💫 How to Use a Superbill for Therapy in California (Step-by-Step Guide + Thrizer Walkthrough)

If you’ve ever searched for “therapy superbill California” or “out-of-network reimbursement therapy,” you’re not alone. Many clients want to work with a therapist they truly connect with, but their preferred provider may not be “in-network.”

The good news? You can still use your insurance for partial reimbursement through a superbill.

At Mended Heart Family Counseling & Trauma Recovery Center, I help clients navigate this process all the time. Once you understand how it works, using a superbill can make therapy far more affordable than most people realize.

🌿 What Is a Superbill?

A superbill is a detailed receipt your therapist provides after each session. It lists all the information your insurance company needs to process an out-of-network (OON) claim, including:

✅ Your name and date of birth

✅ Therapist’s name, license number, and NPI

✅ Service date, CPT code (session type), and fee

✅ Diagnosis code (if applicable)

You submit the superbill to your insurance company, and they reimburse you directly, often by check or direct deposit.

Understanding how to properly use a therapy superbill California clients can submit to insurance makes the reimbursement process much smoother.

🪞 Step 1: Understand Out-of-Network Basics

Insurance companies categorize providers as in-network or out-of-network.

If your therapist is in-network, they bill your insurance directly.

If they’re out-of-network, you pay upfront and then file a claim for reimbursement using the superbill your therapist gives you.

Most PPO plans (Preferred Provider Organization) in California offer out-of-network benefits, but HMO and EPO plans usually don’t.

📞 Step 2: Verify Your OON Benefits

Before submitting your first superbill, call your insurance provider using the number on your card. You can say something like:

💬 “Hi, I’d like to verify my out-of-network mental health benefits. Could you tell me:

• What percentage is reimbursed for outpatient psychotherapy (CPT 90837)?

• What’s my out-of-network deductible and how much of it has been met?

• Is there a session limit or required authorization?

• How do I submit superbills, and where can I find the claim form?”

Take notes - they’ll often give you an online portal link for uploading superbills.

💰 Step 3: Understand Deductible Math

This part trips people up, but it’s simpler than it sounds.

Let’s say:

Your deductible = $1,000Reimbursement rate = 60% of $150 per session

You’ve paid $600 so far

You’ll need to spend a total of $1,000 out-of-pocket on therapy or other medical costs before your insurance starts reimbursing you.

After that, your insurer may begin sending you checks for about $90 per $150 session.

🧾 Step 4: How to File a Superbill

Once your therapist gives you a superbill (usually monthly), you can submit it:

⚙️ Through your insurer’s online portal

📬 By mailing it with their claim form

📠 Or via fax/email if they allow digital submissions

Each submission should include:

– The superbill PDF from your therapist

– The insurance claim form (usually downloadable from their site)

Reimbursements typically take 2–4 weeks, depending on the insurer.

⚡ Step 5: Let Your Therapist Handle It with Thrizer

If you don’t want to think about forms, claim numbers, or long hold times with insurance, Thrizer makes the entire process effortless - because your therapist handles it for you.

At Mended Heart Family Counseling & Trauma Recovery Center, I submit all Thrizer claims directly through my provider account.

Here’s what that means for you:

✨ You simply pay for your session as usual.

✨ I submit the superbill through Thrizer on your behalf.

✨ Thrizer securely files the claim with your insurance company.

When your reimbursement is processed, you can choose how to receive it:

– Direct deposit straight into your bank account, or

– A check mailed to you by your insurance company.

No paperwork. No waiting on hold. No stress.

Thrizer tracks your reimbursement status in real time, so you can see when funds are on the way.

This option lets you focus fully on your healing, while Thrizer and I handle the insurance side for you.

💡 FAQs & Common Pitfalls

Q: Can I use a superbill for telehealth sessions?

Yes! California law requires most PPOs to cover telehealth therapy the same as in-person care.

Q: What if my insurer denies my claim?

You can appeal the decision. Often, denials are due to missing information (like the CPT code or diagnosis), which your therapist can clarify.

Q: Do superbills apply to couples or family sessions?

Yes. Each superbill can include the relevant CPT code (like 90847 for family therapy) as long as the insurance policy covers it.

Q: Are diagnosis codes required?

Usually yes, because insurance companies won’t process claims without them. If you’re unsure, talk with your therapist about what’s appropriate.

Common mistakes to avoid:

🚫 Submitting before your deductible is met

🚫 Forgetting to sign your claim form

🚫 Uploading screenshots instead of the official PDF

🌸 Final Thoughts

Using a superbill isn’t as intimidating as it sounds - it’s simply a bridge between your therapist and your insurance company.

Whether you submit claims on your own or let your therapist handle it through Thrizer, you’re still investing in your mental health your way, with the freedom to choose the therapist who feels right for you.

If you’d like help understanding your superbill or verifying your out-of-network benefits, reach out through Mended Heart Family Counseling & Trauma Recovery Center. I’m happy to guide you through it.