Some insurance plans will cover only licensed therapists with specific degrees or who are on their insurance panels; other plans include a broader range of therapists. It is advisable to check with your insurance company and your prospective therapist to see if your insurance will cover services. This information should also be included in your employee or member handbook. Insurance plans are generally one of the following types:

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): Allows you to see a therapist on the HMO panel (list) only. You will need to obtain a phone authorization from the HMO before making an appointment with a therapist. Does not cover therapists who are not on the panel.

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): Covers a higher percentage of therapy cost if you see a therapist on their panel; allows you to choose a non-PPO therapist but you pay an additional percentage of the fee.

Open Plan: Select any therapist within insurance requirements in handbook (may specify type of license or other credential they accept). Coverage varies, with client paying 10-50% of the cost.

Many people are willing to make an investment in paying for therapy without using insurance. This enables you to choose the therapist and approach you want and to continue therapy for as long as you wish, and ensures absolute privacy. Most insurance companies limit the number of sessions you can have and may refuse to pay for certain types of therapy or certain problems. All use of insurance requires that the therapist provide a written diagnosis for the condition for which you are being treated, and this diagnosis becomes a permanent part of your health record. Many insurance plans also require an ongoing summary of treatment, which becomes part of your health history as well.

Many of the therapists listed in this Directory offer a sliding fee scale to clients who have no insurance or whose insurance does not cover the therapist's specific degree or licensure. Many also offer a discount to clients who choose not to use insurance and pay out of pocket instead. In addition, the Crime Victims' Compensation Program of the State of Oregon will pay for a limited amount of counseling to help in the recovery from the effect of a crime, if a claim is approved. Automobile insurance companies may also cover problems incurred due to a covered accident, etc.