If you’ve ever tried to find a therapist in Salt Lake City who actually takes your insurance, you know the feeling: confusion, overwhelm, and maybe a little despair. Insurance panels, online directories, and psychology websites can feel like a maze designed to make you give up before you even start.

If this sound familiar - we’ve got you.

1. General Steps to Check Insurance Coverage

The first step is always confirming whether a therapist is in-network with your insurance. Here’s how:

Check your insurance portal. Most insurance companies have a “Find a Provider” tool. Filter by mental health or behavioral health.
Call the insurance company directly. Sometimes online directories are outdated, and a quick phone call can confirm coverage.
Ask the therapist’s office. They can verify if they accept your plan and help you understand your coverage limits.

2. Why Many Therapists in Salt Lake City Don’t Accept Insurance

You might notice a lot of private practices in SLC are “out-of-network only.” Here’s why:

Administrative burden: Insurance paperwork can take hours of staff time per client.
Delayed reimbursement: Payments from insurance companies often take weeks, sometimes months.
Restrictions on treatment approaches: Some insurance panels only cover certain modalities or limit session length, which can affect specialized work like trauma-informed care, ADHD therapy, or dream analysis.

So seeing “private pay only” doesn’t mean the therapist isn’t qualified—it just means insurance might complicate the process.

3. What to Know About Deductibles, Out-of-Network (OON) Coverage, and Superbills

Even if a therapist is out-of-network, you might still be able to use insurance. Here’s the breakdown:

Deductibles: This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. Make sure you know what yours is for mental health services.
Out-of-Network (OON) coverage: Some plans reimburse part of the cost if your therapist is OON. Ask about percentage covered and session limits.
Superbills: These are itemized invoices your therapist provides so you can submit for insurance reimbursement. Even if a therapist doesn’t accept insurance, you might still get some coverage this way.

4. Finding Your Fit in Salt Lake City

Finding a therapist isn’t just about insurance, it’s about fit. Look for:

Specialties that match your needs (anxiety, ADHD, trauma, women’s health, young adult issues)
Modalities you’re interested in (CBT, EMDR, somatic work, dream analysis)
Availability that works with your schedule

If you’re looking for Salt Lake City therapy providers who accept insurance, my practice at Rivercourse Counseling is currently in-network with Aetna, BCBS, DMBA, Select Health and DMBA. We specialize in helping young adults and women navigate anxiety, ADHD, and trauma, using a blend of neuroscience-informed therapy and holistic approaches.

Yes, finding a therapist who takes insurance in Salt Lake City can feel overwhelming, but with the right steps, it’s doable. Check your insurance portal, ask questions, understand your coverage, and don’t forget that the right fit matters more than a star rating or panel listing.