Payment & Insurance Reimbursement

What is a Superbill?

A Superbill is a detailed, itemized receipt for healthcare services that contains all the necessary information, such as diagnostic and procedure codes, that insurance companies require to process out-of-network claims.

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How It Works

1. You Pay Upfront: You pay your provider directly at the time of service.

2. Get the Superbill: The provider gives you a superbill. Cypress Counseling provides superbills on a monthly basis through your secure Client Portal.

3. Submit It to Insurance: Submit the superbill AND proof of your payment (e.g., payment receipt with Cypress Counseling) directly to your health insurance company as a claim. If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, your insurance will process the claim and mail you a reimbursement check (or apply the amount toward your out-of-network deductible).

4. Reimbursement: If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, your insurance will process the claim and mail you a reimbursement check (or apply the amount toward your out-of-network deductible).

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How to Check If You Have Out-of-Network Insurance Benefits

Call the Member Services phone number on the back of your insurance card and ask the representative the following questions:

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1. Coverage Verification: 

"Does my current plan include out-of-network benefits for outpatient behavioral/mental health services?" 

2. Deductible Details: 

"Do I have a separate out-of-network deductible? If so, what is the amount, and how much of it have I met so far this year?"​

3. Reimbursement Rates: 

"Once my deductible is met, what percentage of the allowed amount do you reimburse for individual therapy?"  If they inquire about specific Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, see the quick reference below. *Codes are subject to change.*

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                                  Mental Health CPT Codes Quick Reference

    Base      Add-On                         Primary                                              Typical Session

    Code       Code                           Service                                                 Time Range

    90791          —            Initial Intake/Diagnostic Assessment                           60–90+ mins

    90832         —            Brief Individual Psychotherapy                                       16–37 mins

    90834         —            Standard Individual Psychotherapy                                38–52 mins

    90837         —            Extended Individual Psychotherapy                              53–60+ mins

    90847         —            Couples/Family Psychotherapy (Patient Present)                     ~50 mins

    90847     +99417         Couples/Family Psychotherapy (Patient Present)      ~75 mins  (~50 min + 15 mins)

    90847     +99417 ×2     Couples / Family Psychotherapy (Patient Present)    ~90 mins (~50 min + 15mins) 

    90853         —            Group Psychotherapy                                                   ~45–90 mins

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      —         +99417         Prolonged outpatient evaluation &                   -Billed per 15-minute increments

                                      management/psychotherapy service(s)              beyond base session time 

      —         +90785        Interactive Complexity                                      -Billed when specific external/                                                                                                                                     clinical dynamics complicate                                                                                                                                     session delivery

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4. Pre-Authorization Requirements:

"Do I need pre-authorization, a referral, or a formal diagnosis code to submit out-of-network claims?​" If so, ask them to give you detailed directions on how to do so.

5. Submission Process:

"How should I submit my superbill for reimbursement (online portal, mail, or fax)?" "What is the timely filing deadline for submitting out-of-network claims?" "How are reimbursements sent (mailed check or direct deposit), and how long does processing usually take?"  Once you have these answers, follow your insurer's submission guidelines and include both your superbill and proof of payment (such as your receipt from Cypress Counseling).

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