Getting therapy is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. But when your therapist doesn’t take your insurance, it can feel confusing and stressful—especially when you’re trying to figure out how to get some money back. That’s where a superbill comes in.
A superbill is a special kind of receipt your therapist gives you after a session. You can send it to your insurance company to ask for reimbursement if your therapist is out-of-network. This helps you use your out-of-network benefits and makes it possible to keep seeing the therapist you trust—even if they don’t work directly with your insurance.
In this article, I’ll walk you through what is a superbill, how superbills work, and how they can help make therapy more affordable. My goal is to keep things simple, helpful, and easy to understand—because getting support for your mental health should never feel out of reach.
What Is a Superbill?
A superbill is a detailed receipt that your healthcare provider (in this case, your therapist) gives you after a session. It’s not just for your records—it’s meant to be sent to your insurance payer if you want to request reimbursement for therapy with an out-of-network provider.
This document includes important data like your name as the patient, the therapist’s information, the date of the session, what service was provided (with a special CPT code), a diagnosis code, and how much you paid. These details help your insurance company understand the procedure you received and decide if they’ll send you money back.
It’s helpful to remember that a superbill is not a bill asking you to pay. You’ve already paid your therapist. The superbill is for your use only—so you can upload it to your insurance portal, fax, mail, or send it electronically to request reimbursement for part of the cost.
When and Why Do You Need a Superbill?
You usually need a superbill when your therapist doesn’t work directly with your insurance—this is called being out-of-network. If you still want to use your insurance for reimbursement, you can ask your therapist to issue a superbill and send it to your insurance company.
A superbill is an itemized document that lists the services provided, diagnosis and procedure codes (like ICD-10 and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)), and the fee you paid for services. It also includes important details like the patient’s and provider’s information, including name, phone number, and appointment date. These details are required to submit a healthcare claim and request payment.
Using a superbill allows you to get paid back for therapy sessions you’ve already covered out of pocket. It’s a helpful way to lower your therapy costs without switching providers. And one of the best parts? You don’t have to stop working with a therapist you trust. A superbill makes it possible to stay with them and still use your insurance claim process to receive partial reimbursement.
What Does a Superbill Look Like? (And What Should Be Included?)
A superbill may look like a short form or a printed page, but it holds all the key details your insurance needs. It’s not fancy—but it’s packed with important info. Every therapist formats it a little differently, but the parts inside are usually the same.
Most superbills include your name and birth date, your therapist’s name, their license number, and their NPI (a special ID used in healthcare). You’ll also see the date of your session, the service code (like 90837 for a full session), a diagnosis code, and the amount you paid.
Before sending it to your insurance, take a quick look and make sure everything is there. If even one small part is missing, your insurance might reject the claim. If you’re unsure, ask your therapist to double-check it with you—most are happy to help!
How to Use a Superbill to File for Reimbursement
Once you’ve paid for a therapy session, you can ask your therapist for a superbill. Some therapists give one after each session, while others provide it monthly. Either way, make sure you’ve received it before trying to file with your insurance.
Next, log into your insurance company’s website or use a printed claim form. Most insurance providers have a place where you can upload or attach documents. Look for a section that says “Submit a Claim” or “Out-of-Network Reimbursement.”
Attach your superbill and fill out any needed details on the form. Double-check that the name, dates, and codes match what’s on your superbill. Then hit submit! The insurance company will review everything and let you know if they’ll send you a check or not.
Pro tip: Save your superbills, payment receipts, and claim submissions in one place—either in a folder or on your computer. It helps to keep track of what you’ve sent and what you’re still waiting to hear back on.
How a Superbill Helps You Save on Out-of-Network Therapy
Just because your therapist isn’t in your insurance network doesn’t mean you have to pay full price forever. A superbill gives you a way to still use your insurance benefits. It lets you ask for money back after you’ve already paid for your sessions.
If you’ve met your deductible (the amount you have to pay before insurance starts helping), your insurance may cover part of the cost. For example, if a session costs $150, your plan might give you back $60 or more. That’s money back in your pocket.
This means you can choose the therapist who’s the best fit for you, without worrying as much about cost. A superbill helps lower your total spending while giving you the freedom to stay with someone you trust.
Common Questions About Superbill and Insurance
How much will I get back?
That depends on your insurance plan. Some plans pay back a set percentage after you meet your deductible. It could be 50%, 70%, or even more. Call your insurance company and ask, “What’s the reimbursement rate for out-of-network therapy?”
Do all therapists provide superbills?
Most private practice therapists do, but it’s a good idea to ask during your first call or email. You can say, “Do you offer superbills for insurance reimbursement?” If they don’t, they may still help you find another option that works.
Is this the same as a regular receipt?
Not quite. A regular receipt may show the amount you paid, but a superbill has extra details—like diagnosis and service codes—that your insurance needs. It’s made specifically for insurance use, and that’s what helps you get reimbursed.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Out-of-Network Benefits
Before you begin therapy, it helps to call your insurance company and ask a few simple questions. You can say, “Do you cover out-of-network mental health?” or “What’s the reimbursement rate for therapy?” You can also ask, “Do I need pre-approval before starting?” These answers will help you plan ahead.
Next, talk with your therapist. Ask if they provide superbills and if they’ve worked with out-of-network clients before. You can also check if they offer a sliding scale—this means they may lower the cost based on your income or insurance coverage.
Keep everything organized—save your superbills, receipts, and emails in one place. If you ever feel stuck or unsure, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your therapist and insurance provider can help guide you through the process, one step at a time.
Final Thoughts
Using a superbill may feel confusing at first, but it’s a helpful tool that can make therapy more affordable. It gives you a way to use your insurance—even if your therapist isn’t in-network. Many people use superbills every day to get money back for the care they’ve already paid for.
If you’re unsure where to start, it’s okay to ask questions. Talk to your therapist or call your insurance company. You deserve support, and understanding your options is part of taking care of your mental health. If you’re thinking about starting therapy and need help with this process, I’d be happy to guide you.
Until next time,
