Out-of-network therapy is care from a therapist who does not have a contracted provider agreement with the client’s insurance plan. A client may still have out-of-network benefits, depending on the plan. In many arrangements, the client pays the therapist and then seeks reimbursement from the insurer, although the exact workflow varies.
Out-of-network does not automatically mean uncovered, and having insurance does not guarantee that the plan will reimburse the session. The client’s benefits, deductible, coinsurance, allowed amount, service eligibility, and claim requirements all matter. Deputy Care’s guide to out-of-network therapy explains how the arrangement works and what to check before starting care.