Why Many Therapists Are Leaving Insurance Networks

NPR recently published an insightful article about why so many therapists are choosing to leave insurance networks — and it resonated deeply with what we see in our field.

The piece highlights a reality that often surprises people: while mental health coverage has expanded in name, the system often makes good therapy harder to deliver. 👉 Read it here.

How Insurance Shapes Therapy

Insurance companies frequently decide how long sessions should be, how many are “allowed,” and even what kinds of therapy count as medically necessary. They also require ongoing paperwork and justification for care — often reducing a complex emotional process into checkboxes and codes.

The Cost to Therapists and the Therapeutic Process

For therapists who value depth, privacy, and individualized work, this model can feel restrictive. It rewards efficiency over reflection, and short-term symptom relief over lasting change. The reimbursement rates are also often far below what it takes to sustain a practice that includes clinical supervision, collaboration, continuing education, and thoughtful availability for clients.

Why We Choose to be Out-of-Network (OON)

At Rachel Liles Psychotherapy, we’ve chosen to stay out-of-network so we can focus on care that’s private, flexible, and tailored to you — not defined by an insurance company’s checklist. We provide a clear, consistent session fee and offer statements that many clients use to seek reimbursement through their plans.

Final Thought

Therapy works best when it can unfold at its own pace, guided by the needs of the person in the room — not by time limits or approval codes.