Superbill
A superbill is an itemized receipt from your therapist containing the diagnostic and procedure codes an insurance company needs. If you see an out-of-network therapist and your plan includes out-of-network benefits, you submit the superbill to your insurer for partial reimbursement of what you paid.
It is paperwork with one job: translating your session into insurance language. A superbill lists the provider’s credentials and tax identifiers, the dates and service codes for each session, the fee paid, and a diagnosis code. You typically submit it through your insurer’s member portal, and reimbursement follows your plan’s out-of-network terms.
Practices that support out-of-network clients, ours included, generate superbills routinely on request. The related mechanics, deductibles, reimbursement rates, and the questions to ask your insurer, are covered on our rates and insurance page.
Common questions
Does a superbill guarantee reimbursement?
No. Reimbursement depends on your plan having out-of-network mental health benefits, your OON deductible status, and the plan’s allowed amounts. One phone call to your insurer before starting tells you what to expect.
Does using a superbill put a diagnosis on my record?
Yes; insurers require a diagnosis code to reimburse, the same as with in-network billing. If keeping a diagnosis entirely off insurance records matters to you, self-pay without submitting claims is the alternative, and you can decide either way.
Related terms
Want to talk it through with a person?
A free 15-minute call is an easy way to ask how any of this applies to you.