Understanding Mental Health Diagnoses

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Why You Might Receive a Diagnosis in Therapy

Many clients share the same surprise, “I didn’t realize I was diagnosed.” Here’s an important truth, if your therapy is billed through insurance, you will receive a diagnosis.

This diagnosis is not a label that defines you. Instead, it’s a way for your provider to document that you meet the specific symptoms required for that diagnosis, which allows them to help you decrease your reported symptoms.

Where Diagnoses Come From

Mental health professionals use the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), a guide created by experts who gather and define symptoms for each diagnosis.

Why does this matter?


Because for many years, mental health providers needed to justify the need for services in order for insurance to cover treatment. Today, insurance companies still require a diagnosis to process payment for therapy.

Your Diagnosis Does Not Define You

It’s important to remember:

  • A diagnosis is a tool not your identity.
  • It’s used to access care, not to limit you.
  • You have the right to know and ask questions about your diagnosis.

Your provider’s goal is to help you work on your symptoms, not to box you into a label.

What Happens After a Diagnosis?

After diagnosing, your therapist will create a treatment plan.
A treatment plan is simply a roadmap for what you’ll work on together to meet your goals.

  • Sometimes, you and your provider will create these goals together.
  • Other times, your provider will document them for insurance purposes without a formal review but you can always request to see your treatment plan at any time.

Why This Knowledge Matters

Knowing that a diagnosis is simply part of the process can help you feel safe seeking therapy.
There is nothing wrong with you for having a diagnosis. The diagnosis simply helps open the door to the care you need, and from there, you have the power to make meaningful change, step by step.

Here at Carolina Counseling Services in Fayetteville, NC, we are here to help you with your mental health needs. 

We have trained therapists and psychiatric medication management who are here ready to help you along the way. We accept Aetna, Aetna State Healthplan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, Tricare, and many of the Medicaid policies to include Alliance, Carolina Complete Health, Wellcare, Healthy Blue, and United Healthcare.

Give us a call and we are happy to help you.