You want privacy. Managed care companies often ask for detailed personal information about clients in order to make payment decisions. When clients pay for psychotherapy out of pocket, there is no loss of privacy to managed care companies, insurance companies or employers. You want to choose your own therapist.
Many insurance companies limit the choice of therapist.
At times however, the insurance company asks the preferred providers to divide their loyalty between the client and the insurance company. Many clients prefer to choose their psychotherapist personally and avoid seeing a therapist with a potential conflict of interest between the client and the insurance company Other clients may want to work with a therapist who was highly recommended but may not be on the company or preferred provider list. You want to choose the type and length of treatment. Managed care programs often limit the choice of therapy. Some companies provide only ultrabrief therapy and referrals.