Selfpaying for therapy may be necessary in order to receive the type and length of treatment needed. You don't want a managed care employee making judgments about you. When managed care is responsible for payment, they have the power to influence your treatment. A company employee evaluates your motivation, the severity of your problem, and your progress and makes treatment recommendations. The therapist must take the company's recommendations into consideration or risk losing the contract to work with the company all together.
Many clients prefer paying for their own treatment to eliminate influence from an outsider.
When you pay directly, you may seek consultation from a mental health professional for any reason you choose. People use therapy for personal growth, for help coping with stressful life situations, and for marriage and family difficulties, as well as for chronic and serious psychological problems.