Paying for psychiatric care yourself, without billing insurance, is usually called self-pay or private pay. At JRose Wellness it is one of two ways to see Jessica. The other is using your insurance by booking through Alma or through Headway.
This article explains what self-pay medication management means, why some people choose it, what it costs, and how to decide between self-pay and insurance.
What self-pay medication management means
Medication management is the ongoing part of psychiatric care. It starts with a psychiatric evaluation, then continues with follow-up visits where your provider checks how you are doing, looks at how your treatment plan is working, and adjusts medication when needed. It can be part of care for anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder and other conditions.
With self-pay, you pay the practice directly for those visits instead of having them billed to an insurance plan.
Self-pay covers your visits, not your prescriptions. You fill prescriptions at a pharmacy, and how they are paid for is a separate question between you, your pharmacy and your prescription coverage.
Self-pay prices at JRose Wellness
A sliding scale is available based on financial need. Ask whether it applies to your visits when you reach out.
Under the No Surprises Act, if you are not using insurance you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of the expected cost of your care. Ask us for one before your visit.
See the insurance and pricing page for every detail in one place.
Why some people choose self-pay
People choose self-pay for different reasons. A few common ones:
- Clear pricing. You know the price of each visit before you book.
- Privacy. Some people prefer to keep their mental health visits between themselves and their provider, without a claim going to an insurance plan.
- Your plan is not listed. If your insurance is not one of the plans available through Alma or Headway, self-pay is another way to be seen.
- Less paperwork. Some people would rather not deal with claims, copays and plan rules for their mental health visits.
Self-pay is not the right choice for everyone. Depending on your plan, using insurance may cost you less per visit, so it is worth comparing before you decide.
Using insurance instead: Alma and Headway
If you would rather use insurance, you can book with Jessica through Alma or through Headway. Plans available through both include Aetna, Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and Carelon Behavioral Health. Plans listed as of September 2026.
- Book with insurance through Alma. Intake appointments booked through Alma are 45 minutes, by video.
- Book with insurance through Headway. See open times and check your coverage on Headway.
The full list for each platform is on the insurance page.
How to decide between self-pay and insurance
- Check your plan. Look for your insurance on the insurance page, or enter your plan on Alma or Headway to see what applies to you.
- Compare costs. With insurance, what you pay depends on your plan's copay, coinsurance and deductible. With self-pay, it is $400 for the initial evaluation (60 minutes), then $300 for a 45-minute therapy and medication management visit or $100 for a 15-minute visit.
- Ask about the sliding scale if cost is a barrier.
- Ask for a Good Faith Estimate if you plan to pay yourself, so you know the expected cost before your visit.
- Think about prescriptions separately. Ask your pharmacy or plan how your medications are covered. If the cost of a medication is a problem, tell Jessica so you can talk through the options.
- Keep track of what you spend on visits and prescriptions so you can budget for ongoing care.
Stay informed about your medications
However you pay, it helps to understand the medications you take: what each one is for, common side effects, and what to watch for. Bring your questions to your visits. Medication decisions are personal. In the practice's words:
Decisions are based on your symptoms, history, past medication responses, side-effect sensitivity, lifestyle, and preferences.
And if you would rather not take medication, you can say so: “That's okay. Medication is optional. We can explore therapy, lifestyle changes, or other non-medication approaches.” Learn how medication management works.
Common questions
Is self-pay more expensive than using insurance?
It depends on your plan. For some people insurance costs less per visit. For others, a high deductible or a plan that is not available through Alma or Headway makes self-pay the simpler option. Comparing the two is the best way to know.
Is my care different if I pay myself?
Your care follows the same path either way: a psychiatric evaluation first, then follow-up visits to check your progress and adjust your plan. Every visit is by secure video.
What if I can't afford my medications?
Tell Jessica. Cost is a fair part of choosing a treatment plan, and there may be lower-cost options to discuss.
How do I book a self-pay visit?
Send a self-pay appointment request or call (914) 916-6376. To use insurance instead, book through Alma or Headway using the links above.
