"Do you take insurance?" is one of the most common questions we get. At OC Counseling, the answer is no: we're a private-pay practice. That doesn't mean your insurance won't help, though. Here's a plain-English guide to how private-pay therapy works in Orange County, what a superbill is, and how to find out what your plan will reimburse.
What "private pay" means
Private pay (sometimes called self-pay or out-of-network) means you pay your therapist directly at each session, rather than the therapist billing your insurance company. Many experienced therapists in Orange County work this way, and so do we.
Why some practices don't take insurance
Your care is decided by you and your therapist. Insurance companies often limit the number of sessions, require a diagnosis to approve care, and review treatment plans. Private pay keeps those decisions between you and your therapist.
No diagnosis is required just to get paid. Insurers need a mental health diagnosis on file to cover therapy. For a teen working on confidence, an athlete working on performance anxiety, or a couple working on communication, that may not fit, and some families prefer not to have one in their records.
More privacy. When your insurer isn't billed, your sessions don't show up in its claims records.
More flexibility. Session timing, format (in person in Tustin or Mission Viejo, or virtual), and approach can be built around what actually helps.
What a superbill is
A superbill is a detailed receipt that lists everything your insurance company needs to process an out-of-network claim: the provider's credentials and license number, the dates of service, the type of session, and the amount paid. We can provide one on request. You submit it to your insurance company, and if your plan has out-of-network mental health benefits, they reimburse you directly for part of the cost.
How to find out what your insurance will cover
Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask these questions:
Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health (psychotherapy)?
What is my out-of-network deductible, and how much of it have I met this year?
Once my deductible is met, what percentage of the cost is reimbursed?
Is there a limit on the number of sessions per year?
Do I need pre-authorization?
How do I submit a superbill, and how long does reimbursement take?
Write down the answers and the name of the person you spoke with. PPO plans are more likely to include out-of-network benefits than HMO plans, but every plan is different, so it's worth the call.
Other ways to pay
Many families use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for therapy. Check with your plan administrator about what documentation they need.
Is private-pay therapy worth it?
That's a personal decision. What we hear from families is that what they value most is getting matched with the right therapist quickly, working on what actually matters to them, and seeing real progress. Our approach is solution-focused and collaborative: practical tools, clear goals, and accountability, not just talk.
Getting started
Fill out our contact form or call (949) 292-7833. Within 24 hours we'll set up a free 20-minute consultation to talk through what you're looking for, answer questions about fees, and match you with the right therapist on our team.
Frequently asked questions
Does OC Counseling take insurance?
No. We are not in-network with any insurance panel. You pay at each session, and we can provide a superbill for you to submit for out-of-network reimbursement.
Will my insurance reimburse me for therapy?
It depends on your plan. Many PPO plans include out-of-network mental health benefits. Call your insurer and ask the questions above.
Can I use my HSA or FSA?
In many cases, yes. Check with your plan administrator.
How much do sessions cost?
Fees vary by therapist. We'll go over them during your free consultation call.