Private pay counseling has some significant advantages. Progress Counseling values the autonomy of clinicians (and clients), and privacy. Aside from the autonomy and privacy, private pay gives some of the following advantages: Sliding scale rates can be offered to clients paying private pay. This means that privately paying clients can actually pay less than those who pay with insurance. You or your child won’t be labeled with a mental health diagnosis unless you request this type of assessment. Insurance premiums and life insurance policies will not increase based of mental health diagnosis and treatments. You won’t have to worry that your health records will be included in the MIB and create problems for you or your child in the future. You will be able to stay with your therapist even if your insurance plan coverage changes. Mental health diagnosis is not mandatory and not submitted to your private health records. More services are allowed without restrictions such as online counseling and tele-counseling. No limit on amount of sessions or time of your session. You are guaranteed privacy and confidentiality. Stigma of some diagnoses can often be avoided. Private pay clients are able to choose the focus, duration, and frequency of therapy. You are even allowed to choose the length of sessions. You choose the therapist best suited to your needs rather than the insurance company telling you who to see. Expansion of mental health providers in your area that specialize in the services you need. Flexible scheduling and availability