A major reason why many therapists chose not to take insurance is reflective of the poor relationship between therapists and insurance companies. Usually, working with insurance can cause therapists to make significantly less money or take on an enormous amount of paperwork for which they are not compensated.
Thereof, does therapy go on your permanent record?
When you use your insurance to pay for therapy, your diagnosis, treatments, case notes, and symptoms become a part of your permanent record. It’s not as if you can remove this information after treatment, when you are symptom-free or functioning at a level that no longer requires therapy.
Hereof, why is therapy expensive?
Most therapists will raise their rates as they gain experience and expertise. So often (but not always) if a therapist is charging more, it is because they have years of client work behind them and are a specialist with certain issues. Education and training can also be a factor.