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What Is a Superbill?

Your therapist doesn't take your insurance — but you might still get money back. Here's how.

A superbill is a detailed receipt your therapist gives you after a session. You submit it to your insurance company, and they may reimburse you for part of the cost — even though your therapist isn't in their network.

Many people assume that if a therapist doesn't accept their insurance, they're paying the full fee with no help. That's often not true. If your insurance plan includes out-of-network benefits, a superbill is how you access them.

Not every therapist provides superbills, and not every insurance plan reimburses for them. But when both line up, it can make private-pay therapy significantly more affordable.

How superbill reimbursement works

The process is straightforward once you know the steps.

1

You pay your therapist directly

You attend your session and pay the therapist's full fee at the time of service, just like you normally would with a private-pay therapist.

2

Your therapist provides a superbill

After the session (or at the end of each month), your therapist gives you a superbill — a document with all the information your insurance company needs to process a claim.

3

You submit the superbill to your insurance

You send the superbill to your insurance company. Most insurers let you submit claims online, by email, or through their app. Some therapists use services that automate this step for you.

4

Your insurance reimburses you

If your plan covers out-of-network mental health services, your insurer sends you a check or direct deposit for a portion of the session fee. How much depends on your plan's out-of-network benefits, your deductible, and their "usual and customary" rate for your area.

What's on a superbill

A superbill includes the specific details your insurance company needs to process your claim. Your therapist generates this — you don't need to create it yourself.

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Therapist's information — name, credentials, license number, tax ID (NPI number), and practice address
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Your information — your name, date of birth, and insurance details
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Date of service — when each session took place
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CPT code — a standardized billing code that describes the type of session (for example, 90837 is a 53–60 minute individual therapy session)
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Diagnosis code — an ICD-10 code for the condition being treated (for example, F41.1 for generalized anxiety disorder)
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Fee charged — what you paid for the session

Before you count on reimbursement

Superbill reimbursement depends on your specific insurance plan. Before assuming you'll get money back, it's worth checking a few things.

Check your out-of-network benefits

Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask: "Does my plan cover out-of-network mental health providers?" Not all plans do. If yours doesn't, a superbill won't help.

Ask about your deductible

Many plans require you to meet an out-of-network deductible before reimbursement kicks in. This can be anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year.

Understand your reimbursement rate

Your plan will reimburse a percentage of what they consider a "usual and customary" fee — not necessarily what your therapist charges. Ask your insurer: "What is your allowed amount for CPT code 90837?"

Ask your therapist

Your therapist can often help you understand the process and may already have experience navigating your specific insurer. Some use billing services that submit claims on your behalf.

A note on diagnosis codes. A superbill includes a clinical diagnosis because insurance companies require one to process a claim. If you have questions or concerns about what diagnosis your therapist would use, that's a conversation worth having with them directly — a good therapist will be transparent about it.

Common questions

Why doesn't my therapist just bill my insurance directly?
Many therapists choose not to join insurance panels for a variety of reasons — low reimbursement rates, administrative burden, or concerns about insurance companies influencing clinical decisions (like limiting the number of sessions). Offering superbills lets them stay independent while still helping you access your benefits.
How much will I actually get back?
It varies widely. Some people get back 50–80% of the session fee, while others get less depending on their plan's out-of-network rates and deductible. The only way to know for sure is to call your insurance company and ask about your specific plan.
Do all therapists provide superbills?
No. Some private-pay therapists provide superbills as a standard part of their practice, while others don't. On Feel Validated, therapists who offer superbills have it noted on their profile so you know before reaching out.
Is using a superbill the same as using insurance?
Not exactly. When you use in-network insurance, your therapist bills the insurance company directly and you pay a copay. With a superbill, you pay the therapist directly and then seek reimbursement from your insurance yourself. You have more control over your care, but you're also managing the paperwork.
Can I use a superbill with an HSA or FSA?
Yes — therapy sessions with a licensed mental health provider are generally eligible expenses for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). The superbill serves as your documentation. Check with your plan administrator for specifics.

Find a therapist who offers superbills

On Feel Validated, therapists who provide superbills have it marked on their profile — so you can factor it in from the start.

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