Because most insurances will not pay for treatment of relational problems unless at least one of the clients has a mental disorder.

Many clients feel that the extra privacy of not having one's diagnosis and treatment plan in the insurance company's computers makes it worth paying for treatment themselves, even if they could be diagnosed with a mental disorder.

Self pay also allows for greater flexibility in getting the therapy that works for you. Insurance companies will usually only pay for fifty minutes of therapy a day, whereas you can schedule longer sessions if you like. Also, insurance usually will not pay for telephone sessions.