How to Get Reimbursed for Therapy With Out-of-Network Insurance Using Mentaya
One of the biggest misconceptions about therapy is that if your therapist is out of network, you’re on your own financially.
That’s not true.
Many people with out-of-network benefits are eligible to be reimbursed for 50–80% of the cost of each session — yet most never check their benefits.
If you’ve ever thought:
“I can’t afford therapy long-term”
“My insurance won’t help me”
“Out-of-network means I pay everything”
There may be more support available to you than you realize.
What Is Out-of-Network Reimbursement?
Out-of-network reimbursement means that although your insurance company does not directly pay your therapist, they reimburse you directly for a portion of your session fee after the session takes place.
Here’s how it works:
You pay your session fee at the time of service
A claim is submitted to your insurance company
Your insurance reimburses you directly by sending you a check in the mail
Depending on your individual plan, reimbursement may be:
50%
60%
70%
Up to 80% of the session fee
Every plan is different — which is why checking your benefits matters.
What Is Mentaya?
Mentaya is a service that simplifies the insurance reimbursement process for people who use out-of-network benefits.
Instead of navigating claims, paperwork, and insurance calls on your own, Mentaya handles the administrative work for you — making the process significantly faster and easier.
How Mentaya Works in My Practice
When you choose to use Mentaya:
I submit your claims directly to your insurance company on your behalf
Mentaya manages the claim processing
Your insurance company issues your reimbursement check directly to you by mail
Mentaya charges a 10% processing fee for this service. Many clients choose this option because it:
Eliminates paperwork stress
Prevents claim errors
Reduces wait times
Avoids long insurance phone calls
Speeds up reimbursement significantly
Most clients receive their reimbursement within a few weeks of each session.
How to Check If You’re Eligible
On my website, there is a secure section under Fees where you can enter your insurance information to instantly check:
Whether you have out-of-network benefits
Your estimated reimbursement percentage
Your approximate out-of-pocket cost after reimbursement
There is no obligation to start therapy by using the benefits checker — it is simply a resource to help you make an informed decision.
Why This Matters for Women Doing Deep Nervous System Work
The women I work with are often:
creatives
entrepreneurs
intuitive leaders
cycle-breakers
highly sensitive nervous systems in high-demand lives
They frequently assume therapy must be short-term due to cost alone.
Out-of-network reimbursement can make long-term, integrative work far more accessible — allowing you to stay with a therapist based on alignment, not insurance panels.
This kind of support allows you to:
move at the pace your nervous system needs
integrate more fully between sessions
commit to deeper work sustainably
invest in your healing without constant financial pressure
In-Person in Carmel & Virtual Across California
I offer in-person sessions in Carmel-by-the-Sea and virtual therapy across California, including Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, and San Luis Obispo. If cost has been the only thing holding you back, I encourage you to check your out-of-network benefits before assuming it’s not possible.
Learn more about my work here.
This blog is for educational and informational purposes only and does not guarantee insurance reimbursement. Out-of-network benefits, coverage percentages, and reimbursement timelines vary by individual insurance plan. Mentaya provides reimbursement support and estimates but does not guarantee payment. This content does not constitute insurance, financial, medical, or legal advice.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a licensed provider near you for personalized support. Ashley K. Whelan is a holistic psychotherapist in California offering EMDR, somatic therapy, and psychedelic integration for women in Carmel By the Sea, Monterey, and Big Sur. Online sessions are available throughout the state of California.