Why I have decided to take insurance? One reason - To serve this community

I started Cold Water Counseling with a mission to serve my community by offering the living water of God’s presence, truth, and grace to those thirsting for comfort, clarity and change. As a licensed clinical social worker, I have always had the opportunity to take my clients’ insurance as payment for services, but I initially chose not to, instead opening and operating since October 2014 as a private pay practice. I also resolved that finances would never inhibit anyone from getting my services if they wanted them. These sentiments have not changed at all. But my concerns about insurance have not changed either and are spelled out below if you want to skip there now and come back…

Confidentiality and Integrity are still valid concerns to me when clients choose to use insurance, but I have come to understand that the benefits to clients are what matter most and need not inhibit me from doing the work to which I am called. In the end, more people will have access and I will get to do more of what I love to do.

Why am I still concerned about insurance? Confidentiality and Integrity

Confidentiality - The fewer cooks in the kitchen, the better. While not likely, health insurance companies may ask for notes or summaries in order to justify payments for services.

Integrity - More importantly, I want to work and be compensated according to my calling and competence. In other words, our sessions, their content, direction, and duration are up to us, not the insurance company. I don’t agree with the medical-diagnostic-labeling model that is usually applied to the problems brought to counseling. I also don’t want to depend on insurance companies for referrals. I’d rather my business thrive on the basis of the quality of my work as evidenced by satisfied clients who refer their friends and loved ones to me.

IF you have more questions about this please ask. If finances are a barrier to service, let’s talk.

AND, if Cold Water Counseling serves you well, please spread the word. Recommending me to your loved ones in need, or recommending me as a resource to your pastor or doctor, is the very best compliment and thanks I could receive.

It’s my great joy to be of service to you. Thank you for choosing Cold Water Counseling and I can’t wait to see what God has in store.

David