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.
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.