Why I'm Transitioning from Insurance to Private Pay:
A Personal and Professional Decision
Dear Clients,
(I am writing this on May 2025) After 16 years of dedicated work in community services and the past five years running my own private practice, I’ve made the difficult decision to stop accepting insurance for therapy services. I want to take a moment to share why I’m making this change and how it will ultimately benefit both my clients and me.
My Journey: From Community Service to Private Practice
When I first began my career, I started with a passion to help those who needed mental health support the most. I was working in crisis intervention, individual therapy, and group therapy in the community, earning $9.25 an hour. Despite the low pay, I was deeply committed to the work and felt honored to help individuals through some of their toughest moments.
Over the years, my salary increased, and for about 10 years, I worked in community-based settings, earning anywhere from $32,000 to $62,000 per year. While the financial compensation was modest, I was grateful for the valuable experience and the privilege of working with so many people. I learned so much and felt fulfilled by the deep connections I made with my clients.
The Shift to Private Practice
After many years in the field, I transitioned to private practice about five years ago. During this time, I’ve been mindful of keeping my services accessible to as many people as possible. My mindset has always been about finding ways to ensure therapy remains affordable, whether through insurance or other options. In this phase of my career, I continued to prioritize affordability for clients while still being able to serve them effectively.
However, as I entered my 40s, I’ve found that things have shifted in ways I didn’t quite anticipate. Despite my dedication, I’m noticing some personal and financial strains that can no longer be ignored. I’m finding it increasingly difficult to save for my own retirement, set aside funds for my children’s education, and make ends meet. Taking on more insurance clients could help me financially, but at the same time, I’ve realized that doing so is pushing me closer to the edge of burnout.
Why I’m Transitioning to Private Pay
After much reflection and consideration, I’ve decided to transition to a private pay model. This change isn’t about abandoning my clients or the work I love—it's about creating a more sustainable and fulfilling way to serve everyone, including myself. Here’s why I believe this is the right move:
A Better Work-Life Balance: By moving away from insurance, I’ll be able to create a more manageable schedule that prevents burnout. This allows me to be more present and effective in every session, which ultimately benefits my clients.
More Flexibility in Treatment: Without the constraints of insurance companies, I’ll have more freedom to offer individualized, tailored care that fits the needs of each person. I can be more creative in the way I approach therapy, including offering intensive therapy sessions that accelerate healing and help clients work through trauma more efficiently.
Superbills for Insurance Reimbursement: While I’m no longer accepting insurance directly, clients with out-of-network benefits can still submit a superbill to their insurance company for reimbursement. This ensures that clients can still access therapy without a significant financial burden, even if they prefer to use their insurance.
Reduced Fee Spots: I understand that some clients may face financial hardship. To ensure that therapy remains accessible, I’ll still have a limited number of reduced-fee spots available for those who truly need it. My goal is to maintain a balance between providing high-quality care and ensuring that financial barriers don’t prevent people from getting the help they need.
A More Sustainable Practice: Ultimately, this shift is a business decision that will allow me to create a more sustainable practice. By focusing on private pay clients, I can better support my family, plan for my future, and continue to offer excellent therapy services. This will also allow me to grow in a way that’s healthier and more sustainable for me as a therapist.
A Commitment to Quality Care
Let me be clear: My commitment to providing high-quality care will never change. I remain deeply dedicated to helping my clients heal, grow, and thrive. This decision is about creating an environment where I can serve my clients in the best way possible—without the limitations that insurance can sometimes impose. I can now offer a more flexible, personalized, and creative approach to therapy, which includes options like intensive trauma healing sessions.
I truly appreciate the trust my clients have placed in me over the years. It’s been an honor to walk alongside you in your journey, and I look forward to continuing our work together in this new structure.
If you have any questions about this transition, how it might affect your therapy, or how to submit a superbill to your insurance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. However, if you feel like you need to find therapists who take your insurance, feel free to reach out as I am happy to make referrals for you. I’m here to help and support you every step of the way.
For current and future clients, thank you for your understanding and continued trust. I’m excited to continue doing meaningful work in this new chapter!
Warmly,
”Jane” I-Chen Liu, MA. LMHC
KareKounseling PLLC