Out-of-Network Therapy in California: How It Works (and Why People Choose It)
When people think about therapy, they often assume they’ll use insurance — after all, that’s what it’s there for, right?
But more and more Californians are choosing out-of-network therapy instead.
It’s not because they like paying more.
It’s because out-of-network therapy often means better therapy.
At CEREVITY, we see clients across California who could use in-network therapists — but don’t — because they want privacy, flexibility, and deeper support that in-network care just can’t provide.
Private-Pay Therapy Statewide with Out-of-Network Reimbursement Options
We can provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement if your plan allows
🌟 What Is Out-of-Network Therapy?
Out-of-network therapy means your therapist:
❌ Doesn’t bill your insurance directly
🔓 Isn’t bound by insurance rules for sessions
💰 Sets their own rates and structure
Instead, you:
✅ Pay the therapist directly
✅ Submit a “superbill” (detailed receipt)
✅ May get partial reimbursement
👔 Who Chooses Out-of-Network Therapy?
💼 High-achieving professionals
Who want longer, more flexible sessions
🔒 Privacy-focused clients
Who don’t want therapy diagnoses in their medical record
📈 Clients who’ve “outgrown” in-network care
And want more specialized support
💑 Couples or families
Who need therapy insurance won’t cover
🧠 Why Do People Skip Insurance?
For many, it comes down to freedom and privacy.
🔹 More Privacy
Insurance requires a diagnosis to cover therapy. That diagnosis goes into your permanent medical record — and can be accessed or shared in ways you can’t always control.
With out-of-network or private-pay therapy:
✅ No diagnosis codes.
✅ No shared records.
✅ No interference.
🔹 More Flexibility
Insurance companies limit:
⏱️ How long sessions can be
📅 How often you can attend
🧠 What types of therapy they’ll pay for
Out-of-network therapy removes those restrictions.
📈 Why More Californians Are Choosing Out-of-Network Care
California’s busiest, most privacy-minded clients are realizing:
⏰ They want longer sessions
75–90 minutes, or even 3-hour intensives
👤 They want to pick the right therapist
Not just the one their insurance will pay for
🔒 They want their therapy private
Not filtered through an insurance system
Out-of-network therapy isn’t just for people who “don’t use insurance.” It’s for people who want therapy without limits.
Now, let’s break down how it actually works — and why this route often leads to better, more personalized care.
Private-Pay Therapy Across California with Superbill Support
CEREVITY offers private-pay therapy — we can provide superbills for reimbursement if your plan allows
🗓 How Out-of-Network Therapy Works Step by Step
1️⃣ You book with the therapist you want
No insurance directory required
2️⃣ You pay directly
At the time of service (credit card, HSA, or FSA funds often apply)
3️⃣ You receive a “superbill”
A receipt with the info your insurer needs: date, cost, therapist credentials, and session type
4️⃣ You submit the superbill to your insurance company
Through their portal or by mail
5️⃣ You may get reimbursed
Often 50–80% depending on your plan
📈 How Much Reimbursement Can You Expect?
Every insurance plan is different — but many California clients see partial reimbursement for:
✅ Individual therapy
Often at higher rates for licensed providers like LCSWs
✅ Longer sessions
If coded appropriately
Some plans even cover telehealth sessions just like in-person care.
💡 Tip: Call your insurance and ask:
“What are my out-of-network mental health benefits?”
“Do you reimburse for telehealth?”
“What’s the percentage covered per session?”
🧠 Why Out-of-Network Therapy Often Feels Different
Insurance therapy can feel like therapy on a tight leash:
❌ Short sessions (50 min or less)
❌ Diagnoses required
❌ Limited flexibility
Out-of-network therapy changes that:
✅ More time — 75-, 90-, or 180-minute sessions available
✅ More privacy — no diagnosis codes unless you request them for reimbursement
✅ More choice — you choose the therapist, not your insurance directory
👔 Who Benefits Most From Out-of-Network Therapy?
💼 Executives & professionals
Who value privacy and don’t want insurance access to their records
⏰ Clients who need flexibility
Evenings, weekends, or intensives
📈 People who’ve tried in-network therapy
But felt it wasn’t enough
✨ Anyone ready for therapy that prioritizes care over paperwork
Quality over bureaucracy
🚩 Signs Out-of-Network Therapy Might Be Right for You
✓ You want longer or more frequent sessions than insurance allows
✓ You don’t want a diagnosis on your permanent medical record
✓ You’ve struggled to find the right fit on your insurance list
✓ You’re willing to invest in your care — and maybe get some of it reimbursed later
✅ How to Start Out-of-Network Therapy in California
1️⃣ Visit https://cerevity.com/get-started
Quick, secure intake
2️⃣ Book your first session
60, 75, 90, or 180 minutes
3️⃣ Pay directly
Credit card, HSA, or FSA welcome
4️⃣ Receive a superbill
If you’d like to submit for reimbursement
5️⃣ Meet online
Fully private, fully flexible, anywhere in California
Get Therapy That Finally Fits You
Therapy doesn’t have to fit an insurance company’s rules. With out-of-network therapy, you get care designed around your needs, your schedule, and your goals—not bureaucratic limitations.
Start Your Out-of-Network Therapy Journey:
Or visit our website: cerevity.com
✓ Private Pay • ✓ Superbills for Reimbursement • ✓ Complete Privacy
✓ Virtual Sessions • ✓ Flexible Scheduling • ✓ Longer Sessions Available
CEREVITY • Out-of-Network Therapy Across California • Private Pay with Superbill Support
Out-of-network therapy in California. CEREVITY provides private-pay therapy with superbills for potential reimbursement. Choose your own therapist, session length, and frequency without insurance restrictions. Longer sessions available (75, 90, 180 minutes). No diagnosis required unless you want reimbursement. Complete privacy—your therapy stays between you and your therapist. Virtual sessions across California with flexible scheduling.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Insurance reimbursement varies by plan. Contact your insurance provider to verify out-of-network benefits.
Last Updated: October 2025
