Fees & Insurance

Yes, we are in-network with a number of major insurance providers, including:

• Premera

• Lifewise

• Regence

• Blue Card Plan

• United Healthcare

• First Choice Health

If you are a City of Seattle employee, please refer to the "Do you submit out-of-network claims?" section below to learn how to maximize your insurance benefits at Seattle Counseling and Wellness.

*Please contact your insurance company before your first appointment to verify your specific benefits and confirm which clinicians within our practice are paneled with your plan, as this varies by provider.

In most cases, our team does not submit claims directly to your out-of-network insurance benefits. Instead, we will provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company to request reimbursement for your sessions.

Therapy for City of Seattle Employees

Make the Most of Your Mental Health Benefits

If you are a City of Seattle employee looking for a therapist, Seattle Counseling and Wellness can help you understand and maximize your mental health benefits.

Many City of Seattle employees choose one of the City's Aetna health plans, which may include valuable out-of-network behavioral health benefits. This means you may have the flexibility to work with a therapist who is the best clinical fit for you rather than limiting your search to in-network providers.

To make the process as simple as possible, our office verifies your out-of-network benefits before your first appointment and submits out-of-network insurance claims on your behalf. Rather than navigating paperwork on your own, our team works to simplify the reimbursement process so you can focus on your care.

Whether you're seeking therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, burnout, parenting, grief, or life transitions, our team is here to help.

Understanding Your City of Seattle Mental Health Benefits

Many City of Seattle employees are surprised to learn that their health plan may include out-of-network coverage for psychotherapy.

Choosing an out-of-network therapist can provide access to:

• A wider selection of specialists

• Shorter wait times

• Greater choice in finding the right therapeutic fit

• Specialized treatment approaches, including EMDR, trauma therapy, and couples counseling

Benefits vary depending on your specific health plan, deductible, and eligibility.

Our Care Coordination Team can:

• Verify your out-of-network mental health benefits before your first appointment

• Estimate your expected out-of-pocket costs whenever possible

• Answer questions about your insurance coverage

• Submit your out-of-network claims directly to your insurance company on your behalf

• Help you understand the reimbursement process

Our goal is to make using your out-of-network benefits as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you verify my benefits?

Yes. Before your first appointment, our administrative team can verify your behavioral health benefits, explain your coverage, estimate your expected costs, and answer questions about the reimbursement process.

Will I have to submit my own insurance claims?

No. For clients using out-of-network benefits, Seattle Counseling and Wellness submits out-of-network claims directly to your insurance company on your behalf. This means you don't have to complete or mail claim forms yourself, making it easier to use your insurance benefits while receiving care from the therapist who best fits your needs.

We Make Using Your Out-of-Network Benefits Easy

✓ Benefit verification before your first appointment
✓ Out-of-network claims submitted on your behalf
✓ Help understanding your coverage and expected costs
✓ Personalized therapist matching

Insurance plans and provider panels change, so we recommend:

1. Calling your insurance company’s member services

2. Asking whether Seattle Counseling and Wellness therapists are in-network under your plan

3. Checking whether you have mental health coverage for outpatient therapy visits

Our team is also happy to assist in verifying benefits before your first session.

Most insurance plans do not cover couples counseling, as many policies require a diagnosed mental health condition for reimbursement. However, some Premera Blue Cross plans may offer coverage for couples therapy depending on the specific policy and clinical criteria.

If you are hoping to use insurance for couples counseling, we encourage you to reach out to our team. We’re happy to help you understand your benefits and determine whether your plan may provide coverage.

Yes! Many clients choose private pay for greater confidentiality and flexibility. If you plan to seek out-of-network reimbursement, we can provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for possible partial reimbursement.

If cost is a barrier, we encourage you to contact our team to discuss options. We strive to make therapy accessible and may be able to work with you on fee adjustments depending on individual circumstances.

For clients without insurance or those not using out-of-network benefits, a Good Faith Estimate of fees is available upon request, outlining expected costs for recommended services.