Therapy Doesn't Have to be Confusing

“Out-of-network” means that the provider (therapist) does not have a contract with your insurance company. If you receive therapy from an out-of-network therapist, your insurance company may still pay for part of the fees, if you have out-of-network benefits. Many individuals do have out-of-network benefits for mental health services, but may not be aware of this, until they inquire further.

Some reasons you might choose to see an out-of-network therapist:

• You cannot get the treatment you need from a provider within your insurance company’s network.
• You prefer more flexibility and privacy.
• With out-of-network therapy, you’re less likely to face session limits or diagnosis requirements and so therapy can focus on your goals rather than justifying treatment to an insurer.
• Or you might simply prefer to see this particular person for therapy.

To determine if you have out-of-network benefits, call your health insurance and ask them. Or check details of your health insurance plan online.

It’s also a good idea to clarify if you have a deductible, the deductible amount, and how much your insurance company will pay for each therapy session (this fee is called “co-insurance”).

Alternatively, if you receive therapy from an “in-network” therapist, this means that the therapist has a contract with your insurance company. Usually with an in-network provider you will pay your deductible and any applicable co-pay or coinsurance. You might want to choose an in-network therapist in order to decrease your overall costs of therapy.

While private practices and larger online therapy platforms can both provide psychotherapy services, there are some important differences in how care is organized and delivered. We’re also aware of some downsides and concerns with larger online therapy platforms, like client-therapist mismatches, continuity of care issues, and questions around ethics, confidentiality, and data security.

Direct Relationship with Your Therapist 

Alliance Counseling is a network of individual therapists in private practice, meaning you work consistently with the same licensed clinician over time, rather than being matched through a large network-based system.

In a private practice, care is organized directly through the practitioner's practice. You choose the provider you want to work with and continue seeing the same therapist throughout your care, unless a change is clinically indicated. This allows for continuity in the therapeutic relationship and consistency in how treatment is structured over time. 

By contrast, many online therapy platforms are designed to connect large numbers of clients with extensive networks of providers. Treatment is initiated and then delivered through a centralized system that often includes provider matching, scheduling, billing, and communication processes before you even begin working directly with a therapist. User reviews have noted that the matching process on some platforms can result in multiple provider changes before finding a good fit, which can be frustrating and delay meaningful care. 

Therapist-Run 

Alliance Counseling was created by psychologists and social workers, and the group is still directly overseen, run, and staffed by licensed therapists. Decisions about care are made by clinicians rather than by a corporate parent company, allowing us to focus on what best serves our clients and community.

Local Knowledge and Community Connections 

We are also locally based in Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region. Because of our local roots, we are familiar with regional resources and have established relationships with other healthcare professionals and referral sources. This is beneficial when coordination of care is necessary.

Flexible Ways to Access Care 

In order to meet a wide variety of needs, preferences and treatment goals, we offer both in-person and virtual therapy. We are happy to highlight that telehealth therapy is available through many providers, including private practice clinicians like those in our network.

We also offer multiple pathways to access and pay for care. Depending on the provider, services may be covered through insurance, are potentially eligible for out-of-network reimbursement, available through private pay, or provided at reduced-fee rates, when available. This flexibility allows clients to choose the option that best fits their financial, privacy, and treatment preferences.

Privacy and Confidentiality 

Privacy and confidentiality are central to what we do. Protecting your personal information and maintaining the security of your health records are essential parts of our commitment to ethical care.

On the other hand, some larger online therapy platforms have faced scrutiny, including legal action, over their data privacy practices. 

Experience and Individualized Care 

Our providers bring years of clinical experience and advanced training to their work, providing evidence-based psychotherapy tailored to each client's unique needs and goals.

The focus at Alliance Counseling is on consistent, ethical, individualized care within a small group where your therapist is directly responsible for your treatment from start to finish.

We feel we can make a difference in our clients’ lives, and are happy to answer any additional questions you may have. 

Yes, everyone at Alliance Counseling provides psychotherapy and counseling via telehealth, as well as in person. Telehealth appointments are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform that allows you to meet with your therapist from the privacy and convenience of your home, office, or another appropriate location.

All you need is a reliable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone (such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone), and a quiet, private location. Prior to your appointment, your therapist will provide instructions for accessing the virtual session. 

If you are interested in telehealth services, let your provider know when you make your initial contact. Together you can determine whether telehealth, in-person therapy, or a combination of both is the best fit for your needs.

At Alliance Counseling, our providers offer in-person and telehealth visits. While some may have a preference for in-person care, others may be unsure or want the option to do both in-person and telehealth. Regardless of what your preference is, it can be helpful to be aware of some of the benefits to teletherapy. 

Travel

• Whether traveling for work, a vacation, going to the shore, or moving back to campus for school, travel is a main reason people find teletherapy helpful. It can help to ensure your treatment is not disrupted. It is important to check with your provider to make sure they are licensed in the state to which you are traveling.

Accessibility

• It can be hard to find time to care for yourself, this can include finding time for therapy. Teletherapy can expand access for people who have tight schedules, as it reduces barriers like commuting, access to transportation, or access to childcare. It also allows individuals who may have a physical disability to access care in a more comfortable manner.. Telehealth can also be a very helpful option for individuals with a medical condition or someone who is recovering from illness or surgery. 

Flexibility

• Teletherapy can also be a good option for those unexpected schedule changes. Maybe a meeting ran long, a baby-sitter cancelled, or  you’re feeling a little under the weather. Meeting virtually allows you to still meet with your therapist and receive the support you need.

*While telehealth can allow for greater flexibility, it’s important to discuss telehealth with your provider beforehand, as telehealth is not a good fit for every situation. Additionally, different providers are authorized to practice in different states, so it’s important to discuss a location change with your therapist, before logging on for your appointment from somewhere other than your home location.

All providers at Alliance Counseling are licensed to practice in the state of Delaware. Some have additional licenses, which are listed below. This means that If you reside outside of Delaware or plan to partake in sessions from a state other than Delaware, you may still be able to work with an Alliance Counseling provider. 

• Abby Bugbee, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist
  • Licensed in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Kansas 
  • PSYPACT Credentialed*
• Amanda Anderson, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist
  • Licensed in Delaware & Pennsylvania
• Jennifer Lyons, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • Licensed in Delaware
• Kris Bronson, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist
  • Licensed in Delaware & Pennsylvania
  • PSYPACT Credentialed*

*Being PSYPACT credentialled allows a psychologist to practice telehealth legally, ethically across state boundaries with participating states, including:  

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia (DC), Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Marianas, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Evidence-based psychotherapy means that  treatment  is grounded in scientific research and supported by clinical evidence. These practices draw from the best available research, the clinician’s professional expertise, and take into consideration each client’s unique needs, values, culture, and preferences.

This means therapy is guided by methods that have been carefully studied and shown to be effective, rather than guesswork. It may draw from a range of research-supported approaches, selected and adapted to fit the individual, rather than using a one-size-fits-all model.

At Alliance Counseling, we use evidence-based practices while tailoring treatment to each client, offering care that is both scientifically grounded and genuinely responsive to the person sitting with us. 

Career counseling focuses on helping people choose, change, or advance careers. The basis of career counseling is a confidential, collaborative relationship.

The goal of career counseling is often to find rewarding and successful work that fits one’s interests, talents, and values. This counseling is tailored to a client’s unique needs and goals, and may include testing, such as an interest assessment. 

In addition, career counseling may focus on helping a person make career-related decisions or plans by changing behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. Or by addressing barriers such as negative self-assessments, anxiety, or self-esteem issues. 

One might seek career counseling for a variety of situations, including when:

• You’re feeling stuck, unhappy, or disengaged at work and need objective help to clarify if the issue is your role, your current environment, or your career path.
• You know you want to leave your current field but have no idea what other fields your transferable skills map to. 
• You’re considering a major career change or trying to secure a new job.
• You’re re-entering the workforce after an extended break. 
• You’re a student deciding on a major or a recent graduate taking the next step.

Career counseling can be beneficial at any stage of one’s career - from students to experienced professionals to those exploring retirement transitions. 

If you're curious whether career counseling might be beneficial, Kris Bronson offers consultations and would be happy to explore this with you.