Insurance & Payment Options
Whether you plan to use insurance or self-pay, we’re here to help you navigate your counseling options with clarity and care.
PICK YOUR OPTION
Ways to Pay for Counseling
For many years, Cornerstone Christian Counseling has operated as a private-pay practice. Beginning in 2026, we are excited to begin accepting a limited number of insurance plans as part of a phased rollout.
This transition will happen gradually:
- Insurance services will initially be available through our Tier 1 student intern counselors and participating Tier 2 pre-licensed counselors.
- We plan to expand access across our clinical team over time.
- Our goal is to have insurance options available across multiple clinician tiers by August 2026.
Please note: Not all clinicians accept insurance, and availability will vary by provider and location.
Self-Pay
Flexible counseling options available across all counseling tiers
Aetna Insurance
Accepted with select Tier 1 student intern and Tier 2 pre-licensed counselors
Optum Insurance
Accepted with select Tier 1 student intern and Tier 2 pre-licensed counselors
PAYING WITH INSURANCE
How to Use Insurance at Cornerstone
After each session, we will submit the billing claim to your insurance company, and they will send you a summary called an Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
This document is not a bill but rather shows what portion of your session was covered, any remaining balance that you may need to pay, and how much was applied toward your deductible or coinsurance.
Helpful Hint: Don’t forget to compare your EOB with the invoice you receive from Cornerstone. Then you can make sure that payments were applied correctly and your remaining balance matches with your insurance reports. If you notice any differences or have questions, our billing team is here to help walk through it with you!
Can Cornerstone contact my insurance for me?
For clients using in-network insurance (Aetna and Optum), our team will handle billing claims on your behalf.
For all other insurance plans:
- We do not contact insurance companies or verify out-of-network benefits.
- You will be responsible for submitting Superbills (see more info below) and working directly with your insurance provider for reimbursement.
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 insurance outside of the plans listed above (or Medicare) is your only option, we recommend contacting your insurance provider for a list of in-network providers in your area.
Important considerations when using insurance
While insurance can make counseling more accessible, there are a few important things to be aware of:
- A mental health diagnosis is required and becomes part of your medical record
- Insurance companies may request access to clinical information, such as treatment plans or progress notes
- You may still have out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles, co-pays, or coinsurance
- Not all services (such as couples or family therapy) are typically covered
- Not all clinicians are eligible for insurance reimbursement
- Our 10% discount programs only apply to self-paying clients who are not using insurance
If you’re not sure whether or not to use your insurance, please contact our billing team for more details. We’re happy to help you make an informed decision about your payment options.
PAYING WITHOUT INSURANCE
How to Use Self-Pay at Cornerstone
If your plan is not listed above — or if your preferred counselor is not accepting insurance — you can still access care at Cornerstone as a self-pay client.
Many of our clients choose to:
- Use Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds
- Utilize out-of-network benefits through their insurance
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.
These accounts often cover individual counseling services, particularly when tied to a diagnosable mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or addiction.
However, there are some limitations:
- Marriage or family counseling is typically not eligible, unless part of a treatment plan for a diagnosable condition.
- We recommend checking with your plan administrator or tax advisor if you’re unsure.
How to use Out-of-Network Benefits
If your plan offers out-of-network coverage and we do not accept your insurance, we can provide a Superbill for you to submit.
We recommend contacting your insurance provider before your first session and asking:
- “Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health services?”
- “What is my out-of-network deductible, and has it been met?”
- “How do I submit a Superbill for reimbursement?”
Please note:
- Payment is due to Cornerstone at the time of service.
- Reimbursement is not guaranteed and is typically partial.
- Many plans do not reimburse for couples or family counseling unless medically indicated.
What is a Superbill?
A Superbill is an itemized receipt that includes the insurance codes needed for you to submit a claim to your out-of-network insurance company. (You do not need a superbill for in-network insurance claims.)
Depending on your plan, you may:
- Receive partial reimbursement for services
- Have payments applied toward your out-of-network deductible
Every plan is different, so we recommend contacting your insurance provider before your first session to understand your benefits.
