A Guide to Using Insurance for Mental Health at Ashe Counseling & Coaching

If you’ve ever felt confused or stressed trying to figure out how to use your insurance for therapy, you’re not alone. Mental health coverage can feel like a maze—but it doesn’t have to. At Ashe Counseling & Coaching, we’re committed to helping you understand your options and feel empowered in your care.

Whether you're just starting therapy or have been with us for a while, this guide explains how mental health insurance works and how we support you every step of the way.

What Insurance Covers When It Comes to Therapy

Most health insurance plans now include coverage for mental and behavioral health services. However, the amount of coverage and the costs you’re responsible for can vary based on your specific plan.

Here are some common terms and how they show up in therapy coverage:

• In-network coverage
  If your therapist is in-network, that means they have a contract with your insurance company to provide services at pre-approved rates. In-network care generally means you’ll pay less out-of-pocket.

• Out-of-network coverage
  If your therapist isn’t in-network, you can still see them, but the cost will be higher unless your plan includes out-of-network benefits. Some plans reimburse a portion of your session costs—if you’re eligible, we can provide what’s called a superbill to submit for reimbursement.

• Copayments and coinsurance
  A copayment is a flat fee you pay per visit (e.g., $25). Coinsurance is a percentage of the cost you’re responsible for after meeting your deductible (e.g., you pay 20% of each session cost, and insurance pays the rest).

• Deductibles
  A deductible is the amount you must pay for covered services before your insurance begins to contribute. If your deductible hasn’t been met yet, you may have to pay the full contracted rate for sessions until it is.

• Session limits or authorizations
  Some insurance plans limit the number of therapy sessions they’ll cover in a year, or they may require preauthorization (approval in advance) before starting services.

How We Help You Navigate Insurance at Ashe

We never want insurance concerns to become a barrier to your healing. Here’s what we do to make the process as smooth and transparent as possible:

We check your benefits before your first session

After you book your intake session, our administrative team verifies your insurance coverage directly with your provider. We’ll let you know:

• Whether your therapist is in-network

• What your copay or coinsurance is

• How much of your deductible has been met

• If your plan requires preauthorization

• Any limitations on the number of sessions

You’ll receive a breakdown of what to expect before you even step into your first session.

We submit claims on your behalf

For clients using in-network insurance, we take care of the paperwork for you. That means we submit claims after each session so you don’t have to worry about faxing forms or chasing reimbursement.

If you're paying out of pocket but your plan allows you to submit for reimbursement, we’ll provide a superbill—a detailed receipt with all the information your insurance company needs to process your request.

We provide clear, upfront communication

We know that unclear billing creates unnecessary stress. That’s why we communicate your estimated costs upfront and keep you informed about any changes. If your deductible is met mid-year or your insurance plan resets, we’ll notify you.

We advocate with insurance companies if issues arise

Sometimes claims are denied or flagged for more information. If that happens, we’ll work with your insurance provider to clarify any concerns and resubmit when needed. We’ll also keep you updated along the way.

What We Ask of You

While we handle the heavy lifting, there are a few things you can do to stay informed and help avoid surprises:

• Call your insurance company
  Ask: “What are my mental health benefits for outpatient therapy?” You can also ask if there’s a deductible, if preauthorization is required, and whether you have out-of-network benefits.

• Keep us informed
  If you change insurance plans or have updates to your policy (such as switching from employer coverage to the Marketplace), let us know right away. Gaps in coverage can lead to unpaid claims or unexpected balances.

• Be aware of your deductible and coverage limits
  Some plans reset on January 1, while others follow your employer’s fiscal year. Knowing when your deductible resets can help you plan ahead.

• Ask questions
  If you don’t understand a charge or something doesn’t look right, please reach out. Our team is here to walk you through it with care and patience.

Helpful Insurance Terms to Know

TermWhat It MeansCopayA flat fee you pay at each therapy session (e.g., $20 or $40).CoinsuranceA percentage you pay after your deductible is met (e.g., 20% of each session).DeductibleThe amount you must pay before your insurance starts covering costs.Out-of-pocket maxThe most you’ll pay in a year before insurance covers everything 100%.In-networkProviders contracted with your insurance, usually lower cost to you.Out-of-networkProviders not contracted with your insurance, may cost more unless reimbursed.SuperbillA document with service and payment details you can send to insurance for reimbursement.PreauthorizationApproval from your insurance company before starting therapy, if required.

Empowering You to Prioritize Your Wellness

At Ashe Counseling & Coaching, we believe you should never have to choose between your mental health and your financial well-being. We’re here to make this process easier, more transparent, and less intimidating.

Our team is committed to treating you with care, respect, and clarity—from the moment you reach out through every step of your healing journey. We’ll continue to educate, advocate, and support you in navigating insurance so you can stay focused on what really matters—your growth, healing, and peace of mind.

If you ever have questions about your coverage, your balance, or what’s possible, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here for you.