If you’re paying privately for therapy, you might still have access to out-of-network insurance benefits. It’s a detail many clients don’t realize at first — and when they do, they often hear an unfamiliar word: superbill.
A superbill is simply a receipt with clinical details. It doesn’t mean more paperwork for your therapist. It doesn’t lock you into a new system. It’s just a tool — and in many cases, it can help you get a portion of your session fees reimbursed by your insurance.
What a Superbill Is — and Why It Matters
A superbill is a formal receipt your therapist provides after you’ve paid for sessions. It’s used to submit a claim to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement.
Each superbill includes:
- Your full name and identifying info
- Your therapist’s license number and NPI
- Dates and length of sessions
- CPT codes (describing the service)
- A diagnosis code (if one applies)
- The fee you paid for each session
This document allows your insurance company to process your sessions under your out-of-network benefits, if your plan includes them.
How to Submit a Superbill for Reimbursement
1. Contact Your Insurance Provider
Before submitting anything, call your insurer. Ask the following:
- Do I have out-of-network benefits for mental health services?
- What is my deductible, and how much of it have I met?
- What percentage of my session fee is reimbursed once I meet the deductible?
- Do I need prior authorization?
- How do I submit a superbill?
2. Request Your Superbill
At Rose + Thorn Counseling, we provide superbills upon request. Not every client uses insurance or benefits from submitting claims, so we don’t issue them automatically. If you’d like one, just ask — we’re glad to provide it.
3. Submit Your Claim
Most insurance companies allow submission through a secure portal. Others may require a downloadable form to accompany the superbill. Keep a copy for your records in case you need to resubmit.
4. Wait for Reimbursement
If your claim is approved, your insurer will reimburse you directly. Timing varies — most clients see reimbursements within 2–4 weeks.
Reimbursement isn’t guaranteed, but for those with out-of-network coverage, it can reduce the financial weight of therapy over time.
What Happens If There’s No Diagnosis Code?
Most insurance companies require a diagnosis code in order to reimburse for therapy. This is their way of determining whether care is “medically necessary.”
At Rose + Thorn, we only include a diagnosis if it’s clinically appropriate. If your care doesn’t require a formal diagnosis, it may not be listed — and your insurer may deny the claim as a result.
That doesn’t mean your needs aren’t valid. It simply means your care may not fit neatly within insurance guidelines — and for many clients, that’s part of the reason they choose private pay therapy in the first place.
Can I Use an HSA or FSA Instead?
Yes. Most Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow you to use pre-tax dollars for therapy, regardless of diagnosis or reimbursement eligibility. This is often the most straightforward option for clients who don’t plan to submit to insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions on Superbills
Will insurance reimburse for couples therapy?
Sometimes — if one partner has a mental health diagnosis and the care is considered medically necessary. This varies by plan.
What if my plan doesn’t include out-of-network benefits?
Some plans (especially HMOs) don’t offer them. In this case, superbill reimbursement won’t be an option — but HSA/FSA funds or flexible session pacing may still help make therapy manageable.
Is the reimbursement guaranteed?
No. Reimbursement depends on your individual coverage, deductible status, and whether a diagnosis is included. But submitting a superbill is the only way to access that potential benefit.
Final Thoughts
Submitting a superbill doesn’t make therapy impersonal. In fact, it’s one way to preserve your freedom to choose a therapist who fits — even if they’re out of network.
For many clients, reimbursement makes private pay therapy more sustainable, without compromising the privacy, flexibility, or quality of care they’ve chosen. And if you’re unsure how it all works, we’re here to help you sort it out