No Confidentiality/Privacy- When billing insurance, counselors must not only submit a mental health diagnosis (DSM-5) that will be attached to your medical records for life, but may also have to provide ongoing treatment notes and treatment plans in order to get claims paid.

For children and adolescents- a mental health diagnosis may follow them into adulthood and limit future opportunities for some military or government jobs. Most children who come to therapy are dealing with adjustments to life's difficulties and not necessarily a mental health illness. 

Cookie-cutter treatment- Did you know that insurance companies require certain diagnoses in order to authorize treatment?Insurance companies only pay according to the "client's diagnoses" and their "authorized treatment". This means, treatment is dictated by someone who doesn't know you, someone who has never even met you. They decide what treatment you are allowed to have.  

Lots of paperwork- Insurance companies require lengthy intake assessments that have to be updated yearly or any time major changes occur. They require lengthy and again, cookie-cutter treatment plans and notes for every visit. They may also require pre-authorizations in order to receive certain treatment.

Have you ever wonder how insurance companies determine your rates? When submitting ANY claim to your insurance company, they require access to your records in exchange. They review your records an make increases based on usage and diagnoses. 

Under Pay- Insurance companies under pay most providers including counselors. Many counselors have to undertake many clients to make a living wage. Also, submitting claims to insurance companies has been made very confusing and time consuming. Often times, counselors are forced to hire billing professionals who can help them jump through hoops to collect on their claims that are already paid at a much lower rate.