What we cover in this video
- The importance of clinical supervision
- Insurance coverage for therapy
- Supervision and billing by a clinical psychologist
- Discussions with clients about insurance coverage
- Obtaining a clinical psychologist supervisor
- Addressing client issues with insurance coverage denials
Video overview
Therapists and clinical supervision
At the current time, Snapclarity is especially interested in working with registered therapists who meet regularly with a clinical supervisor. Snapclarity seeks these professionals for two main reasons:
- First, therapists participating in supervision suggests that although you may be working remotely with clients, you will still have support and guidance regarding the provision of therapy to clients.
- Second, therapists who have clinical supervisors with particular designations are more likely to be covered by clients’ private insurance.
Currently, the majority of insurance companies cover care by registered clinical psychologists, some cover care by registered MA-level social workers, and few cover care by registered psychotherapists.
In speaking with insurance providers and many therapists, we have learned that therapy by registered social workers and psychotherapists tends to be covered as long as they are supervised by a clinical psychologist and the clinical psychologist's name and registration number is included on the therapy receipt.
Although some clients will be interested in paying out of pocket for therapy, we suspect that many clients will want to use their private insurance to cover all or part of the therapy received. Thus, we highly recommended that therapists seek out and obtain clinical supervision that will allow the therapy to be covered by clients' private insurance plans.
Supervision and billing by a clinical psychologist
If you choose, your clinical psychologist supervisor information will be included on your receipts to clients. It is of great importance that your clinical supervisor be aware that they are being included on your receipts and that they are aware that this is for the provision of online therapy.
Snapclarity is highlighting the importance of obtaining supervision from a clinical psychologist upfront in order to decrease the frustrations you might experience as a result of clients discovering that their insurance provider does not cover therapy with your designation.
Discussions with clients about insurance coverage
We suggest that during the first video interaction with clients, therapists help clients discover whether the therapy they receive will be covered. If a client discovers that your care will not be covered by their insurance, they are then welcome to be re-matched with a therapist who is. In this case you can direct them to the Snapclarity Help Centre.
Obtaining a clinical psychologist supervisor
If you do not currently have a clinical psychologist supervisor who is also agreeable to including their information on your billing, you may find it helpful to reach out to other providers in your area who are running a private practice to find out how they overcame this obstacle.
Navigating the insurance coverage landscape, is unfortunately one of the most frustrating aspect of starting a private practice for social workers and psychotherapists, but one that is likely to be overcome with therapists’ efforts.
Addressing client issues with insurance coverage denials
Similar to running a face-to-face private practice, therapists are responsible for dealing with clients' concerns when the therapy covered by yourself is not covered by their insurance. This may mean contacting the clients' insurance provider to inquire about the denial, correct any misinformation, and advocate for the coverage. We ask that therapists be responsible for addressing any billing and insurance coverage issues their clients may have. Having an upfront and transparent conversation about your designation and clients' insurance coverage will reduce or mitigate client frustration and disappointment.
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