The Insurance Debacle
Do you accept insurance?
This is a question asked multiple times a week. The short answer: No. And I never will.
The long answer: Every decision made at First Brick Counseling is made with intention and the insurance decision is no different. First Brick Counseling is a therapy practice tailored for various marginalized folks. Even the name comes as tribute to the Stonewall Riots, Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Stormé DeLarverie to name a few. Our goal is to create a safe and affirming environment for every client who comes through our doors.
Our current times bring a lot of uncertainty and possible danger for LGBTQ+ folks, Autistics, and ADHDers alike. Not accepting insurance means you do not have to be labeled with a diagnosis*. You can pursue your mental wellness without the burden of a label or fear of being targeted over a label. As we saw with the current administration’s recent discussion of an Autism registry, those concerns are very real and valid. We also recognize the diagnostic criteria for many diagnoses, especially Autism and ADHD, are rooted in white cisgender heterosexual centric perspectives and may not always apply to those who do not fit into those labels. Most diagnoses do not account for marginalized identities and the stressors that come from them, so why should you have to be labeled with them?
Insurance is rooted in capitalist ideals of making a profit. They have the ability to determine if therapy is appropriate or not and can set limitations, even though frequently they are not the ones with mental health training or education. It is similar to how insurance companies have denied paying for a medication that the doctor has deemed necessary for their clients. They sometimes set arbitrary rules and limits for mental health services despite an individual’s needs. First Brick Counseling prioritizes quality care and will go to great lengths to ensure you receive the best care. We make decisions and judgments based on you and your well-being, not arbitrary rules used to make a profit.
Insurance creates a lot of red tape. By not accepting insurance, Jay can focus his time and energy on your care instead of the back-end paperwork. Essentially, we have removed the middle person who frequently gets in the way of quality care.
No more red tape.
You are in control of your treatment and care.
But I can’t afford the cost of sessions without insurance. How are your services accessible?
Good news! Jay is a member of Open Path Collective (OPC). OPC is a nonprofit designed to make therapy services accessible to those with little to no income or no insurance. To become a member of OPC, go to their website** to fill out an application and pay a one-time fee of $65. After being accepted, you will have a lifetime membership. Members pay discounted rates of $40 to $70 per session. Details are discussed directly with Jay before starting therapy services. We have set a few designated therapy slots aside for OPC members in an effort to make therapy more accessible.
*It is completely valid to seek a diagnosis, especially for Autism or ADHD, as that brings about accessibility for accommodations in different settings. We fully support any individual who would like to explore a diagnosis. However, Autism testing is lengthy and expensive, even with insurance. First Brick Counseling does not offer Autism testing.