Therapy is an investment you make in your mental health, your wellbeing, and your relationships. Providing the highest quality care is our top priority for clients at By Your Side Counseling Services, LLC. By seeing an out-of-network provider, this gives you the opportunity to choose your provider based on what is best suited to your needs, and not what your insurance company is limiting you to.

How do I use my insurance with By Your Side Counseling Services, LLC?

At this time, we do not accept any insurance meaning you would pay us directly for counseling services and your card on file is charged after each session. We are considered an “out-of-network provider” and will provide you with a document called a “superbill” that you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. If you are hoping to be reimbursed for counseling services, we encourage you to call your insurance directly to inquire about your out of network coverage before beginning services with By Your Side Counseling Services, LLC. Please keep in mind that if you would prefer to find an in-network provider, we will assist you in that referral at any time. 

What questions should I ask my insurance before starting services with  By Your Side Counseling Services, LLC if I want to use my insurance?

Call the number on the back of your health insurance card and ask for “member services.” Be sure to ask these questions to verify out-of-network coverage:

• Do I have out-of-network coverage for mental health services?

• What is my yearly deductible? Has it been met or how much more until my deductible is met?

• How many sessions per year does my plan cover?

• How much does my insurance plan reimburse for an out-of-network provider for psychotherapy CPT codes 90791, 90837, and 90847? 

• How do I submit a super bill? Is there an online portal or do I have to mail or fax a copy?

• What is the time limit to submit a super bill? 

What is a superbill? 

A superbill is a document, like an invoice or receipt, that outlines the services you received with your therapist. It is generated by our electronic health system and sent to you automatically on the 1st of every month. It must include the following information in order to be considered for reimbursement: 

• Client name, address, and date of birth 

• Therapist name, phone number, and email

• Therapist Tax ID and National Provider Identifier (NPI)

• Statement number and date issued to client 

• A diagnosis and diagnosis code 

• Service type, date, and code for reimbursement 

• The fees that you paid 

What are some points to consider before I decide to submit a superbill to my insurance?

When exploring your options for reimbursement, keep these points in mind:

Reimbursement requires a diagnosis - a superbill, just like any other paperwork submitted to insurance for reimbursement, requires a clinical diagnosis as classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5-TR) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Examples of diagnoses and their codes can include: 

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (F41.1)

• Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood (F43.23)

• Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate (F33.1)

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (F43.10)

• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, combined type (F90.2)

• Panic disorder (F41.0)

• And many more...

If you have continuing questions about your diagnosis or have concerns about receiving a diagnosis, please bring this up to your provider. 

Insurance does not typically reimburse couples therapy - Your insurance requires a diagnosis to prove that your therapy is “medically necessary” not just that you are experiencing grief or having issues in your relationship. For this reason, couples therapy is not typically reimbursed by insurance providers. Talk to your insurance and therapist about specific coverage for couples therapy. 

How do I submit my superbill?

Insurances typically have a time limit to turn in your super bill of 90 days or more, some up to 180 days. This can fall under “timely filing”. To submit your superbill, contact your insurance company and ask for “member services” or check their website for instructions. There are usually 3 options for turning in a superbill: mail, fax, or through an online portal. 

1. Mail - you can ask your insurance for an address to mail the superbill. Make sure you allow time for delivery to stay within your limit for timely filing. 

2. Fax - if you would like to keep your protected health information private, we suggest not faxing from a public fax machine (such as at the library) or a work fax machine. The receipt that shows your fax was sent will include this private health information. 

3. Online portal - most insurance providers will have an online portal through which you can upload your superbill. It is the most secure option to send your superbill as the website will request a login or password. It is also faster than mail or fax. Be sure to ask your insurance about this option. 

What can you expect after you submit a super bill?

Insurance companies typically have a time limit in which you can submit a superbill. If you submit your superbill after this time limit, you risk losing any potential reimbursement. 

It can typically take your health insurance a few weeks to process your superbill. They will either pay the full amount of services minus your copay, or they will put this amount towards your deductible. If your superbill is denied, call your insurance and request information about the denial.