How to Find Concierge Therapy
San Jose Counseling and Psychotherapy
If you’ve been considering boutique medical services such as concierge therapy, you’re not alone. Both clients and therapists alike are moving to this model in record numbers. However, concierge therapy is still an emerging concept. It can be challenging to find therapists that have made the switch and pinpoint what exactly each one brings to the table. Below I’ll break down the basics; from finding concierge therapy services to what to look for when selecting a practice.
Finding a Concierge Therapist
Looking for a concierge therapist is similar to looking for traditional therapy. Whatever area you’re in you’ll want to check all your options, and here’s where to get information.
- Recommendations from family, friends or colleagues
- Online review sites (like Yelp and Google)
- Online therapist directories (like Psychology Today and Good Therapy)
- Insurance lists
Understand Different Practice Models
Most traditional practice types have been around for decades. The following is a breakdown of the most common models.
Direct Primary Care: Insurance is not billed. Clients typically pay a recurring fee and services offered are all-inclusive. This model is usually used to deliver low-cost healthcare, so it’s typically provided by large corporations to employees. Therapists may limit visits and services in order to keep the monthly cost low for clients.
Concierge Therapy: Insurance may or may not be accepted. Clients may or may not pay a recurring retainer fee to hold their place in the practice. Some services, such as EMDR, may be included, though most services will be billed individually. This model is usually used to deliver high-quality healthcare, which can sometimes lower overall health costs because clients receive more personalized care.
Telemedicine: Traditional insurance plans do not always cover telemedicine, though more do since the 2020 pandemic necessitated it. Models vary, with some services being offered online and others via phone. In some cases, clients pay a membership fee and can speak with a therapist at no charge or for a nominal fee, while other models are purely on-demand with no contracts, but higher fees when the service is accessed. This is not generally considered a replacement for primary care.
Important Questions to Ask
Because each concierge therapy practice operates a little differently—even those which fall into the same practice type—it’s important to ask questions in advance.
Can you bill my insurance?
Since only about 30 percent of therapists bill insurance, you can expect the answer to this question will be “No.” However, there will be a few concierge-style practices that will bill insurance companies. In my practice, I do not take insurance however some plans reimburse. If using your insurance is important to you, verify in advance that you can continue to do so.
What concierge therapy services do you offer?
The concierge therapy services available will vary by practice. Some offices offer fewer services, while others increase them. For example, I offer EMDR as well as other complementary and alternative options.
What is the fee?
Whether a per-session fee, a membership or a retainer fee, all concierge therapy practices require some form of payment to hold your spot within the practice. This enables the therapist to see fewer patients and offer longer appointments.
How long will it take to get in to see my therapist?
You should feel like you’re the priority when you’re choosing a concierge therapy practice. Urgent needs should be seen to swiftly and well-care appointments shouldn’t require lengthy waits. I get my clients in for therapy as soon as possible.
To learn more about my concierge therapy practice or to schedule a complementary consultation, please go here.
Concierge Therapy for the Silicon Valley including San Jose, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Mountain View, and Santa Clara.
