Therapist looking over insurance billingMany mental health professionals question whether they should take health insurance or have clients pay out of pocket. On one hand, paneling with insurance can be a big draw for clients, especially among marginalized people who might not be able to afford therapy otherwise. However, navigating the claims process can make a lot of extra work for therapists, and the reimbursement checks don’t always offer much money. 

The pros and cons of paneling with insurance depend on your location, client base, and personal finances. The resources below provide more detailed information about insurance for mental health treatment—use them to decide if you would benefit from taking insurance.