A question I often get a lot as a marriage counselor in Atlanta is “Why do you not take insurance?”. I know that a lot of people are confused when therapists and counselors don’t take insurance. But let me reassure you, there is a good reason. Insurance is thought to cover what you need and be a safety net. But when it comes to marriage counseling, this is not always the case. There are a few good reasons marriage counselors such as myself choose to pass on insurance. And, trust me, it’s for your benefit.
The Challenges of Using Insurance for Marriage Counseling 
First and foremost, insurance companies have strict criteria for what they consider to be “medically necessary” treatment. This means that in order for your marriage counseling sessions to be covered, you or your partner would need to have a diagnosed mental health disorder. This can be a barrier for many couples who are seeking therapy. You may not meet the criteria or may not feel comfortable sharing personal information with your insurance company. If you’re wanting therapy for your relationship, I don’t think you are coming in for an anxiety diagnosis or a depression diagnosis. Instead, you are looking to improve your relationship and communication skills.
This means that as your marriage counselor, I would have to give one of you a diagnosis. Then your insurance would then make a decision about a few things. Your insurance would decide how many sessions you can have, how long they can be, and how you can be treated. So, imagine this, you chose to work with me because I use Gottman Method Couples Therapy. However, you have a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder. Your insurance would then dictate how I could help you both through your relationship issues. Instead of us being able to focus on the specific techniques and tools that are most beneficial for your unique situation. This limitation can get in the way of progress in therapy and create frustrations for both the therapist and the couple.
Not to Mention, Some Insurances Don’t Cover Marriage Counseling
Besides the limitations insurance can place, some insurances don’t even cover marriage counseling. Why? Well, there are probably many reasons as of why but the main one they tell subscribers and therapists is that it’s not medically necessary. Or, it’s seen as more preventative care rather than treatment for a mental health disorder. Marriage counseling has shown to be a powerful tool for improving relationships and mental well-being for both partners. But without coverage, many couples are left discouraged, facing the financial strain of therapy on their own. For example, marital intensives are normally 1.5-2 hours. Even if insurance did cover therapy, it would not cover a session this long. So, if you were wanting to attend marital intensives so that you could make progress faster, you would have to pay out of pocket for each session.
But don’t let this discourage you from seeking help for your relationship. Think of therapy as an investment in the most important relationship you have. It’s worth the time, effort, and money to improve your relationship and overall well-being. Plus, you can always interview multiple therapists to compare costs, approaches, and insurance coverage options. But remember, if insurance does cover marriage counseling you might walk away with a new diagnosis. Plus, limitations on your treatment plan. So it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision about what will work best for you and your partner in therapy.
Worried About Confidentiality? 
Many marriage counselors choose not to take insurance because of confidentiality concerns. When insurance is involved, therapists have to share details about your treatment to get reimbursed. This could mean disclosing personal information about your relationship. When I say personal information I mean details like your partner’s infidelity, how you get frustrated because they are always calling their mom for something, or how you can’t stand it when they leave their socks all over the house. These are intimate details that many couples may not feel comfortable sharing with their insurance company. Because, let’s be honest, do they really need to know these things in order to reimburse for therapy? Probably not, but they sure seem to think so.
So many therapists choose to keep their sessions confidential and not involve insurance at all. This means that you have complete control over what is shared with your therapist, and can feel more comfortable opening up about the deepest issues in your relationship. Plus, your therapist isn’t going to share details about you or what you talk about without your consent. That’s part of the ethical guidelines and principles that all therapists are bound by. So you can feel secure in knowing that what you share in therapy stays between you, your partner, and your therapist.
Private Pay Allows For Quality, Tailored Care
With those limitations insurance can place, they ultimately get to decide what you would focus on in therapy and for how long. So, let’s say you were wanting to talk about your trust issues. Insurance companies don’t see this as a pressing issue and may only approve a few sessions to address it. They would want to focus on the anxiety it may cause or the depression it can lead to over a longer period of time. However, you, your partner, and your marriage counselor both know trust issues can make a relationship break down quickly. Private pay not only allows for complete confidentiality, but also the ability to truly focus on the issues that are most important to you and your partner.
When you pay out of pocket for marriage counseling, you and your partner get to decide what is important for you to focus on. Of course, this will be decided with support from your marriage counselor. So, if you’re wanting to talk about your family dynamics, how if they leave their socks out one more time you’ll snap, or how you both struggle with communication, you can. Private pay allows for the flexibility and customization that insurance simply doesn’t offer. This means you’ll be getting quality care tailored specifically to your needs and goals as a couple.
Did We Mention You Get More Choices?
You read that right! When you pay out of pocket you also get more choices when it comes to therapy, therapists, and the approaches they use. With insurance, you are limited to the therapists in their network and may not have access to those who specialize in couples therapy or specific modalities that work best for your relationship. If you’re wanting a Gottman-trained therapist or someone who specializes in Emotionally Focused Therapy, private pay allows you to have those options. Furthermore, if you are wanting to meet more than once a week, you can do that. Insurance covered therapy often limits the frequency of sessions, but with private pay you have more control over your treatment plan and can schedule sessions that work best for your busy schedules.
Private Pay Can Be Worth Every Penny 
At the end of the day, investing in your marriage is priceless. While it may seem daunting to pay out of pocket for marriage counseling, the benefits far outweigh the cost. With complete confidentiality, personalized attention, and more flexibility in choosing a marriage counselor in Atlanta, private pay can be a valuable investment in your relationship. Don’t let insurance limitations hold you back from strengthening your bond and creating a healthier, happier marriage. Consider private pay as an option for marriage counseling with a trusted marriage counselor in Atlanta.
Invest in Your Marriage Today with Marriage Counseling in Atlanta, GA
Don’t wait until your relationship is on the rocks to seek marriage counseling in Atlanta. Investing in your marriage now can prevent bigger problems from arising in the future. With private pay, you have more control over the treatment process. Meaning, you can work towards a stronger, more fulfilling relationship with your partner. Don’t let insurance limitations stop you from taking this step towards a happier, healthier marriage. At Faith and Family Empowerment, our founder, William Hemphill, is dedicated to proving private pay marriage counseling services in Atlanta, GA is worth every penny.
Through in-person and online therapy options for marriage counseling, William can help you and your partner overcome communication barriers, heal from past traumas, and build a stronger foundation for your relationship. Our practice in Decatur, GA, is a place where you can feel comfortable opening up and working towards a happier, healthier marriage. When you’re ready to take the next step, here’s how to get started:
- Contact me to schedule your initial appointment.
- Learn more about my services and approach.
- Watch your relationship transform into one filled with love, communication, and trust!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Faith and Family Empowerment
Marriage counseling might be only one of the services you need. At Faith and Family Empowerment in Decatur, GA, we offer a variety of therapy services to support you through any situation you may be facing. I’m pleased to provide a variety of in-person and online mental health services. These include premarital counseling and discernment counseling. Other mental health services include: Online Therapy, Christian Counseling, Depression Support Groups, and Counseling for Affair Recovery. Learn more by visiting my about, blog, or FAQ pages today!
About the Author 
William Hemphill is a seasoned therapist in Decatur, GA, with over twenty years of experience helping couples navigate their relationships. If you’ve ever wondered why marriage or relationship counseling isn’t covered by insurance, you’re not alone. Many couples—married or not—face this frustration when trying to strengthen their connection or address challenges in their relationship. As the founder of Faith and Family Empowerment, William understands these concerns and works to provide compassionate, accessible support for couples. With practical strategies to improve communication, trust, and understanding, he’s here to help you build the connection you deserve. Reach out today to take the first step toward a stronger, more fulfilling relationship!