Mental Health Access When You Age Out of Coverage

Turning 26 and losing parents’ insurance? Learn why many therapists are OON, how ACA plans limit coverage, and how sliding scale care can help.

Turning 26 is a milestone, but for many young adults, it comes with an unexpected challenge: losing coverage under a parent’s health insurance. A recent article in The New York Times highlighted how Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans often exclude out-of-network (OON) benefits. That creates a real barrier, especially since many private practice therapists—including us—are OON.

Why Many Therapists Are Out-of-Network

It’s not because therapists don’t want to help, it’s because insurance reimbursement rates are often too low to cover the cost of running a sustainable practice. Accepting those rates can mean shorter sessions, higher caseloads, or less individualized care. By staying OON, therapists are able to devote the time, energy, and attention needed for meaningful, high-quality therapy.

Why This Matters for Young Adults

For young people juggling school, career beginnings, identity development, and relationships, therapy can be a lifeline.

But when ACA plans don’t include OON coverage, finding a therapist who feels like the right fit can seem financially out of reach.

How We Help

At our practice, we know cost shouldn’t be the only factor shaping your mental health choices. That’s why we:

• Courtesy bill your insurance to make reimbursement easier.

• Offer a sliding scale to help make therapy more affordable.

• Focus on building strong, supportive relationships—because the right therapeutic fit matters more than network status.

Finding a Path Forward

Insurance can be confusing, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you’re transitioning off your parents’ plan or exploring ACA coverage for the first time, we’ll help you understand your options and find a way to prioritize your mental health.