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Lighthouse Counseling owner and licensed psychologist Dr. Tom Freeman was recently featured in State Affairs Georgia as part of an in-depth report examining Medicaid reimbursement cuts and payment clawbacks affecting psychologists across the state. The issue reaches far beyond reimbursement rates. For psychologists and the families they serve, these changes could directly affect access to psychological testing, behavioral health services, and other essential care. According to the report, CareSource sought to recover approximately $3,000 in Medicaid payments from Lighthouse Counseling that had been issued 12 to 18 months earlier. When the practice could not immediately return the funds, the amount was withheld from subsequent reimbursement payments. For Dr. Freeman, who has practiced as a licensed psychologist for 35 years, the concern is rooted in the realities of operating a mental health practice while continuing to serve patients who rely on Medicaid. “We spent that money,” Freeman told State Affairs. “I paid my staff with it, I paid utilities. Then to come back and take that is pretty crappy.” Why These Changes Matter for Patients Psychological evaluations are often an important first step in identifying autism, learning disabilities, intellectual disorders, neurological conditions, trauma, and other behavioral or developmental concerns. The State Affairs report describes growing concern among Georgia psychologists that reduced reimbursement could make comprehensive testing financially unsustainable for some practices. CareSource later notified psychologists that reimbursement rates would be reduced from 100% to 80%. Dr. Freeman joined several other psychologists in declining the reduced rate, after which their CareSource contracts were terminated. The broader concern is access. When reimbursement no longer supports the actual cost of providing specialized care, practices may be forced to reduce the number of Medicaid patients they can serve or leave an insurance network entirely. For families, particularly those already facing financial barriers, that can mean fewer available providers and longer distances or wait times for care. Georgia officials are now reviewing whether changes in the provider network could eventually affect CareSource’s contractual requirements for access to care. State officials have said they are monitoring provider locations and network adequacy as the situation develops. Advocating for Sustainable Access to Mental Health Care At Lighthouse Counseling, our priority remains providing compassionate, professional care to individuals and families throughout our community. Dr. Freeman’s participation in this conversation reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that mental health professionals can continue to provide the level of care their patients deserve. Changes within the healthcare system can sometimes seem like discussions about contracts, reimbursement percentages, or administrative policies. But behind those numbers are real practices, clinicians, children, adults, and families who depend on access to mental health services. Lighthouse Counseling will continue advocating for a system that supports both the people seeking care and the professionals working every day to provide it. Read the full article: https://pro.stateaffairs.com/ga/health-care/georgia-medicaid-children-caresource-cuts?ref=AAAAAAAEJQMAAEsUAA

Tom Freeman, Licensed Psychologist and Owner of Lighthouse Counseling, was recently featured in The Newnan Times-Herald  in an article titled " Mental Health Crisis: Addressing Gaps in Local Support ." In the piece, Tom shares insights on the current mental health crisis and highlights the challenges in accessing adequate local resources. His expertise and dedication to improving mental health care are showcased as he discusses potential solutions for addressing these critical gaps in support within the community. We're proud to see Tom's efforts recognized and his voice contributing to such an important conversation! Read the article: https://www.times-herald.com/news/mental-health-crisis-addressing-gaps-in-local-support/article_feed714e-777c-11ef-b49b-5368414bb4f6.html

When you start counseling, one of the first questions is often about insurance. But more people are choosing to pay cash instead—and for good reasons. Paying cash for counseling can give you more privacy, more control, and a better overall experience. Here’s why many clients prefer it. 1. Your Privacy Is Better Protected When you use insurance, your personal mental health information doesn’t stay just between you and your therapist. Insurance companies receive diagnoses, treatment codes, and session details. That information is stored, shared internally, and kept on record for years. Paying cash keeps your counseling private. No insurance company. No third-party records. Just you and your therapist. For people who value discretion, this alone is a major benefit. 2. Less Data Collected About You Insurance requires paperwork, diagnosis codes, and ongoing reporting. That creates a digital trail tied to your name and health history. Cash-pay counseling limits how much data exists about your mental health. There’s no claim filed, no database entry, and no permanent insurance record that could follow you later in life. This matters more than many people realize—especially with growing concerns around data security and information sharing. 3. No Diagnosis Required Insurance companies often require a formal diagnosis to approve coverage—even if you’re just seeking support, clarity, or personal growth. Paying cash means: No pressure to label you No diagnosis unless you  want one Therapy focused on your actual needs, not insurance requirements You can work on stress, relationships, life transitions, or personal development without being “coded.” 4. More Control Over Your Care When insurance is involved, they help decide: How long therapy lasts How often you can go What type of treatment is “allowed” With cash-pay counseling, you decide .You and your therapist set the pace, frequency, and focus—without outside interference. That flexibility often leads to better outcomes and a more personalized experience. 5. Fewer Barriers and Less Hassle Insurance-based therapy can involve: Long approval processes Surprise denials Limited provider options Billing issues Cash-pay counseling is simple. You know the cost upfront. There are no claims, no waiting, and no back-and-forth with insurance companies. What you see is what you pay. 6. Easier Access to the Right Therapist Many highly qualified therapists choose not to work with insurance due to low reimbursement rates and administrative burden. By paying cash, you often gain access to: More experienced providers Specialized therapists Shorter wait times You’re choosing the therapist that fits you—not just the one your insurance covers. 7. Mental Health Without Long-Term Consequences Insurance records can follow you. In some situations, mental health diagnoses may affect future insurance coverage, employment screenings, or professional licensing. Cash-pay counseling helps keep your mental health care separate from systems that don’t need access to it. The Bottom Line Paying cash for counseling isn’t about avoiding care—it’s about protecting yourself . It offers: Greater privacy Less data exposure More freedom and flexibility A simpler, more personal experience For many people, the peace of mind alone makes it worth it. Your mental health is personal. How you care for it should be, too.