OUT-OF-NETWORK BENEFITS

Your insurance may still cover part of your therapy.

Many insurance plans offer reimbursement for out-of-network therapy, which can make ongoing support more affordable.

Every plan is different, and the process isn't always straightforward. Here's what to ask, how reimbursement works, and what to expect—so you can get a clear answer about your coverage.

Questions to Ask Your Insurance Company

Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask about out-of-network mental health benefits. You don't need to know the insurance jargon. That's their job.

  1. Do I have out-of-network outpatient mental health benefits?

  2. Is there an out-of-network deductible, and how much of it have I met?

  3. After the deductible, what percentage do you reimburse?

  4. Is that percentage based on my therapist's fee or on your "allowed amount"? (This is the one that surprises people.)

  5. Is there a limit on the number of sessions per year?

  6. Do I need pre-authorization or a referral?

  7. Are online sessions covered the same as in-person ones?

  8. Do you reimburse a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in another state?

  9. For couples therapy: is it covered, and does it require a diagnosis for one partner? (Many plans only cover it that way.)

  10. How do I submit claims, and what's the deadline?

  11. Can you help me? Yes. If you'd rather not make this call alone, I can help you work through your benefits.

How Reimbursement works

You pay for your sessions at the time of service. I'll provide a superbill—an itemized receipt with the information your insurance company typically needs to review an out-of-network claim.

You submit the superbill to your insurance company. They'll review it according to your plan's benefits and determine whether you're eligible for reimbursement.

If your claim is approved, reimbursement goes directly to you.

Want Help Checking?

You may have out-of-network benefits you haven't used. Rather than spend your afternoon on hold, you can check your estimated coverage online.

Use the free Mentaya benefits checker to see what your plan covers and estimate how much you could get back. It takes about a minute. No commitment to book. Just a little more clarity.


Ready to Start?

Book a free 15-minute consultation. We'll talk about what's bringing you to therapy, what you're looking for, and whether working together makes sense.

You can bring your insurance questions, too.