What Is a Superbill? A Guide to Out-of-Network Reimbursement for Therapy
For many people, navigating insurance coverage for mental health can feel overwhelming. Deciding to seek therapy is hard enough. Finding a therapist who accepts your insurance, has availability and feels like the right fit can feel nearly impossible, especially when you’re already experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety.
And yet, many individuals have more options than they realize, as plans often offer out-of-network benefits that will partially reimburse the cost of care outside an insurance network. Choosing an out-of-network therapist doesn’t have to feel financially impossible and it can have many benefits.
If your therapist is considered “out of network” with your insurance plan, you may have heard the term superbill come up. What exactly is a superbill, and how can it help you get reimbursed for therapy costs?
What Is a Superbill?
A superbill is essentially a detailed receipt for therapy services. Unlike a standard invoice, a superbill includes all the information your insurance company needs to consider reimbursing you for sessions you’ve already paid for out of pocket.
A superbill typically includes:
Your therapist’s information (name, credentials, NPI number, tax ID)
Your name and date(s) of service
Type of service (for example, individual psychotherapy)
A CPT code (the billing code insurance companies use for services)
The fee charged and payment made
A diagnosis code
It’s important to note: a superbill is not a guarantee of reimbursement. It simply provides the documentation your insurance company requires to process your claim. Always verify your out-of-network benefits with your insurance company so you know what to expect in regard to reimbursement.
How to Check Your Out-of-Network Benefits
To start leveraging out-of-network coverage, take a look at the benefits guide for your insurance plan or give the support number on the back of your insurance card a call to get an understanding of your plan, whether you have out-of-network coverage and how to access it.
Here are some questions you can ask on a call with your insurance company:
Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health therapy?
What is my deductible, and how much of it has been met?
After I meet my deductible, what percentage of the therapy session cost will be reimbursed?
Do you require pre-authorization for therapy sessions?
How do I submit a superbill for reimbursement, and is there a specific form I need to include?
How long does reimbursement typically take once I submit a claim?
Taking a few minutes to gather this information can save frustration later and help you make an informed decision about using your benefits.
Once you understand your benefits, talk with your therapist, or prospective therapist, about whether they can provide you with superbills.
How to Submit a Superbill
Once you have a superbill from your therapist, the process usually looks like this:
Complete your insurance company’s claim form (often available on their website).
Attach the superbill from your therapist.
Submit the documents through your insurance company’s online portal, by mail, or by fax (depending on their requirements).
Wait for processing. Insurance companies typically take a few weeks to review claims and issue reimbursement.
If your claim is approved, you’ll receive a check or direct deposit for the covered portion of your therapy session costs, depending on your insurance plan.
There are also services, like Mentaya, that will submit superbill claims on your behalf in exchange for a portion of the reimbursement rate.
Why Superbill Reimbursement Matters
Mental health care is an investment in your well-being, and superbills give you the opportunity to offset the cost of therapy even if your therapist is not in-network. While the process can feel a little administrative at first, many clients find that submitting superbills becomes easier with practice—and the financial relief can make ongoing therapy more sustainable.
Going out-of-network for therapy can give you access to a wider pool of clinicians who may have specific specializations or availability that better serves your needs.
Takeaway: A superbill is a tool that allows you to seek partial reimbursement from your insurance company for therapy with an out-of-network provider. By checking your benefits, asking the right questions, and submitting claims regularly, you can reduce your out-of-pocket costs while continuing to work with the therapist who feels like the best fit for you.
If you’re looking for therapists in Pleasant Hill who provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement, know that many local providers (myself included) are happy to guide you through the process so you can access the support you need.
