How to Use Out-of-Network Insurance for Therapy: A Step-by-Step Guide
By Marianna Babiolakis, AMFT #134136, PMH-C
Supervised by Dani Salzer, LMFT #102811
Serving Campbell, San Jose, and clients throughout California via telehealth
Navigating health insurance - especially when it comes to mental health - can be confusing and frustrating. If you're working with a therapist who is out-of-network (like me), you might still be able to get partially reimbursed for your therapy sessions. Here's a simple guide to help you understand and use your out-of-network insurance benefits for therapy.
🧾 What Is a Superbill?
A superbill is a detailed receipt provided at the end of each month that includes:
Dates you attended therapy
Session fees
Diagnosis code (required by insurance)
Provider information
You can submit this superbill to your insurance company if your plan includes out-of-network mental health coverage. Each plan is different, so it's important to call your insurance provider and ask the right questions.
📞 Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company
Before submitting your superbill, call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask the following:
What are my out-of-network mental health benefits for outpatient therapy?
What percentage of each session will be reimbursed?
(This is usually 50–80% after your deductible is met.)Do I need to meet a deductible before reimbursement starts?
If yes, ask:What’s my deductible?
How much of it have I already met this year?
Are there limits to the number of sessions or reimbursement rates?
(Some plans cap the number of reimbursable sessions or limit how much they'll pay per session.)Do I need a referral from my primary care physician?
What is the process for submitting a superbill?
(Email? Online portal? Mail?)How long will it take to receive reimbursement, and how will I get it?
(Check, direct deposit, or credit to your insurance account?)
💡 Pro Tips for Out-of-Network Reimbursement
Track your submissions so you know what's been paid and what's still pending.
Use your HSA or FSA account if available. Therapy is usually an eligible expense.
Submit monthly to stay on top of it - some insurance companies have a deadline (e.g., 90 days from the session date).
🧠 Why It’s Worth It
Even if your therapist is out-of-network, many clients find that with partial reimbursement, therapy becomes more affordable than they expected. It’s a little extra legwork up front, but you can often recover a significant portion of your investment in your mental health.
As a therapist, I believe your emotional well-being matters - and that includes helping you navigate the logistics of getting the care you deserve.
📍 Therapy in Campbell & Across California
I offer EMDR and specialized perinatal therapy for parents in Campbell, Los Gatos, San Jose, and throughout California via telehealth.
If you have questions about this process, don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m happy to walk you through it.
