Updated on July 21, 2025
If you’re in private practice and thinking about accepting insurance, you’re probably already aware of how complex it can get. Credentialing. Billing. Claims. Follow-ups. It’s time-consuming and often frustrating, especially when you’d rather focus on working with clients.
That’s where Headway comes in. It’s a platform designed to make it easier for therapists to take insurance by handling many of the administrative tasks that come with it. But is it the right fit for your practice?
Here’s what you should know.
What Headway Does
Headway acts as a middle layer between you and insurance companies. Instead of going through the long credentialing and billing process on your own, you partner with Headway, and they handle most of it for you.
They work with major insurers, including Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, and are available in all 50 states.
If you’ve ever thought, “I’d take insurance, but I can’t deal with the paperwork,” Headway might be an option worth exploring.
What Therapists Like About Headway
Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits that Headway promotes, and what many therapists appreciate:
1. Faster Credentialing
Getting credentialed with insurance plans on your own can take months. Headway often completes this in 30 to 45 days, which is faster than going it alone in most cases.
2. Billing and Claims Support
They handle all claims submissions and follow-ups. If you’ve ever spent hours tracking down a denied claim or chasing down missing reimbursements, you know how valuable this can be.
3. Biweekly Payments
Headway pays therapists every two weeks, which makes income a bit more predictable—especially compared to waiting months for insurance checks to clear.
4. No Membership Fees
You don’t pay to join. Headway makes its money through contracts with the insurance companies, not by charging therapists.
5. Negotiated Reimbursement Rates
Some therapists report that their reimbursement rates through Headway are better than what they’d receive by joining the same networks on their own. That won’t always be the case, but it’s worth comparing.
What to Consider Before Signing Up
While there are some clear upsides, Headway isn’t a perfect fit for everyone. Here are a few things to think about.
You Still Have to Market Yourself
Being on Headway doesn’t mean clients will automatically find you. You’ll still need a strong online presence, a well-written Psychology Today profile, and visibility in your local area.
Headway may offer some marketing help, but most of the client acquisition work will still fall to you.
You May Have Less Control Over How You’re Listed
Some therapists have noticed that their name, contact info, or practice details in insurance directories were changed after joining Headway. This could make it harder for existing or prospective clients to find you directly, especially if they were looking for your private-pay services.
You’re Still Bound by Insurance Rules
Working with Headway doesn’t mean bypassing insurance rules; it just means you don’t have to manage them yourself. You’ll still need to follow clinical documentation and compliance guidelines for each insurer.
You’ll Likely Earn Less Than Private Pay
Insurance rates are lower than private-pay rates, and that’s still true with Headway. Before signing on, take time to run the numbers. Make sure your session rate through insurance will cover your expenses and provide enough margin for your business to grow.
Is Headway a Good Fit for You?
Here are a few questions to help you decide:
- Are insurance tasks slowing you down or keeping you from accepting clients who need coverage?
If so, the administrative help might free up time and reduce stress. - Do you see a high demand for in-network providers in your area?
If your ideal clients use insurance and there aren’t enough local providers, joining Headway could help fill that gap. - Can your practice absorb the lower reimbursement?
If you’re running lean or building a caseload, taking insurance may help stabilize income. But you’ll need to monitor profitability closely. - How important is full control over your brand and listings?
If maintaining full autonomy is a top priority, you may want to explore other options.
What Other Therapists Are Saying
Therapists have mixed experiences. Some love the ease of billing and faster credentialing. Others wish they had more control over how their practice is represented online. If you’ve used Headway and have insights to share, I’d love to hear them. I may include your experience in a future update and link back to your website, which can help with SEO and visibility.
Logistics of Dealing with Insurance
Headway offers a real solution for private practice therapists who want to take insurance without dealing with all the logistics. But like any tool, it’s not one-size-fits-all.
Before you start, review your practice goals, client base, and financial model. Talk to colleagues who’ve used Headway, ask questions, and make sure the trade-offs make sense for your business.
Want Help Growing Your Practice?
If you’re looking for guidance on how to market your practice, improve your online visibility, or attract more of the right clients, Garrett Digital can help. We work with solo therapists and group practices across the country to build sustainable, client-focused growth strategies.
Get in touch here.
Note: This post reflects information available as of early 2025. Therapists’ experiences may vary, and policies are subject to change.
