Therapists are not allowed to share information about a client s treatment with anyone unless they have prior written consent. The insurance company requires information about a client s most dysfunctional behavior in order to justify treatment. The therapist may be required to provide not only a diagnosis, but also a treatment plan and progress notes. The information goes into a database, and the insurance company does not inform the client about who has access to this information, how it is protected, and how the information may limit the client s future insurability. Choice of Therapist Clients choose and contract with their own therapist.
Most insurance companies limit the choice of therapist.
Clients are required to go to a therapist that is part of their network of providers, and the insurance company has a contract with that therapist. With HMO s, no other providers are covered. The client and therapist together determine the length and type of treatment. Clients discuss the appropriate treatment with their therapist and are active participants in the decision-making process. Clients are free to go to therapy as long as they and the therapist deem it necessary without outside interference.