Insurance is an invaluable resource in today’s world, helping to offset the cost of many services that could otherwise be financially burdensome. We’re not suggesting that insurance is inherently bad, nor are we implying that you shouldn’t use it — even for therapy. However, when it comes to counseling, a more thoughtful, nuanced approach is necessary to understand both the benefits and drawbacks of using insurance.
At Archangel Catholic, we’ve made the decision not to accept insurance for counseling services. This is not an easy choice, nor is it one that every Catholic therapy practice must follow. We want to share with you the reasoning behind our decision, which is rooted in two main priorities:
1. Prioritizing Faith
Insurance companies often impose auditing requirements that can create tension in therapy. These requirements can inadvertently push faith to the periphery of the counseling process rather than keeping it at the forefront. For us, faith is essential. As therapists, we always strive to align our therapeutic tools with the principles of the Catholic faith. By doing so, we aim to help our clients live out lives committed to growing as disciples of Jesus. When faith is sidelined or diluted due to insurance restrictions, we believe the core of therapy is compromised.
2. Respecting Free Will
God has endowed us with the gift of free will, and this is central to how we approach counseling. While the therapist plays a key role in guiding the client towards healing, we believe it’s essential to maintain as much freedom in the healing process as possible. Insurance can impose limits on treatment, such as restrictions on the number of sessions, approved therapeutic models, and other factors. This can infringe upon the client’s autonomy, which is fundamental to the healing journey. Regardless of the complexity of our experiences, we are all free beings who should be empowered to choose the path that best suits our needs.
Making the Best Choice for Your Journey
While there are certainly valid reasons for accepting insurance as a Catholic practice, we’ve discerned that our practice is most effective without it. When seeking counseling, we encourage you to consider these principles in your decision-making process. For some, using insurance to access therapy may be the best choice. For others, the considerations we’ve outlined may guide you toward therapy that aligns more closely with your values — without involving insurance.
