For Clients in Annapolis, Maryland and Beyond
We get it—figuring out how to use your insurance for therapy can feel confusing, especially when your therapist is out-of-network. The good news? If you have out-of-network (OON) benefits, you may be able to get reimbursed for a portion of your sessions. Here’s how it works—no insurance degree required.
First Things First: What Are Out-of-Network Benefits?
Out-of-network benefits allow you to see providers who aren’t on your insurance company’s list (called a network). This means you get more freedom to choose a therapist who truly feels like the right fit for you, rather than being limited to who’s “in-network.”
At Cedar Counseling & Wellness in Annapolis, we’re a private pay practice—meaning we don’t bill insurance directly. But many of our clients successfully use their out-of-network benefits to get reimbursed for a portion of their therapy costs. Here’s how you can, too.
Step 1: Call Your Insurance Company (Yes, Really)
Before your first session—or as soon as you’re ready—call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask these helpful questions:
Do I have out-of-network benefits for outpatient mental health services?
What is my deductible, and how much of it have I already met?
Once I meet my deductible, what percentage of the session fee will be reimbursed?
Do I need to get any pre-authorization?
How do I submit claims, and what information is required?
📍 Maryland Tip: Some Maryland-based plans (especially CareFirst/BlueCross) do include solid out-of-network coverage, so it’s worth checking.
Step 2: Pay Upfront
When you see a provider at Cedar, you’ll pay out of pocket at the time of your session. We’ll send you a receipt or superbill (more on that below), and then you’ll submit it to your insurance for reimbursement. Simple as that.
Step 3: Get a Superbill from Us (We’ve Got You)
A superbill is just a fancy term for a detailed receipt that includes everything your insurance company needs:
Our practice details (including your therapist’s license and credentials)
Dates of service and session fees
CPT codes (see the most common CPT codes we use here)
A diagnosis code (which is required for insurance reimbursement)
We’ll send it to you monthly so you can submit it to your insurance company. Some clients use handy apps like Reimbursify to make the process even smoother.
Step 4: Submit to Insurance & Wait for Reimbursement
Once your insurance company gets your superbill, they’ll process your claim and—if you’re eligible—send a reimbursement check straight to you. Timing varies depending on your provider, but many clients receive something back within a few weeks.
Why Bother? Here’s the Upside
Using your out-of-network benefits means:
✅ You get to choose a therapist based on fit, not a provider list
✅ You aren’t limited by session caps or insurance timelines
✅ Your therapy records stay between you and your therapist—no insurance oversight
Plus, working with a private pay therapist often means more flexibility in how we structure sessions to meet your goals—not a diagnosis.
We’re Here If You Need Help
We know insurance stuff isn’t fun—but we’ll help make it as easy as possible. If you’d like support figuring out your OON benefits or getting your superbill submitted, just let us know. We’re happy to help.
📍 Located in Annapolis, Maryland, we serve clients across the region—including Severna Park, Crofton, Arnold, and the greater Anne Arundel County area
