Therapy can be life-changing—but figuring out how to pay for it shouldn’t be a full-time job. In this episode of Her Time to Talk, we break down Insurance 101 for mental health care: what terms like deductibles, copays, F codes, and out-of-network really mean, and how they impact your care, cost, and confidentiality.

We also explore the real pros and cons of using insurance for therapy versus paying out of pocket—and how to know which option is right for you. Whether you're overwhelmed by your benefits, unsure what to ask your provider, or looking for reimbursement help, this episode is your guide to making therapy more accessible without sacrificing peace of mind.

Because your mental health matters—and you’re worth the care it takes to heal.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• What insurance really covers for mental health
• The difference between PPO, HMO, EPO, and other plan types
• Understanding deductibles, copays, and coinsurance
• Why your therapist needs to assign a diagnosis—and what that means
• What F codes and Z codes are (and why insurance only covers one of them)
• The difference between in-network and out-of-network therapists
• What a superbill is, and how out-of-network reimbursement works
• Confidentiality, diagnosis, and your permanent medical record
• Why many therapists don’t take insurance
• How to decide what’s right for your care, values, and budget

Resources Mentioned:

• Her Time Therapy – Book a Free Consultation
• Mentaya – Out-of-Network Reimbursement Help

Connect with Us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @HerTimeToTalk
• Support the show on Patreon
• Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen
• Share this episode with someone who’s ready to start therapy but unsure where to begin

Support the show

Stay Connected + Support the Show

• Follow us @HerTimeToTalk and @HerTimeTherapy
  
  
• Visit our website to connect with a therapist, subscribe to our newsletter, or learn more about feminist mental health counseling
  
  
• Become a Patron or Buzzsprout subscriber to support the podcast

If this episode moved you, empowered you, or taught you something new—be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who needs to hear it.

This is your time. Your story matters. Your voice is powerful. And your mental health is worth prioritizing.