Out-of-Network Therapy and Superbills: How Reimbursement Works

What is a superbill?

A superbill is a detailed receipt that includes the information your insurance company needs to process an out-of-network claim: the clinician's license number, the date of service, the service code, the diagnosis code, and the fee paid. After each session, we provide a superbill you can submit to your insurer.

How does out-of-network reimbursement work?

You pay the session fee directly to Third Street Counseling. Then you submit the superbill to your insurance company. If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, your insurer reimburses you for a percentage of the fee after you meet your out-of-network deductible. The amount varies by plan.

What questions should I ask my insurer before starting?

Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask:

• What is my out-of-network deductible for outpatient mental health?
• What percentage of the session fee is reimbursed after I meet that deductible?
• Is telehealth covered under my out-of-network benefit, or only in-person sessions?
• Do I need pre-authorization or a referral to use out-of-network benefits?
• Is there a session limit per year for outpatient mental health?

Write down what they tell you, including the name of the representative. This helps you estimate your actual cost per session.

Why is Third Street Counseling out of network?

Being out of network lets us keep session lengths, treatment decisions, and clinician matching in our own hands rather than an insurer's. We do not have to justify the number of sessions to a third party. If you want to learn more, see our FAQ page or reach out for a free consult.

What if I have an HSA or FSA?

Many clients use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for therapy sessions. Because therapy is a qualified medical expense, you can typically use these funds for out-of-network care. Check with your plan administrator to confirm.

Reviewed by David Lindquist, LMFT