At Midtown Psychology, we believe the care you receive should be shaped by your needs and goals, not by the limits of an insurance plan. Private Pay Therapy gives you and your therapist the freedom to build a treatment plan that is personalized, evidence-based, and truly collaborative. Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your teen, or your child, we’re here to help you understand how private pay works and whether it’s the right fit for your family.
What does “private pay therapy” actually mean, and how is it different from using insurance?
Private Pay Therapy means you pay your therapist directly for each session rather than having an insurance company cover the cost through an in-network agreement. When you use in-network insurance, the insurer typically decides which services are covered, how many sessions you can have, and whether treatment is considered “medically necessary.” With private pay, those decisions stay between you and your therapist.
Dr. Cara Remmes is not in-network with any insurance providers. Instead, clients pay for sessions directly, and Dr. Remmes provides superbills (detailed receipts) that can be submitted to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. This approach keeps your care focused on what you need, while still giving you a path to recover some of the cost through your plan.
Why would someone choose private pay therapy over an in-network provider?
Many people choose Private Pay Therapy because it gives them access to specialized care that may be hard to find within an insurance network. At Midtown Psychology, Dr. Remmes brings specialized training in treating anxiety in children, adolescents, and adults, as well as experience supporting high-achieving students and professionals, gifted individuals, and those who are twice-exceptional (2e). Treatments like Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), SPACE, and Habit Reversal Training require advanced training that not every in-network provider offers.
Private pay can also mean shorter wait times, more consistent scheduling, and a treatment plan built around your goals rather than an insurer’s requirements. For many families, the ability to work with the right clinician, using the right approach, makes the investment worthwhile.
Is private pay therapy more expensive than using insurance, and what does it typically cost?
Private Pay Therapy often costs more upfront than an in-network copay, but the full picture depends on your plan. Some people with high deductibles find they pay the full session rate out of pocket anyway until their deductible is met, which can narrow the gap between in-network and private pay.
In New York City, private pay sessions with a licensed psychologist commonly range from about $200 to $400 or more, depending on the clinician’s training, specialty, and the type of service. Once you factor in out-of-network reimbursement, your actual cost may be lower than the session fee. We’re happy to share our current rates during your free 15-minute consultation so you can plan with confidence.
Can I use my out-of-network benefits or HSA/FSA to help cover private pay therapy?
Yes, many clients use out-of-network benefits to offset the cost of Private Pay Therapy. After your sessions, Dr. Remmes can provide superbills that you submit directly to your insurance company. Depending on your plan, you may be reimbursed for a portion of each session once your out-of-network deductible has been met.
Therapy is also generally considered a qualified medical expense for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which means you can typically pay with pre-tax dollars. We encourage you to call your insurance company and ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits, including your deductible, reimbursement rate, and any session limits, so you know what to expect before you begin.
What are the privacy and confidentiality benefits of paying privately for therapy?
Paying privately means your therapy stays between you and your therapist. With in-network insurance, a diagnosis is required to bill for services, and insurers may request treatment notes or progress updates to approve continued care. With Private Pay Therapy, no information is shared with an insurance company unless you choose to submit a superbill for reimbursement.
This added privacy can be especially meaningful for professionals in competitive fields, students applying to programs, or parents who want more control over what goes into their child’s records. All of our work is held to the same strict confidentiality standards, and you decide how and when any information is shared.
Does private pay therapy mean more flexibility in treatment approach or session length?
Yes. Without insurance guidelines dictating the number of sessions or which treatments are approved, Private Pay Therapy allows your care to follow what the research supports and what you actually need. At Midtown Psychology, treatment is always personalized, strengths-based, and grounded in evidence-based strategies like CBT, PCIT, and SPACE.
This flexibility extends to how and when you meet. We offer both in-person sessions at our Midtown Manhattan office and telehealth for clients in New York, New Jersey, and Florida, with evening and weekend options available. Parent coaching, social skills groups, and assessments can also be woven into a plan without needing separate insurance approval.
How do I know if private pay therapy is the right fit for me financially?
The best way to decide is to look at your budget, your insurance benefits, and your goals for therapy together. Start by calling your insurance company to ask about out-of-network reimbursement, then consider whether you have HSA or FSA funds available. Once you know what portion may be covered, you can estimate your true cost per session.
It can also help to think about value over time. Evidence-based treatments with a specialized clinician are often more targeted, which can mean meaningful progress in a focused period. If you’re unsure, schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We’ll talk through your needs, share our fees, and help you decide whether Private Pay Therapy at Midtown Psychology makes sense for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Dr. Remmes provides superbills following sessions, which you can submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement. A superbill includes the details your insurer needs to process a claim, such as dates of service and billing codes. Reimbursement amounts vary by plan, so we recommend checking your out-of-network benefits in advance.
Some private pay therapists offer sliding scale fees or reduced rates based on financial need, though availability varies by practice and clinician. If cost is a concern, please reach out to us to ask about current fee options. We’re always happy to talk through what may work for you.
Therapy costs can qualify as a deductible medical expense if you itemize deductions on your federal taxes and your total qualifying medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Because every situation is different, we recommend speaking with a tax professional about your specific circumstances.
Most private pay practices accept major credit and debit cards, and many also accept HSA and FSA cards. Payment is usually collected at the time of each session through a secure client portal. Contact our office to confirm the payment options available at Midtown Psychology.