Can’t Afford Your Therapist’s Full Fee? You May Still Be Able to Use Your Insurance.

You finally found a therapist who gets you, is taking new clients, and has openings that fit your schedule—only to find out they don’t take your insurance. And if you’re a college student or in your first job, paying $150–$200+ out of pocket every week may simply not be realistic. So now what? Start your therapist search all over again?

Maybe not.

Many therapists in private practice don’t accept insurance for several important reasons. First, insurance companies often pay therapists much less than their private-pay rate. Second, insurance companies can deny a claim if they decide that the treatment isn’t medically necessary or doesn’t meet their guidelines. And then there’s privacy. When you use insurance, your insurance company may require information about your diagnosis and treatment to pay for therapy. In some situations, they can also request additional records or documentation. That can create a lot of extra work for your therapist—and it means that decisions about your therapy aren't based on what you and your therapist think will help you.

Instead, many private-practice therapists ask clients to pay them directly and then use their out-of-network insurance benefits to get reimbursed. This allows your therapist to focus on you and what you need, rather than on insurance rules.

Can I Get Reimbursed?

Yes! Many insurance plans offer out-of-network benefits, and some clients are able to get a significant portion of their therapy costs reimbursed.

Here's how it works:

• Your insurance may reimburse you for a percentage of the cost of therapy—often around 55–70%—after you meet your out-of-network deductible. Your actual benefit depends on your specific plan.

• Some plans from UnitedHealthcare/Optum, Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Aetna offer out-of-network reimbursement in that range. Cigna reimbursement can be lower.

• Before you start therapy with the awesome therapist you found, call your insurance company and ask about your out-of-network mental health benefits. Ask them specifically: “If I see an out-of-network therapist for a 53-minute psychotherapy session, how much will my insurance reimburse me?”

That last question is important. Don't just ask whether you have out-of-network benefits. Ask them for an actual dollar amount.

How Do I Get Reimbursed?

Your therapist can make the process pretty easy.

1. Your therapist gives you a superbill.

A superbill is basically a receipt for therapy that includes the information your insurance company needs to process your claim.

Your therapist can provide you with an insurance-friendly superbill with the appropriate codes and information.

2. You submit it to your insurance company.

You can usually submit your superbill through your insurance company's website or app. Some therapists' billing systems can also help with this process.

Many people submit their superbills once a month. Others save them up and submit several at once.

Just be sure to follow your insurance company's rules and deadlines.

3. Your insurance company reimburses you.

Once your claim is processed, your insurance company will send the reimbursement directly to you—usually by check or electronic payment.

It often takes 2–4 weeks, although timing varies by insurance company and plan.

What If My Claim Is Denied?

Don't panic.

If your insurance company denies your claim, find out why before giving up. Sometimes the superbill simply needs additional information or a correction. Your therapist may be able to help you understand what information is missing and provide an updated superbill.

And if you're doing this for the first time, ask your therapist for help. They want to make sure you can get the help you need. Insurance can feel confusing, especially when you're already juggling college, work, relationships, and everything else that comes with being an adult. Many therapists are happy to walk you through the process the first time.

Don't assume that because your therapist doesn't take insurance, you can't afford to work with them. It may be worth making one phone call to your insurance company to find out what your plan covers.