When searching for a psychiatrist, one of the first questions people often ask is: “Do you take my insurance?” While it’s understandable to want mental health care that’s covered by your plan, there are compelling reasons to consider working with an out-of-network psychiatrist—even if it means paying out of pocket or using out-of-network benefits.

As a board-certified psychiatrist with years of experience in both in-network and private pay settings, I’ve seen firsthand how out-of-network care can lead to more personalized more effective treatment and better long-term outcomes.

Here are some of the top benefits of choosing an out-of-network psychiatrist:

1. More Time and Attention

In-network psychiatrists are often required to see a high volume of patients in shorter, 15- to 20- minute “med checks.” This insurance-driven model doesn’t leave much room for conversation, let alone understanding the full context of your mental health or a truly holistic personalized treatment plan.

Out-of-network psychiatrists typically offer longer, more comprehensive appointments—often 45-60 minutes or more. This allows for a deeper therapeutic relationship, more accurate diagnoses, and tailored treatment plans that go beyond just medication.

2. Greater Flexibility and Privacy

When you see a psychiatrist through your insurance, your mental health records are often shared with the insurance company. This can impact your privacy and, in some cases, your eligibility for life or disability insurance.

Working with an out-of-network psychiatrist means your treatment stays private—between you and your doctor. There’s no requirement to report diagnoses to third parties, and you maintain full control over your health information.

3. Customized, Patient-Centered Care

I am not constrained by insurance reimbursement policies or diagnostic requirements. That means we can:

Treat people holistically, not just according to billing codes
Combine psychotherapy and medication management in one session
Adjust frequency and approach based on your needs, not insurance rules

This patient-first model leads to care that is more aligned with your goals and values.

4. Faster Access to Appointments

Many in-network providers have long waitlists—sometimes several months out. Because out-ofnetwork psychiatrists are not as tied to large networks, you’re more likely to find timely appointments when you need them most.

In urgent or complex cases, this quicker access can be life-changing.

5. Investment in Long-Term Wellness

Yes, private pay care is an investment—but it’s often worth it. Patients who choose out-of-network care tend to:

Stay in treatment longer
Have higher satisfaction with their care
Experience greater improvements in quality of life and work

Mental health is foundational. Working with a psychiatrist who has the time and freedom to truly understand you can lead to lasting transformation, not just symptom management.

Can I Still Use My Insurance?

Absolutely! I provide a superbill—a detailed invoice you can submit to your insurance company for partial reimbursement. Depending on your out-of-network benefits, you may recover 50–100% of the session cost.

Call your insurance provider and ask:

“What are my out-of-network mental health benefits?”
“What is my deductible and reimbursement rate for psychiatric care?”

You may be surprised by how affordable out-of-network care can become.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an out-of-network psychiatrist isn’t just about insurance—it’s about choosing care that works for you. It’s about longer sessions, deeper relationships, flexible treatment, and maintaining control over your mental health journey.

If you’ve been frustrated by short appointments, misdiagnoses, or feeling unheard, it might be time to step outside the insurance box. Your mental health deserves that level of care.

Looking for an Out-of-Network Psychiatrist?

If you're considering private pay mental health care or looking for a psychiatrist not covered by insurance, I offer free 15-minute consultations to see if we’re a good fit. You don’t have to navigate this alone—reach out today and take the first step toward meaningful change.