1. How does insurance billing work at Conscious Freedom?

• We are in-network with various insurance providers

• Insurance companies determine coverage and reimbursement, not Conscious Freedom.

• Your plan may require co-pays, deductibles, or co-insurance payments, which are the client’s responsibility.

2. Why am I receiving a bill if I have insurance?

• Your deductible may not be met yet, meaning you are responsible for the session fee.

• Your insurance plan may only cover a portion of the service, leaving a remaining balance.

• Your insurance may not cover the type of service received or the diagnosis that your therapist provided.

• Your insurance provider may have recouped a payment, meaning they took back money previously paid. This can result in a balance owed.

3. Why does my insurance say my co-pay or deductible is one amount, but my bill shows something different?

• Important: Insurance companies include disclaimers on their websites stating that even though they display your estimated co-pay, deductible, or co-insurance, they are not confirming this is the final or accurate amount.

• The only time we know the exact amount you owe is after we submit a claim and receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurer.

• Insurance companies vary on how quickly they process claims, meaning it may take weeks before the exact amount is determined.

4. What does it mean when insurance “recoups” payments?

• Insurance companies sometimes take back payments they previously made. This can happen due to claim reviews, policy updates, or changes in provider network agreements.

• If a recoupment occurs, the client becomes responsible for the balance.

• We have no control over recoupments; this is strictly an internal insurance policy decision.

5. How can I avoid unexpected charges?

• Check your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance company to understand what’s covered.

• Contact your insurance provider to confirm what they will reimburse before starting services.

• If a recoupment occurs, your insurance will also notify you. We recommend regularly checking your insurance portal.

6. What if I disagree with a bill I received?

• If you believe there is a billing error, please directly contact our billing department at cfbilling@consciousfreedomtherapy.com or 817.797.1282 within 30 days of receiving your bill.

• If it is related to an insurance adjustment, you will need to contact your insurance provider directly.

• We do not control insurance decisions and cannot override their policies.

7. Can I dispute a recoupment with insurance?

• Yes! If you believe your insurance incorrectly recouped a payment, you have the right to dispute it with them directly.

• Call your insurance provider and request a claims appeal or review.

8. What are my payment options if insurance doesn’t cover my session?

• At Conscious Freedom, we provide ample ways for you to make payments. Therefore, payment plans may be available for clients experiencing financial hardship — please contact us to discuss options.

• We also offer private pay rates for those who do not want to deal with insurance complexities.

9. What happens if my insurance denies a claim?

• If a claim is denied, you are responsible for the full session fee.

• We can assist with resubmitting claims, but we recommend contacting your insurance to clarify why the denial occurred.

10. The Reality of Insurance: A Frustration for Everyone

• Insurance is beyond frustrating — not just for clients but for every company that accepts it.

• We deal with constant claim rejections, slow processing, and unexpected policy changes that impact both providers and clients.

• However, we believe that mental health care should be accessible to everyone, which is why we continue accepting insurance despite the challenges.

11. Why Conscious Freedom Continues to Accept Insurance

• We recognize that paying out-of-pocket is not feasible for many clients.

• There are pros and cons to cash-pay counseling practices; while they offer more predictability and flexibility, they can also make therapy inaccessible for those who cannot afford it.

• We choose to remain in-network with insurance to help as many people as possible get the mental health support they need.

12. A Reminder: Insurance Policies Are Made by Lawmakers; Your Voice Matters

• Instead of focusing on mental health providers for insurance issues, we encourage you to advocate for policy changes that align with your needs.

• Vote for policies that protect access to mental health care prioritizing affordability and transparency.

• Your voice is powerful; use it to elevate and advocate.

How to Reduce Billing Confusion

— Check your insurance portal regularly—Policies change, and your benefits may adjust without notice.

— Ask your insurance for a detailed breakdown of mental health coverage before starting services.

— Stay informed and advocate to ensure insurance companies treat mental health coverage fairly.

Private pay offers mental health clients several advantages, including enhanced confidentiality as sessions are not documented through insurance claims, providing a sense of privacy. It also grants clients the freedom to choose their therapist based on personal preferences, therapeutic approach, or specialization, without being limited to providers within their insurance network. With private pay, clients often experience greater flexibility in scheduling appointments and session lengths, tailoring their therapy experience to their unique needs. Moreover, private pay therapists are perceived by some clients as offering higher quality services, focusing on client-centered care and personalized treatment plans rather than insurance-driven protocols. Additionally, private pay eliminates the requirement for a mental health diagnosis, allowing individuals to seek support for personal growth or life challenges without clinical labeling.