All About Superbills: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been exploring therapy options, you may have come across the term superbill and wondered, “What even is that?” Don’t worry — you’re definitely not alone. Let’s break it down in plain, simple language so you know exactly what to expect.
What is a superbill?
A superbill is basically a fancy receipt for therapy. Unlike a regular invoice, a superbill has all the information your insurance company needs to (potentially) reimburse you for sessions. It includes things like:
Your name and basic information
Your therapists name, credentials, and practice information
The date(s) of your session(s)
The type of session (with a CPT code)
A mental health diagnosis (with an ICD-10 code)
The fee charged and what you paid
Here’s the key: a superbill does not include any notes from what you and your therapist talked about during your session. Your privacy is still protected.
How does it work?
If you’re paying out of pocket, you can request a superbill from your therapist. You’ll then submit it directly to your insurance company. Most times, this can be done electronically through an app or member portal. If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, they may reimburse you for part (or sometimes all) of the cost of therapy.
Every insurance company works a little differently — some reimburse quickly, some take weeks, and some, unfortunately, don’t reimburse at all.
The upsides of using a superbill
You have more freedom to choose your therapist instead of being limited to your insurance’s network. Maybe the providers who are “in-network” don’t have availability for months, maybe they don’t specialize in what you’re struggling with, or maybe you just don’t click with them. When you pay out of pocket and use a superbill for potential reimbursement, you’re no longer stuck with that short list. Instead, you get to pick a therapist who feels like the right fit for you.
Your privacy is maintained. Superbills only contain the administrative/billing info insurance needs (dates, CPT codes, diagnosis codes, fees, etc.). Your personal session content, what you shared in therapy, and your therapist’s progress notes are completely private and never shared with insurance through a superbill. A superbill is basically a receipt, not a diary.
You may get some of your therapy costs back. For many people, this can make private pay therapy much more affordable in the long run. Think of it like getting a partial refund for investing in your mental health.
The potential downsides
It’s important to know that using a superbill does come with some strings attached:
A diagnosis is required. To submit to insurance, your therapist has to include a mental health diagnosis code. For some clients, this isn’t an issue, but for others, it feels uncomfortable to have that permanently on their medical record.
Insurance sets the rules. Once insurance is involved, they decide how much they’ll reimburse, how often you can come, and which diagnoses they’ll cover (and for how long).
Reimbursement isn’t guaranteed. Even if you submit everything correctly, some clients find that their plan reimburses very little — or not at all.
Privacy considerations. While your therapy notes remain 100% private, your insurance company will see your diagnosis and treatment codes.
What if private pay isn’t realistic?
For many clients, private pay is a worthwhile investment because it means more privacy, flexibility, and control over their therapy. However, private pay just isn’t possible for everyone. That’s why many therapists (myself included) offer a sliding scale (reduced fees based on financial need) so more people can access therapy without the added stress of insurance barriers.
The bottom line
Superbills can be a great option if you want to work with a therapist who isn’t in-network, but still want the chance to use your insurance benefits. They come with both perks and limitations, so it’s all about figuring out what works best for you.
If you’re curious about whether your plan offers reimbursement for out-of-network therapy, I always encourage clients to call their insurance company directly and ask. And if you’re still unsure, I’m happy to walk you through it and help you explore your options.
💡 At Morrow Therapeutics, I provide superbills for clients upon request. Understanding how they work can make accessing consistent, personalized care easier and more manageable.