The number one question I am asked by both patients, as well as trainees and students, is: "do you accept insurance?" The simple answer is: No. But it lends itself to further explanation, as I fully acknowledge the limitations that this places on my practice (though shockingly not as much as you may think, as most of my patients are still reimbursed by their insurance companies).

"Know that just because I do not accept insurance upfront does not mean that you yourself will not receive money from your insurance company."

Before I give you my reasons for not accepting insurance in my psychiatric practice, I want to reframe the question to: what is mental wellness really worth to you?

You've likely spent the same amount of money (if not more) on any one of the following:

• Professional photography
• Binge spending spree at Target (just me?)
• Brazilian Blow Out
• Holiday groceries bill
• new iPhone (definitely more than my standard fee)
• Protein powder, vitamins, and/or supplements
• H
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