text: how can families be offered counseling if a third-party (i.e. insurance) won't pay? if the family of an addict needs to be present for that addict to get treatment, but a third-party won't pay for that treatment, how would the couselor be able to get the family involved? first of all, when a counselor or treatment center is treating an addict and they involve the family in the treatment, i've never heard of them billing the family.  it is considered part of the treatment of the addict.  however, if there is a particular counselor who wants to be paid separately from what he or she is being paid from the insurance company for treating the addicted person, they should be willing to make payment arrangements with the family members (and make sure they aren't charging you too much - i would have to know what college degree the counselor has to give you some idea - but the most a phd counselor gets from an insurance company is usually around $100 for a 50-minute session - no matter who is there).  i hope this helped a little.  whenever you are "paying privately" (i.e. not through insurance), doctors, dentists, counselors, etc. offer what they call a "sliding fee scale," if you cannot afford their rates.  this is usually based on how much you can afford to pay and you reach a written agreement before services are provided.  take care...