Choosing the right provider for your child is a big decision. We want you to feel clear about how payment works at Alderwood before you schedule, so you can decide what works best for your family.
Your family is our client, not the insurance company.
When you work with us, your child and your family are at the center of everything we do. We are not bound by insurance company rules, time constraints, or paperwork requirements. We’re a private-pay practice, which means payment is due at the time of service, and we do not bill insurance directly.
You can expect:
- Individualized care. We tailor every session to your child’s unique strengths, needs, and goals. We use the best tools and approaches for your family, not just what insurance will cover.
- More time and attention. Our process is thorough, thoughtful, and responsive. We spend the time needed to understand your child, coordinate with other professionals (like schools or doctors), and answer your questions. You won’t feel rushed or limited by insurance-driven time blocks.
- Strength-based focus. Unlike insurance companies, which often require a diagnostic label for reimbursement, we emphasize your child’s strengths and capabilities. Our goal is to help your child thrive, not simply fit a diagnosis. Regardless of whether your child qualifies for a diagnosis, our support process is designed to help in practical and positive ways.
Frequently asked questions about private pay and out-of-network care
Does Alderwood accept insurance?
We do not participate in any health insurance plans as an in-network provider. Families pay Alderwood directly, and we can provide documentation you may submit to your insurance company if your plan includes out-of-network benefits.
Why is Alderwood out-of-network?
Many families come to Alderwood because they want care guided by clinical need, not by third-party limits. Staying out-of-network helps us protect clinical autonomy so we can recommend the services, pacing, and tools that fit your child.
How does being private pay help therapy services?
For therapy services, treatment decisions are based on the child’s developmental needs rather than insurance company rules. The therapeutic plan is based on your child's readiness and what is appropriate for them.
Why are comprehensive evaluations often out-of-network?
Insurance companies often limit what tests can be used and what concerns can be addressed. For example, they may only cover assessments for certain diagnoses or exclude educational testing for learning differences.
Testing is also time-intensive and includes multiple appointments, scoring, interpretation, and report writing, and insurance reimbursement often does not reflect the time required to do the work well.
By staying out-of-network, we can provide comprehensive evaluations, including those for learning disabilities, attention/executive functioning weakness, and emotional or behavioral concerns, that truly support your child’s growth and educational planning.
Do families ever get reimbursement anyway?
Being out-of-network doesn’t mean no coverage. It simply means we don’t have a direct contract with insurance companies. Many insurance plans still offer partial reimbursement for out-of-network services.
We’re happy to provide all the paperwork you need (a “superbill”) so you can submit it to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. The amount you receive back depends on your plan’s out-of-network benefits.
What is a superbill, and how does it work?
A superbill is a detailed receipt that includes the service information and codes your insurance company typically asks for. You submit it directly to your insurance company, and reimbursement (if available) is paid to you based on your plan’s coverage, deductible, and coinsurance.
Can we use HSA/FSA funds?
You can often use Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), or the ESA+ grant to pay for our services. These options help make care more affordable.
What should I ask my insurance company?
It may be worthwhile to explore whether your insurance plan offers out-of-network benefits that may cover a percentage of our fee. If you'd like to find out whether your insurance company would reimburse you for the cost of an assessment or therapy with us, we encourage you to contact your insurance company directly.
You may consider asking:
- Do I have out-of-network benefits for psychological therapy (CPT code 90834 or 90837) or neuropsychological assessment (CPT code 96132, 96133, 96136, 96137)? If so, what percentage do you cover?
- Do I have a deductible, and if so, how much of the deductible have I met?
- How do I access the form to submit a reimbursement request? Where do I send that form?
What if we need an in-network option instead?
If using in-network benefits is the top priority right now, it may make sense to start with your insurance company’s list of network providers. Families sometimes choose Alderwood when they want an evaluation or therapy approach that is not limited by an insurance plan, and other families choose in-network care first.
What Private Pay Can Mean for Confidentiality
Some families prefer not to involve insurance in their child’s mental health care. Private pay means your child’s information stays confidential, between you and our team. You have more control over the process, and there’s no requirement for a formal diagnosis unless it’s truly needed.
Our commitment to your family
We believe that your child’s mental health is extremely important and deserves thoughtful, individualized attention. Quality care should never be rushed or dictated by insurance company constraints. Our approach ensures that your child receives the time, care, and support they need to truly thrive. We provide care centered on your child’s needs, strengths, and capabilities. This model allows us to provide quality, attention, and flexibility. If you have questions about coverage or payment, we’re here to help you navigate the process.
What if my child needs urgent help right now?
If your child is in immediate danger or you are concerned about their safety, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Alderwood Psychological Services does not provide emergency or crisis services through online content.
Ready to talk through options?
If you’d like help figuring out whether an evaluation or therapy at Alderwood fits your family, reach out here:
https://alderwoodpsych.com/contact-us/
You can also explore our services here:
https://alderwoodpsych.com/therapy-and-testing/
