely have a brief form for you to complete when submitting your superbill for reimbursement electronically or via mail. Typically, you have 1-2 years to submit these. But of course the sooner you submit, the sooner you get paid!

Photo of two people drinking coffee and talking. This photo represents a tampa therapist and a client discussing using out of network benefits to pay for therapy.

Now, what if when you call your insurance they say you don’t have Out of Network Benefits?

Here is plan B:

  • Use your FSA or HSA benefits: Therapy is generally a covered service that you can use your Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account funds to pay for. Provide this card to your provider or their admin staff to process for any treatment you receive.

  • Find an in-network therapist: Most therapist databases offer the option to sort by insurance provider to narrow down your options. (Our therapists on our team do have 3 insurances they take including Aetna, United Healthcare and Cigna). Or, use websites like Psychology Today to find someone in network.

  • Ask about reduced fee and sliding scale options: Many therapists reserve a portion of their caseload for reduced fee options for people with financial need. Many of our provisionally licensed therapists and interns offer reduced pricing options as well. Open Path Collective is a great resource for finding a therapist from $30-60 per session.

If you still have questions, please reach out to our admin team! They will be happy to help you navigate your way to a provider that works for your therapy needs.

begin therapy in florida or colorado

At WellMinded Counseling we have therapists licensed in the state of Florida and Colorado. We also offer online therapy services so we are able to see clients located anywhere within those two states. If you’re interested in getting set up with one of our therapists, you can follow these steps:

  1. Contact our counseling office and schedule a free 15 minute consultation

  2. Meet with one of our caring therapists and learn more about our therapy services

  3. Begin therapy and start working through the challenges in your life

SERVICES OFFERED AT WELLMINDED COUNSELING

The therapists at our counseling center in Tampa, FL and counseling center in Denver, CO see clients of all ages and addresses a wide variety of mental health concerns. WellMinded offers the following counseling services:

Photo of a girl sitting and meeting with a therapist. This photo represents how you can work with one of our tampa therapists at our counseling center in Tampa, FL

Moving to a new area? Spots to find inclusive and like-minded community

Making a Plan

LGBTQIA+ Love is Love counseling offered

Happy Pride Month! This month is dedicated to celebrating and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. Moving to a new area can be a challenge, and also one of the most fulfilling things you can do. Each person goes into their move with a plan; this could be getting familiar with the area, settling into a new home, or making new friends. In the digital age, it is more convenient to move to another city and make connections through social media. However, it can be difficult to maintain online relationships. Often times it can be nerve wracking to meet new people, and especially to try to get a sense if these people who are inclusive or like-minded.


To make this process a little easier, here are some local resources to reach out to find your community in Colorado!


The Center on Colfax

“The largest LGBTQ community center in the Rocky Mountain region, giving voice to Colorado's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community and playing a pivotal role in statewide initiatives to reduce harassment and discrimination. Today we are focused on fulfilling our mission by ensuring that every member of the LGBTQ community has access to the programs and resources they need to live happy, healthy, and productive lives.”



Queer Asterisk

“Queer Asterisk is a nonprofit organization guided by queer and transgender leadership and rooted in community. We provide counseling services, educational trainings, and therapeutic programs centering queer and trans experiences.” 

Pride parade with men and women holding signs saying "love is a human right"

One Colorado

“One Colorado is the state’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Coloradans and their families. We effectively advocate for LGBTQ Coloradans and their families by lobbying the General Assembly, executive branch, and local governments on issues like safe schools, transgender equality, relationship recognition, and LGBTQ health and human services.”

Here are some LGBTQ+ owned and friendly local restaurants, bars, and breweries in the Denver area!



Resources

https://prideresourcecenter.colostate.edu/resources/northern-colorado-fort-collins-resources/



OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED AT WELLMINDED COUNSELING CENTER

Our Denver area counseling center sees clients of all ages and addresses a wide variety of mental health concerns. WellMinded offers the following counseling services:

What you need to know about support groups: disputing some common myths

Photo of people participating in group therapy representing the safe and supportive space group therapy provides. We provide group therapy and support groups in Broomfield, CO for adults and teens.

Group therapy is an often overlooked yet very effective form of therapy, in which, 1-2 mental health professionals will run a group with 6-8 members (or less). Group therapy can be done in conjunction with individual therapy, or on its own.

Typically, the group will have a central connection and focus, for example, a group for teens, or a group to work on mindfulness skills. This format allows for the creation of a cohesive, safe, supportive space for members to address and connect on various issues. Members work towards expressing their personal frustrations, challenges, aspirations, ideas, feelings, and reactions freely and openly. 

What is group therapy and what can you expect from group therapy?

Group therapy separates itself from self-help or support groups by offering a focus on relationships, and building new ways to relate, give support, and connect with others under the guidance of a professional. Group therapy can sometimes be seen as inferior, but that us far from the case, and this view is often created because of the many misconceptions, myths and fears about participating in this kind of therapy.

Common Group Therapy Myths

Myth- By participating in the group you will be forced to share your deepest feelings, thoughts, and secrets. 

Truth - You are in complete control of what you share, how you share, and when you share it. You are encouraged not to share things that you do not feel ready to share. Eventually people find that they feel safe enough to share what is bothering them with the group, but, this is entirely up to you! 

Myth- Talking to new people is not something I feel comfortable with. I’ll never be able to share in a group. 

Photo of a person helping a friend while hiking on a mountain representing the ways members of support groups help each other. At WellMinded Counseling we offer support groups for body image in Broomfield, CO

Truth- Many people feel anxious when thinking about sharing with a group. Typically, after meeting a few times, that anxiety lessens, and members of the group feel much more comfortable opening up. Part of the benefit of group therapy is that you may find that some of the members of the group can relate to that same anxiety. 

Myth- The group members might verbally attack me.

Truth - One of the most important aspects of a group is that the members feel safe. The group leaders are there to help foster and ensure this feeling of safety. As a group becomes a safe space for everyone, one of the benefits is giving and receiving feedback in a supportive environment. 

Myth- If I have to share time with others, I’ll never get help with what I’m working on. 

Truth- Group therapy is a actually a very efficient form of therapy. Even in times when a member might spend most of their time in a session listening, they are able to gain insight. Members learn more about themselves, and connect by sharing and discussing how they deal with similar issues. Often, something that you aren’t actively aware of will be brought up by another member, and you will find that you can relate. 


What are the unique benefits of group therapy?

Over the past two years, many have realized how important and necessary social connection truly is. Social connection is just one of the many benefits that can be found within group therapy. It offers a variety of advantages that would not typically be found in one-on-one counseling. The typical counseling model is one-sided, which has many benefits, but in a group, all the members are invited to share, connect, listen, and learn from one another. In addiction to connecting with people who may have shared life experiences the potential benefits for an individual in group therapy include to opportunity to: 

Photo of a woman peacefully watching the sunset representing the long lasting benefits of group therapy. Our counselors offer support groups for women in Broomfield, CO

  • Realize you are not alone in your struggles

  • Gain confidence

  • Discover new things about yourself

  • Relate to others in healthy ways

  • Build connections

  • Give and receive support

  • Practice active listening

  • Find your voice

  • Gain perspective

Anyone can benefit from the unique opportunity and connection that group therapy provides. Learning about yourself, and finding new ways to show up within relationships are benefits that can stay with you long after the group has finished.

Begin Group Therapy in Broomfield, Co at WellMinded Counseling

Here at WellMinded Counseling we offer a range of support groups depending on what you’re looking for. We have a women’s support group that focuses on empowering and supporting women. Our counselors also offer a men’s support group that covers a variety of challenges men often face. If you’re looking for services for your teenager, we also provide support groups for teens. For those struggling with addiction or substance abuse, we offer an addiction support group that works in conjunction with individual counseling.

If you are interested in joining one of our support groups in Broomfield, CO just follow these steps:

1. Schedule a 30-minute follow-up call

2. Meet with one of the caring counselors on our team

3. Join a safe and supportive group of people to help you overcome the challenges you’re facing

OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED AT WELLMINDED COUNSELING

While group therapy is an amazing form of therapy, we understand that it’s not for everyone. Our trained therapists offer individual counseling for a range of mental health concerns. The counselors on our team specialize in treating depression and helping people improve their self-esteem. We also offer treatment for eating disorders and body image concerns. Along with services for adults, we have counselors on our team that offer counseling for teens as well. For couples who need support or guidance in their relationship, we provide couples counseling too! We offer in-person sessions to those who live in Broomfield, CO and we can meet with clients anywhere in Colorado virtually through online counseling. We are so excited to support you as you grow and and create a life you love.

Mindfulness Made Simple: Advice from a Mindfulness Therapist

Photo of a woman sitting outside on a bench representing the way mindfulness can help people stay grounded in the present moment. Our counseling office offers mindfulness courses in Colorado to help you become less anxious and more mindful.

Mindfulness can sometimes sound like it’s reserved for people who are in yoga class, or are able to sit in silence and meditate for long periods, which makes it seem unachievable. Mindfulness is the ability to contact and be aware of the present moment. In todays fast moving society, with constant flowing information, it has never been more important.

Most of our day is the opposite of mindful. Planning our weekend, checking social media, watching TV, thinking about the past, and worrying about the future are all activities that take us away from the present moment, and away from mindfulness.

However, mindfulness can be very simple. And, it is something that you can practice wherever you are, whatever you are doing, right in this very moment.

Using Your Senses to Practice Mindfulness

The easiest way to access present moment awareness/mindfulness is through your senses. By setting down your phone, turning off the TV and checking in with just one sense to start, touch/taste/smell/hearing/sight. 

If the sense that you would like to focus on is hearing, really focus on the sounds that you can hear, as if you are a child hearing that sound for the first time. If there are multiple sounds see if you can separate them out, focusing on one at a time. Check in and see if you are able to hear anything in your current space that you weren’t previously aware of. Play pretend, and act as if you don’t know the origin of the sound, and then get curious about what might be creating it. 

Photo of a cup of tea being poured representing the way people can practice mindfulness using their senses such as taste. Our mindfulness therapists in Colorado can help you become more mindful.

Creating mindfulness around taste and smell can be its own activity. Making a cup of tea or coffee, eating a sour candy, crunching into an apple, and putting all of your focus onto the taste of one specific food or drink. Lighting a candle, smelling perfume, walking outside and smelling the crisp air - these are all activities that, if we focus on them, can bring our awareness to the present moment. 

Mindfulness Can Help With Stress and Anxiety

Photo of a woman feeling a plant while walking outside representing the way you can use your senses to practice mindfulness. We offer a mindfulness program in Broomfield Colorado that can help you become more mindful and less stressed.

Mindfulness can be especially impactful when we are feeling anxious or stressed, two emotions that can tend to take us into the past or future and completely out of the present moment. So, the next time you notice yourself feeling stressed, I encourage you to make a cup of coffee or tea, to turn off the TV, turn off the music, put your phone in another room, and try to focus all of your attention on that cup of tea or coffee. Again pretending like it is the first time you are enjoying this type of beverage. Then compare that to the experience of scrolling social media while absentmindedly drinking coffee. Check in with yourself, with your level of stress/anxiety, and how you feel after each experience.

How a Mindfulness Therapist in Broomfield, CO Can Help you become more mindful

We offer a Mindfulness Immersion Program that can help you really do a deep dive into mindfulness by teaching you the roots, sciences, and practices of mindfulness. I encourage you to go check out our mindfulness program page for more information because we hope to help you grow in your mindfulness practice. 

If you’re ready to start our mindfulness program in Broomfield, CO, please follow the steps below:

1. Schedule a 30-minute follow-up call

2. Meet with a mindfulness therapist on our team

3. Become less weighed down by stress and anxiety, and start leading a more mindful life!

OTHER counseling SERVICES OFFERED AT WELLMINDED COUNSELING

In addition to therapy for mindfulness, our team of caring therapists offer a range of services. Our therapists specialize in treating depression and helping clients improve their self-esteem. We also offer treatment for eating disorders and body image concerns. Not only do we offer individual counseling for adults, but we also have counselors on our team that specialize in couples counseling and therapy for teens. If you’re interested in our services but you’re located outside of Broomfield, don’t worry. We can meet with you virtually through online counseling from anywhere in the state of Colorado as well. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about our services and how we can help you achieve healing and peace of mind.

Relationship with yourself

Today’s society often finds it difficult to focus on themselves when undergoing anxiety, depression, stress, anger, frustration, etc. Focusing on oneself not only allows one to acknowledge what is wrong but also how to make it better. As everyone knows, everyone experiences negative thoughts; the difference is, how one can properly handle them. One of the best ways in controlling what you may be undergoing is gaining control over your self-care. A popular way to do that is by Mindfulness.


IMPORTANTNESS OF MINDFULNESS

There are many forms of Mindfulness with only one importance in mind-to help you find a way to clear and settle your mind. Some of the forms are:

*Meditation focuses on loving compassion for yourself, allowing negative thoughts to exit the mind

      -Get comfortable (does not matter where or how), Consider a timer (this will allow you to spend more time focused on the meditation and less on the time), Focus on breathing (notice the air coming in through your nose, your stomach rising, and air going out through your nose), Notice your thoughts (don’t push them away but don’t sit on them. Accept them. When they come up, acknowledge them, and then let them go their way). 

*Mindful Breathing-focus on your breathing, “boxed breathing”-breath in deeply and hold for 4 seconds, then breath out and hold for 4 seconds. This helps take the mind off of the stress that is going on at the moment and allows you to feel in control of the situation once again. 

*Visualization-This is when you focus on walks and focus on each different color around you. This will help you to enjoy your day more and not feel as rushed, nor as bored.

    -I have suggested to clients to use this when they feel anxious and/or mad. Take a deep breath and if that alone does not help look around the room for so many things of a specific color. You will soon find yourself more caught up in finding those than in the previous situation. 

*Mindful Movement-This may include walking meditation or any form of physical practice. 

      -Before anyone becomes worried by physical practice, yoga does fall under that and is actually very popular.

      -Yoga is known to help clear the mind before someone heads out to start the day and/or to clear the mind and release the stress to sleep soundly.

*Body Scan-You slowly notice each and every piece of your body. Begin by focusing on the strength coming up, or down and throughout every part. Then focus on every color-not just the skin, but veins and scars-which can help you accept them more if needed. Finally, begin touching your feet (inner/outer and notice the differences), legs (notice the hairs, moles, scars), all the way up to your head. The importance of this is to gain awareness of who you are, not who you mentally see. 

              -This is known to greatly help those who suffer from eating disorders and/or may have had their body suddenly scarred due to a tragic accident. 

*Journaling-Many have different views of this. Mainly this allows you to jot down negative thoughts as they are happening to get them off your mind. You can write down the date and what was the trigger. This is suggested to see if any trigger is in common, if there is then you can stay away from it and begin feeling more positive. 


By: Courtney Miller, LPC