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title: "Using Out-of-Network Benefits & Superbills | Sharon Meyers, LCSW"
description: "What out-of-network means, what a superbill is, what to ask your insurer, and the honest limits — a plain guide to paying for therapy in California."
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Guide

# Using Out-of-Network Benefits 

Insurance language around therapy is needlessly confusing, so here it is in plain terms. I am an out-of-network provider, which means I do not bill insurance companies directly. But depending on your plan, you may still be able to get a meaningful portion of your session fees reimbursed. Here is how that works.

## What Out-of-Network Means 

An in-network therapist has a contract with your insurance company and bills it directly. An out-of-network therapist does not — you pay the session fee yourself, and then, if your plan includes out-of-network benefits, you submit a claim for partial reimbursement.

Many PPO plans include these benefits; HMO plans generally do not. It is worth a phone call to find out which you have before assuming therapy is or is not affordable.

## What a Superbill Is 

A superbill is simply a detailed receipt for therapy — the document your insurer needs to process an out-of-network claim. It includes the dates of sessions, the codes they require, and my license information. You submit it, and any reimbursement your plan allows comes directly to you.

To make this easier, I work with a company that streamlines out-of-network claim submission and reimbursement, so the paperwork does not become a second job.

## What to Ask, and Honest Limits 

When you call your insurer, ask: Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits? What is my out-of-network deductible, and how much of it have I met? What percentage of the fee is reimbursed after that? Those three answers tell you most of what you need.

The honest limits: reimbursement is rarely the full fee, deductibles apply, and some plans cover nothing out of network. I also offer a sliding scale for eligible clients, so if cost is the barrier, please say so. Fees are payable by Zelle or credit card through a secure client portal, with autopay available.

## Related Reading

-   [Sliding Scale Therapy Read more → ](/guides/sliding-scale-therapy)
-   [Your Good Faith Estimate Read more → ](/guides/good-faith-estimate-explained)
-   [What to Expect in Your First Session Read more → ](/guides/what-to-expect-in-your-first-session)

Sharon Meyers is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering telehealth sessions to adults located anywhere in California.

In Case of Emergency

This website is for informational purposes only. This practice is not a crisis service. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please do not wait for a reply.

-   Call [911](tel:911) or go to your nearest emergency room if you are in immediate danger.
-   Call or text [988](tel:988) to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
-   Text HOME to [741741](sms:741741) to reach the Crisis Text Line.

## Cost questions are welcome, not awkward. 

Reach out for a free consultation and we can talk through the practical side.

[Schedule a Free Consultation](/begin-here)

### Sharon Meyers Therapy

LCSW #106887  
Online therapy throughout California  
Office located in Berkeley, CA

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