A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that psychiatrists are less likely than other health care professionals to accept insurance. Some sources report similar numbers for therapists, psychologists, and others in the mental health care profession. This may decrease access to quality mental health care and prove frustrating for both therapists and clients. While therapists who do accept insurance may be able to see more clients, insurance reimbursement is not a panacea to the many challenges of running a practice. Every therapist must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of accepting insurance, then decide which insurance panels and what approach to insurance payments will offer the greatest benefits with the least amount of hassle. THERAPIST INSURANCE: BASICS OF ACCEPTING INSURANCE Therapists have two options for accepting insurance: Join a provider panel Therapists interested in being directly reimbursed by insurance companies can join the insurers’ preferred provider panel. This usually requires a fairly intensive application process, and approval can take several months. Once the therapist is approved, however, the insurer directly pays the therapist for their services. Being on a provider panel may also offer some marketing benefits because most insurers have a directory of preferred providers that potential clients may use to find you. Be an out-of-network provider Some therapists opt to give their clients documents—called superbills—so that the clients can receive reimbursement from their insurer. These out-of-network providers usually accept payment directly from clients. It is then the client’s responsibility to seek reimbursement from the insurer. Some therapists work with clients to make this strategy more affordable. You might, for example, only bill the client once they have been reimbursed. There is no guarantee that the client will be reimbursed, however, and therefore no guarantee of payment for services if you do not receive payment upfront. BENEFITS OF ACCEPTING INSURANCE FOR THERAPISTSThere are many reasons to consider accepting insurance. Those include:
For therapists interested in joining a provider panel, it’s important to weigh the benefits of each specific provider panel. Consider the following:
GoodTherapy helps therapists run and market their practices with a host of continuing education seminars, practice management tips, and more. We list members in our directory, which is a highly popular source of therapist referrals. Join today. References:
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MAY 2021by Lyle Williams, LMFT on May 17th
Mental Health Awareness Month The Month of May was designated as Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949 by a non-profit organization called Mental Health America. Since then, this month has been recognized as a time to NORMALIZE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH and SHARE RESOURCES THAT SUPPORT MENTAL WELL-BEING. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (“NIMH”), an estimated 51.5 million people in the U.S. live with a mental illness, which is about 20% of the adult population. Out of the adult population, 5% experience serious mental illness. Additionally, 17% of the youth, ages 6 to 17 years old, struggle with mental health issues (NIMH, May 2021, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness). If you didn’t know, now you know. If you are interested in engaging in some mental health awareness activities, please check out the #MentalHealth4All event calendar on the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website (https://afsp.org/mentalhealth4all?gclid=CjwKCAjwqIiFBhAHEiwANg9szswpobiVCNlcPNFBG_Xv98lOTwG7dCCOySmcK-ulygoxG8_IkjC7GRoCYGcQAvD_BwE#-mentalhealth4all-social-graphics). Resources to share Life is hard at times. It can be difficult to know if we are struggling with “normal” life challenges or a mental health problem. Here are some resources that you can use to discreetly find out if you are dealing with a mental health problem (for free).
In the event that you or someone you know is actually experiencing a mental health concern, I have included a list of resources below for you to reference. Please share this information as you engage with others and do your part to NORMALIZE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH this month.
Women’s Health Week Last week was Women’s Health Week. Ladies, please check out the Office of Women’s Health page to review some good reminders about ways to maintain your health (https://www.womenshealth.gov/nwhw/about). This year’s Women’s Health Week, for obvious reasons, has an emphasis on protecting yourself from COVID-19. Men, here is an article that provides information to you about common women’s health issues (https://www.webmd.com/men/features/what-men-need-to-know-about-womens-health). Being aware of women’s health issues is essential for men who are interested in being loving leaders in their relationships with women. **** I know this was a longer than average newsletter, but I wanted to include as many resources as I could, so that you are empowered with knowledge about mental health resources. As a bonus, I have also included a mental health toolkit in the newsletter email as an attachment. Be sure to check that out too. Stay healthy and be blessed. MARCH 2021by Lyle Williams, LMFT on March 15
Women’s History Month If you didn’t know, the month of March is designated as Women’s History Month. As a man, Women’s History Month is something that I view through the lens of the connection I have with the women closest to me in my life: my grandmothers, aunts, mother, and wife. Because I love my family members who are women and serve many clients who are women, I personally care about the idea of this month. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with some recognized women’s history milestones: https://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/womens-history-us-timeline. As I read articles about women’s history, I noticed the unfortunate reality that the Women’s rights movement has historically been (and arguably still is) rife with racism. See these articles for more context.
Happy New Year! March, otherwise known as “Abib” in the Bible, is the first month of the year according to the ancient hebrew calendar. According to the ancient hebrew calendar, each month begins with the sighting of a new moon, which most recently happened on Saturday, March 13th (https://www.timeanddate.com/moon/phases/). For those who are confused about why I’m talking about this subject; I have two Bible verses for you to reference. Daniel 7:24-26 explains how the world has undergone a change in how we keep track of time; and Deuteronomy 16:1 tells us to remember the month of Abib. Remembering the month of Abib, which is highlighted by the explosion of new life in this spring season, is a reminder to keep all of the Biblical holy days that follow. If this topic is interesting to you, you can learn more here: https://www.5loaves2fishes.net/ancient-hebrew-calendar. In summarization, this month we have an opportunity to remember the history of women while experiencing the spring season. As I’m sure you are aware, nature seemingly gives birth to new life in the spring in a similar fashion to how women have given birth to every single person who has ever lived on the planet (excluding Adam and Eve). Wow! And all of this points to a deeper truth regarding spiritual birth through faith… but, I digress. FEBRUARY 2021by Lyle Williams, LMFT on February 11
Valentine’s day is 3 days away. Overlooking the pagan roots of the international holiday (historically called Lupercalia), many people will be influenced to think about whom they love and who loves them back on this day. Let’s consider how you can take a step toward long lasting love this February 14th. For single people... If you are happy in your singlehood, fantastic! If you are feeling lonely and sad in your singlehood, please read on. I want to remind you that God loves you, and is always with you. February 14th is a great day to focus on the Love God has for you by reading the Bible, googling Bible verses about love, and spending time in prayer. I also recommend that you, as a single person, take a moment to prepare yourself for the next great love of your life. You can do this by studying and practicing emotional intelligence. If you are interested in working on improving emotional intelligence (which will benefit all relationships in your life), check out the book “Emotional Intelligence 2.0” by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves. A link is in the email. For couples... If you and your partner haven’t talked about Valentine’s Day expectations, please do. If your partner wants a gesture of love on February 14th, you need to know. If your partner doesn’t want to celebrate Valentine's Day for any reason, that is worth discussing as well. Don’t let a holiday dictate how connected you feel with your partner. Do your best to get clear on what your partner needs to feel connected with you on February 14th and beyond. I suggest having that conversation tonight, given today’s date. If you and your partner would like to invest time into strengthening the connection in your relationship, I recommend that you read the book “Hold Me Tight” by Sue Johnson. There is a link to this book in the email. Short and sweet this time. Stay healthy, and I will catch you later. FEBRUARY 2021by Lyle Williams, LMFT on February 11
Hey! Let’s take a moment to reflect on Black History Month and where we are right now as a society. I found a couple of videos on YouTube that I want to share with you, which I believe will make Black history more figural for you in this present moment. Please check out the links below.
I hope this check-in has planted some seeds of information in your mind that will grow into greater awareness and deeper insights about Black history and its relevance to today. Please share this newsletter with others for the sake of sparking meaningful conversation, which I hope will help us connect with each other’s humanity. |
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