Insurance and mental health care don't always speak the same language. Most clients we see are uncertain about what their plan actually covers, and a fair number have been burned by surprise bills. Here's a clear, practical walkthrough of how to use insurance for therapy in South Florida.
Step 1: Find Out What You Have
Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card. Ask these questions specifically:
- Does my plan cover outpatient mental health services? CPT code 90834 (45-minute psychotherapy) and 90791 (initial diagnostic evaluation).
- Do I have an in-network or out-of-network benefit, or both?
- What's my deductible, and how much have I met?
- What's my copay or coinsurance after the deductible?
- Is there a session limit per year?
- Is preauthorization required?
- Is telehealth covered at parity?
Write the answers down with the date and the rep's name. Plans contradict themselves, and a written record helps if a claim is denied.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network
In-network means the therapist has a contract with your insurance, usually at a discounted rate. You typically pay a copay or coinsurance after meeting your deductible.
Out-of-network means the therapist doesn't have a contract. You pay the full session fee upfront, then submit a 'superbill' to your insurance for partial reimbursement (usually 50–80% after the OON deductible). Many therapists, especially specialists, are out-of-network.
| Factor | In-network | Out-of-network |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Copay only ($20–$50 typical) | Full fee ($100–$175) |
| Reimbursement | Plan pays therapist directly | Plan reimburses you 50–80% via superbill |
| Deductible | In-network deductible (often lower) | OON deductible (often higher) |
| Provider network | Limited to contracted providers | Any licensed Florida therapist |
| Paperwork | Minimal — therapist files claims | You submit superbills monthly |
| Best for | Lower upfront cost, generalist needs | Specialists (EMDR, LGBTQ+, niche) |
Plans We Accept
RSL Counseling is in-network with several major carriers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana, Medicare, and Tricare. We also work with out-of-network clients and can provide superbills.
What If You Don't Have Insurance?
We offer sliding-scale fees based on income for self-pay clients. The goal is for cost not to be the reason you can't access care.
HSA and FSA
Therapy is a qualified medical expense for both Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). If you have either, you can use those funds for sessions.
The Privacy Tradeoff
Using insurance requires a mental health diagnosis on your record. For most clients, this is fine and not a meaningful issue. For some — security clearances, certain professional licenses, custody situations — self-pay can be the right choice. We're happy to talk through the tradeoffs without pressure either way.
The Practical Step
If you'd like, we can verify your benefits before your first appointment so there are no surprises. A short call ahead of time often saves a lot of confusion later.