What is Private Pay (self-pay) Counseling?
Please note: Advocacy Family Network, Inc. is committed to connecting individuals and families with helpful resources in the community.
The organizations and providers listed here are independent and not employed by or under the direction of AFN.
While we share their information to make support more accessible, we do not oversee or guarantee the services they provide.
Our role is to equip you with knowledge and options, not to offer legal, medical, or professional advice.
AFN volunteers do not provide advice, only resource information and knowledge, and will always encourage you to connect directly with the appropriate professionals.
Please reach out directly to each provider to determine what may be the best fit for you or your family.
Why Private Pay Can Help You
Private pay, also called self-pay, simply means you pay your counselor directly instead of using insurance. Many survivors and families choose this option because it gives them more privacy and control.
Your information stays private. Nothing is sent to insurance, so your abuser (or anyone else on the policy) won’t see records of your sessions.
You choose your care. You and your counselor decide how often to meet and how long to continue, without waiting for insurance approval.
No diagnosis required. Insurance typically requires a mental health diagnosis to cover services. With private pay, you can seek help without a label if you prefer.
Immediate access. There’s no waiting for approval or being limited by insurance networks — you can begin counseling right away.
Flexibility in services. Private pay often allows counselors to provide additional support, such as letters, consultations, or specialized therapies, that insurance may not cover.
Costs may not be higher. Many times, self-pay costs about the same as what you’d pay toward an insurance deductible.
Safer payment options. You can often use an HSA or FSA card, which shows up simply as a health expense instead of a counseling record.
Sliding scale options. Many counselors offer reduced or flexible rates for private pay clients.
Private pay puts your healing back in your hands — safe, confidential, and tailored to you.