A superbill is a detailed receipt that a therapist provides to a client after a session. Unlike a simple invoice, it contains the specific information an insurance company needs to process an out-of-network reimbursement claim. For many clients — particularly those seeking specialized care like Gottman Method Couples Therapy, where trained therapists often practice outside of insurance networks — the superbill is what makes quality therapy financially accessible.
What Is a Superbill in Therapy?
In a therapy context, a superbill serves as the formal documentation that bridges the gap between an out-of-network provider and a client’s insurance plan. It tells the insurance company who provided the service, what the service was, why it was provided, and how much it cost.
Most insurance plans include out-of-network benefits that allow clients to recover 50 to 80 percent of the session fee — but only if the claim is submitted with the right documentation. The superbill is that documentation.
What Does a Superbill Look Like?
A properly prepared superbill typically includes the therapist’s full name, credentials, license number, National Provider Identifier (NPI), and tax identification number. It also includes the client’s name, date of birth, and insurance information, along with the date of service, the duration of the session, the CPT code (which identifies the type of service — for example, 90837 for a 53-minute individual psychotherapy session, or 90847 for family/couples therapy), the ICD-10 diagnosis code, and the fee charged.
Many clinical billing systems generate superbills automatically, though therapists in private practice may also use templates or create their own.
How Do Practitioners Create a Superbill?
For therapists, creating a superbill is straightforward once the required fields are in place. Most practice management platforms include superbill generation as a built-in feature. The therapist enters session details and the system populates the document with the correct codes and provider information.
For practitioners who don’t use an electronic health record systems (EHR), a superbill can be created using a simple template that includes all required fields. The key is accuracy: incorrect CPT or diagnosis codes are the most common reason insurance companies deny reimbursement claims.
A note for couples therapists: insurance reimbursement for couples therapy can be more complex than for individual therapy. Some plans require that the identified client carry a diagnosable mental health condition, and the CPT code must reflect the service accurately. Practitioners should be transparent with clients about what their plan is likely to cover.
How to Submit a Superbill to Insurance
Clients submit superbills directly to their insurance company — not to the therapist’s office. The process typically involves completing an out-of-network claim form (available from the insurer’s website or by phone), attaching the superbill, and mailing or uploading the documents. Some insurers now accept electronic submissions through member portals.
Most insurance companies require claims to be filed within 90 to 365 days of the date of service, so timely submission matters. Clients should also confirm their plan’s out-of-network benefits before beginning therapy, by calling the number on the back of their insurance card, and asking about mental health coverage, deductibles, session limits, and reimbursement rates.
Finding a Therapist Who Provides Superbills
Many Gottman-trained therapists operate as out-of-network providers and routinely provide superbills. The Gottman Referral Network is a free resource that connects clients with experienced clinicians trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy — and asking about superbills is a good question to include when reaching out to a potential therapist for the first time.
