Empowering you to make the most of your benefits and understand your options for paying for therapy.

Understanding Insurance & Payment Options

Using Out-of-Network Insurance Benefits

Even though I’m not an in-network provider, many clients are able to receive partial reimbursement for therapy through their insurance company’s out-of-network (OON) benefits.

Here is a simple guide to help you understand how this process works and how to check your coverage.

Step 1: Call Your Insurance Company

You can usually find the Member Services or Behavioral Health number on the back of your insurance card. When you call, let them know you’d like to verify your out-of-network mental health benefits for outpatient psychotherapy.

Here are some helpful questions to ask:

Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health therapy?
What percentage of the session fee will be reimbursed
What is my out-of-network deductible, and how much of it have I met this year?
How do I submit claims for reimbursement (online portal, fax, or mail)?
Do I need preauthorization or a referral from my primary care provider?
Is there a limit to the number of sessions covered per year?
What documentation do you need to process reimbursement? (They’ll usually say a superbill)
💡Tip: Write down the date of your call, the name of the representative, and a reference number for your records.

Step 2: Submitting a Superbill

A superbill is an itemized receipt that includes all the details your insurance company needs to process your claim. You’ll receive these automatically through your secure client portal - either after each session or monthly, depending on your preference.

Each superbill includes:

Your name and date of birth
Date and length of session
CPT code (e.g., 90837 - Individual Therapy, 50 min)
Diagnosis code (required by insurance for reimbursement)
My credentials, license number, and NPI
The fee charged and amount paid

Most insurance providers allow you to submit superbills directly through their member portal or mobile apps.

Step 3: Understanding Common Terms

Deductible: The amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance starts reimbursing you.

Coinsurance: The percentage you pay after your deductible is met (e.g., you pay 30%, insurance pays 70%).

Allowed Amount: The maximum fee your insurance company considers “reasonable” - reimbursement is based on this amount, not necessarily the full session fee.

Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Once you reach this total yearly amount, insurance covers 100% of eligible services.

Step 4: What to Expect

You’ll pay for each session at the time of service.
I’ll provide your superbill so you can submit it to your insurance.
Your insurance company will review your claim and, if approved, reimburse you directly.
Reimbursement is typically received within 2-6 weeks, depending on your insurer

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and client convenience only.

While I’m happy to provide superbills and general guidance, I cannot guarantee that you will receive reimbursement from your insurance company. Coverage, reimbursement amounts, and eligibility vary by plan and provider. Please contact your company directly to confirm your benefits and reimbursement options.

Using HSA & FSA Cards for Therapy

Flexible, tax-advantaged ways to pay for your mental-health care.

What are HSA & FSA Cards?

HSA (Health Savings Account): A personal account you or your employer fund to pay for qualified medical expenses with pre-tax dollars

FSA (Flexible Spending Account): A similar employer-sponsored account that lets you set aside pre-tax income for health-related costs within a plan year.

Both can typically be used to pay for mental health services, including psychotherapy, when provided by a licensed clinician.

Why Use an HSA or FSA for Therapy?

You can pay for sessions tax-free, reducing your overall health-care costs.
It’s often simpler than reimbursement - funds are drawn directly from your account at the time of payment.
Many clients use these cards to budget for ongoing self-care or therapy goals throughout the year.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before using your card:

Call the number on the back of your HSA/FSA card or check your plan’s online portal.
Ask:
- Are outpatient psychotherapy sessions with a licensed psychologist covered as an eligible medical expense?"
- Do I need to submit documentation, such as an invoice or superbill?
- Are there spending limits or categories for mental health services?
💡Tip: Keep any written confirmation or emails from your HSA/FSA provider for your records.

Step 2: Paying for Sessions

You can use your HSA/FSA card just like a debit card when paying for your session.
If your provider declines the charge (some cards restrict by merchant type), simply pay with another card and request a receipt to submit manually for reimbursement.
Your superbill can also serve as documentation if your HSA/FSA administrator requests proof of service.

Step 3: Submitting Documentation (if required)

Some plans may ask for documentation showing:

The date and type of service (e.g., psychotherapy, 50 min session)
The provider’s name, credentials, and license number
The amount paid

All of this information is already included on your superbill or session receipt.