affordable christian counseling

Using Insurance for Counseling at Cornerstone

At Cornerstone Christian Counseling, we are considered an out-of-network provider for most commercial insurance plans. While we don’t bill insurance directly, many clients are able to request reimbursement from their insurance company using a Superbill. In addition, many clients use HSA, FSA, or out-of-network benefits to help cover the cost of therapy.

We also work with some Medicaid clients, depending on their RAE (Regional Accountable Entity) and counselor eligibility.

We understand that figuring out how to pay for therapy can be confusing. While we can’t contact insurance companies or verify your benefits on your behalf, we can offer general guidance and provide the documentation you need to navigate the process. Keep reading to learn more about the payment options available at Cornerstone.

Paying with HSA or FSA Cards

We gladly accept Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards, as long as they have a major credit card logo (such as Visa or MasterCard). These accounts often cover individual counseling services, especially when tied to a mental health diagnosis like anxiety, depression, PTSD, or addiction.

That said, there are limitations. According to IRS guidelines, HSA and FSA funds can only be used for qualified medical expenses under Section 213(d) of the tax code. For example:

• Marriage and family counseling is not typically eligible—unless it is part of a treatment plan addressing a diagnosable condition (e.g., sexual dysfunction, trauma).
  
• If you’re unsure about your specific situation, we recommend checking with your plan administrator or tax advisor before your first session.

Using Out-of-Network Benefits with a Superbill

Some insurance plans offer out-of-network reimbursement for mental health services. If your plan does, we can provide a Superbill (an itemized receipt with insurance codes) which you can submit directly to your insurance provider. We recommend that you verify your benefits before meeting with your counselor for your first session to ensure you understand your potential for reimbursement. 

To get started, contact your insurance company and ask:

• “Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health services?”
  
• “What is my out-of-network deductible, and has any of it been met?”
  
• “How do I submit a Superbill for reimbursement?”
  

Please note:

• You’ll pay Cornerstone directly at the time of service.
  
• Reimbursement is not guaranteed and is usually partial, depending on your plan.
  
• Most plans do not reimburse for couples counseling or family therapy, unless medically indicated.
  

Can Cornerstone Contact My Insurance for Me?

While we are not able to contact commercial insurance companies or accept payment directly from them, we do coordinate benefits with Colorado Medicaid when applicable. If you’re a Medicaid client and you’re eligible through your RAE, our team will work with you to verify benefits and ensure coverage with an approved Cornerstone provider.

For commercial insurance, if you choose to submit a superbill, you’ll need to handle reimbursement directly with your insurance company. Please note: if your therapist is unable to assign a diagnosis code, your superbill may be incomplete and could be denied by your plan.

If using in-network commercial insurance or Medicare is your only option, we encourage you to contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers near you.

Important Considerations When Using Insurance

We understand that using insurance can be a helpful way to make counseling more affordable. At the same time, it’s important to be aware of a few key limitations that may affect your coverage or privacy:

• A mental health diagnosis is required for insurance reimbursement. This diagnosis becomes part of your official medical record.
  
• Insurance companies may request access to clinical details, including progress notes or treatment plans, as part of their review process.
  
• Out-of-network benefits often have a separate deductible from your in-network coverage, which means your out-of-pocket costs could be higher until that deductible is met.
  
• Not all therapists are eligible for insurance reimbursement. Some of our providers are pre-licensed, and while they offer excellent care, certain insurance plans may not cover their services.
  

We believe in equipping you with the information you need to make the best decision for your care—whether that means using insurance or exploring other options. 

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help guide you through the payment process and explore your options. Please don’t hesitate to contact us or give us a call — we want to make sure you have the support you need.