At Herrera Psychology, we’re often asked why we don’t accept insurance. It’s a fair question — and an important one. As parents, you want the best care for your child, and you also want to understand how and why certain choices are made, especially when it comes to something as personal and important as mental health support.
We’ve chosen to operate as a fee-for-service psychology practice, which means families pay directly for services rather than going through an insurance company. While this model may feel unfamiliar at first, it’s one we believe offers profound benefits — especially for families who value high-quality, child-centered, and flexible care.
So, what does fee-for-service really mean for your family?
1. Your Child’s Privacy Comes First
When insurance is involved, your child’s mental health records are often accessible to third-party reviewers. To get reimbursed, clinicians are required to provide a diagnosis, sometimes even in the very first session. That diagnosis then becomes a part of your child’s permanent medical record.
At HP, we believe support shouldn’t require a label. Working outside the insurance system means you control who sees your child’s information, and we focus on providing care — not coding symptoms.
2. Therapy That Fits Your Child, Not a Formula
Insurance companies often limit how many sessions are covered, how long they can be, and what they can be used for. That might work for a sprained ankle — but it doesn’t work for growing minds and tender hearts.
Our clinicians are free to create customized care plans based on your child’s unique strengths, needs, and goals. Whether your child is navigating anxiety, struggling with self-esteem, or simply adjusting to a new school year, we meet them where they are — not where a billing code says they should be.
3. More Access. Less Waiting. Real Connection.
We prioritize timely care. That means shorter waitlists, faster response times, and direct communication with your child’s therapist when you need support. You won’t be caught in a game of phone tag with insurance reps or waiting weeks for approvals.
Our team is here for you, and we’re ready when you are.
4. A Whole-Child Approach, Not Just a Diagnosis
One of the joys of working outside insurance is that we can focus on the full picture — emotional intelligence, social skills, resilience, family communication, school transitions, identity development — without needing to “prove” medical necessity.
Many families come to us for proactive support: before things feel like a crisis, when they just want to give their child a stronger emotional foundation. And we love that.
5. No Hidden Costs or Surprise Denials
Insurance plans can be confusing. Even when therapy is “covered,” families are often surprised to find out that only part of the cost is reimbursed — or that they’re responsible for high deductibles. In contrast, our fee-for-service model is transparent and predictable. You know exactly what you’re paying for and why.
Supporting Your Family with Intention and Integrity
Our decision to remain fee-for-service isn’t about making things harder — it’s about making care better. We believe families deserve high-quality, relationship-driven, whole-person mental health support without bureaucracy getting in the way.
We understand that this approach may not be right for everyone, and we’re always happy to talk with you about what’s possible, including superbills you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement or flexible scheduling that works with your budget.
At the heart of it all, our mission is simple:
To hold the vision of your child thriving — and to give them the tools to see it for themselves.
If you have questions about our model or want to see if we’re a good fit for your family, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you.
