Psychotherapy CodesCPT® CodeDescriptor90832Psychotherapy, 30 minutes with patient90834Psychotherapy, 45 minutes with patient90837Psychotherapy, 60 minutes with patient90845Psychoanalysis90846Family psychotherapy (without the patient present), 50 minutes90847Family psychotherapy (conjoint psychotherapy) (with patient present), 50 minutes90849Multiple-family group psychotherapy90853Group psychotherapy (other than of a multiple-family group)
The time for each psychotherapy code is described as time spent with the patient and/or family, and although the time for each code is specific (30, 45, or 60 minutes), the coding manual allows for some flexibility.
When reporting a psychotherapy service, the provider may apply the CPT “Time Rule” and choose the code closest to the actual time of the session:
CPT CodeTotal Duration of Psychotherapy Session9083216–37 minutes9083438–52 minutes9083753 or more minutes90846, 9084726 or more minutes
There are “add-on” codes for specific services that can be provided only in combination with other diagnostic evaluation, psychotherapy, and group psychotherapy services. Add-on codes identify an additional part of the treatment above and beyond the principal service. Both the principal service code and add-on code should be listed on the billing form.
There are psychotherapy services that can be provided via telehealth. See the telehealth services web page.
CPT codes allow mental health professionals to identify services for payment.
Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes are used to identify various types of psychological services, ranging from psychotherapy and group therapy to psychological testing services.
Clinicians use these codes to bill clients and file health insurance claims to private insurance providers and government insurance providers such as Medicare and Medicaid.
The codes have recently been updated to reflect changes made in the field of psychiatry.
What are CPT codes?
Current Procedural Terminology (CPT codes) are used by psychologists and other mental health professionals to bill for their services to a private or government insurance provider.
The list we’ve included below isn’t a complete one, but rather a list of some of the most commonly used CPT codes in mental health and psychology services, meant to be used as a quick reference sheet.
It has been updated with the most recent and relevant code changes as of March 2022.
Billing codes generally don’t change very often, so the code you’ve been using may likely still be relevant.
Traditional face-to-face, individual psychotherapy sessions are usually billed only for 45 minutes (90834). It might be a good idea to get to know this code. You’ll likely use this one often.
Most mental health professionals use code 90791 for an intake interview and 90847 for family therapy.
In general, you’re responsible for using the most accurate and appropriate CPT billing code when billing for services that you provide, regardless of who does the actual billing on your behalf.
So it’s crucial you get to know the CPT codes.
CPT codes for psychotherapy
CPT CodeDescriptionDate changed90791Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation without medical services90792Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services90832Individual psychotherapy, 30 minutes+90833Individual psychotherapy, 30 minutes with evaluation and management service (E/M)90834Individual psychotherapy, 45 minutes+90836Individual psychotherapy, 45 minutes with E/M90837Individual psychotherapy, 60 minutes+90838Individual psychotherapy, 60 minutes with E/M90845Psychoanalysis90846Family psychotherapy without client present, 50 minutes90847Family psychotherapy with client present, 50 minutes90849Multiple-family group psychotherapy90853Group psychotherapy (other than of a multiple-family group)Psychotherapy for Crisis90839Psychotherapy for crisis, first 60 minutes90840Psychotherapy for crisis, each additional 30 minutes (list separately in addition to code for primary service)Psychological / Neuropsychological Testing96105Assessment of aphasia, per hour96112Developmental test administration by physician or qualified healthcare professional, with interpretation and report, first hour2019+96113Developmental test administration by physician or qualified healthcare professional, with interpretation and report, each additional 30 minutes201996116Neurobehavioral status exam, first hour2019*96121Neurobehavioral status exam, additional hour201996125Standardized cognitive performance testing, per hour96130Psychological testing and evaluation by a physician or qualified healthcare professional, first hour2019+96131Psychological testing and evaluation by a physician or qualified healthcare professional, each additional hour201996132Neuropsychological testing and evaluation by a physician or qualified healthcare professional, first hour2019+96133Neuropsychological testing and evaluation by a physician or qualified healthcare professional, each additional hour201996136Neuropsychological or psychological test administration and scoring by a physician or qualified healthcare professional, first hour2019+96137Neuropsychological or psychological test administration and scoring by a physician or qualified healthcare professional, each additional hour201996138Neuropsychological or psychological test administration and scoring by a technician, first hour2019+96139Neuropsychological or psychological test administration and scoring by a technician, each additional hour2019Health Behavior Assessment and Intervention96156Health behavior assessment or re-assessment202096158Health behavior intervention, individual, face-to-face, first 30 minutes2020+96159Health behavior intervention, individual, face-to-face, each additional 15 minutes202096164Health behavior intervention, group (2 or more clients), face-to-face, first 30 minutes2020+96165Health behavior intervention, group (2 or more clients), face-to-face, each additional 15 minutes202096167Health behavior intervention, family (with the client present), face-to-face, first 30 minutes2020+96168Health behavior intervention, family (with the client present), face-to-face, each additional 15 minutes202096170Health behavior intervention, family (without the client present), face-to-face, first 30 minutes2020+96171Health behavior intervention, family (without the client present), face-to-face, each additional 15 minutes2020
Why did the codes change?
Recently, several CPT codes were changed to better describe various psychological, neurological, and behavioral assessments.
In the new codes, greater distinctions are made between whether the assessment is being given by a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or neurologist, or a technician.
Additionally, the testing services now have a stand-alone code for the primary service, as well as add-on codes for each additional service and extra time.
Key changes
The primary changes in the CPT codes include:
- developmental test administration
- neurobehavioral status exam
- psychological testing and evaluation
- neuropsychological testing and evaluation
- neuropsychological or psychological test administration or scoring
- health behavior assessments and interventions
What does this mean for clinicians?
With the new codes, clinicians can better describe the exact amount of time they spend performing psychotherapy services.
These codes can also differentiate whether the test was administered by a healthcare or mental health professional or a technician.
Let’s recap
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. adults made an average of 30 million mental health-related physician office visits from 2012 to 2014.
In 2018, physician visits are estimated at 55.7 million.
These mental health visits cover everything from assessments and psychological testing to individual and group therapy.
Each visit and procedure requires a unique CPT code. It’s crucial for mental health professionals to stay current on CPT code updates.
CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) is a standardized medical codeset maintained by the AMA. CPT codes are five digit numeric codes describing everything from surgery to radiology to psychotherapy.
CPT Codes are different from Diagnosis Codes or ICD10 F-Codes for billing and coding your insurance claims. Here’s our mental health diagnosis code list if you need to look one up.
For therapists that are on managed care panels or provide superbills to their clients, knowing your CPT codes is paramount to getting paid in full and avoiding insurance audits.
The amount insurance companies will reimburse depends on a number of different factors (professional credentials, geographic location, etc.), but using the correct CPT Code and add-on code(s) to express the exact service is an important part to the whole process and in ultimately determining your payment!
Errors, accidental or otherwise, will directly impact insurance company’s payment of services. If you need help with making sure your billing and coding is error-free, our mental health billing service can help.
Think about reaching out if the rest of this article hurts your feelings.
Article Index:
The Most Common Mental Health CPT Codes
The most common CPT Codes used by therapists and behavioral health professionals:
Outpatient Mental Health Therapist Diagnostics, Evaluation, Intake CPT Code:
- 90791 – Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation (usually just one/client is covered)
Outpatient Mental Health CPT Codes:
- 90832 – Psychotherapy, 30 minutes (16-37 minutes).
- 90834 – Psychotherapy, 45 minutes (38-52 minutes).
- 90837 – Psychotherapy, 60 minutes (53 minutes and over).
- 90846 – Family or couples psychotherapy, without patient present.
- 90847 – Family or couples psychotherapy, with patient present.
- 90853 – Group Psychotherapy (not family).
- 98968 – Telephone therapy (non-psychiatrist) – limit 3 units/hours per application.
Outpatient Mental Health Crisis CPT Codes:
- 90839 – Psychotherapy for crisis, 60 minutes (30-74 minutes).
- +90840 – Add-on code for an additional 30 minutes (75 minutes and over). Used in conjunction with 90839.
Other Behavioral Health CPT Codes:
- +90785 – Interactive Complexity add-on code. Covered below.
- 90404 – Cigna / MHN EAP CPT Code. These two companies use a unique CPT code for EAP sessions.
- 96101 – Psychological testing, interpretation and reporting by a psychologist (per Hour)
- 90880 – Hypnotherapy – limit 10 units/hours per application
- 90876 – Biofeedback
- 90849 – Multiple family group psychotherapy
- 90845 – Psychoanalysis
Mental Health Add-On CPT Codes
Here is a short list of the most common Add-On codes for routine outpatient mental health billing.
- Add-On CPT Code 90785 – Interactive complexity. Example: play therapy using dolls or other toys. This is an interactive complexity add-on code that is not a payable expense. This code only indicates that the treatment is complex in nature.
- Add-On CPT Code 90863 – Pharmacologic Management after therapy.
- Add-On CPT Code 99050 – Services provided in the office at times other than regularly scheduled office hours, or days when the office is normally closed.
- Add-On CPT Code 99051 – Services provided in the office during regularly scheduled evening, weekend, or holiday office hours.
- Add-On CPT Code 99354 – Additional time after the additional time of 74 minutes. Adding another 30 minutes. (Only use if the duration of your session is at least 90 minutes for 90837 or 80 minutes for 90847).
- Add-On CPT Code 99355 – Additional time after first 60 minutes. First additional 30 to 74 minutes.
- Add-On CPT Code 90840 – 30 additional minutes of psychotherapy for crisis. Used only in conjunction with CPT 90839.
- Add-On CPT Code 90833 – 30 minute psychotherapy add-on. Example: Psychiatrist evaluates medication response, then has 30 minute session.
- Add-On CPT Code 90836 – 45 minute psychotherapy add-on. Example: Clinical Nurse Specialist evaluates medication response, then has 45 minute session.
If you’re wondering how to handle billing add-on codes, we can help make this process simple and automatic. Learn how we can help by inquiring about our billing service.
Outpatient Psychiatry Diagnostics / Evaluation / Client Intake CPT Code:
- 90792 – Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation with medical services (usually just one/client is covered)
Outpatient Psychiatry CPT Codes:
- 99201 – E/M – New Patient Office Visit – 10 Minutes
- 99202 – E/M – New Patient Office Visit – 20 Minutes
- 99203 – E/M – New Patient Office Visit – 30 Minutes
- 99204 – E/M – New Patient Office Visit – 45 Minutes
- 99205 – E/M – New Patient Office Visit – 60 Minutes
- 99211 – E/M – Established Patients – 5 Minutes
- 99212 – E/M – Established Patients – 10 Minutes
- 99213 – E/M – Established Patients – 15 Minutes
- 99214 – E/M – Established Patients – 25 Minutes
- 99215 – E/M – Established Patients – 40 Minutes
- 99443 – Telephone therapy (psychiatrist), – limit 3 units/hours per application
Mental Health CPT Code Cheat Sheet
Download a copy of our PDF Behavioral Health CPT Code Cheat Sheet!
CPT Coding for Therapy
CPT coding for psychotherapy doesn’t have to be difficult! There are an overwhelming amount of total CPT Codes (~8,000), however only 24 are specifically designated for psychotherapy and other mental health services.
To make matters even simpler, nearly all therapists will regularly use an even smaller subset of these 24.
CPT is a large and dynamic code set that changes year to year, but the psychotherapy codes seldom change.
The most recent change for psychotherapy codes took place in 2019, then 2013, and previously 1998.
To ensure your coding is current and up to date, consider using a billing service instead of having to remember all the codes.
Behavioral Health CPT Add-On Codes
A CPT Add-on Code is a code describing a service performed in in conjunction with a primary service. Many of these add-on codes are associated with a specific CPT Code or a small set of CPT Codes and cannot be used otherwise.
For instance, the behavioral health CPT Code for interactive complexity (+90785) can be used for a diagnostic (90791, 90792) or a normal psychotherapy session (90832, 90834, 90837) but not a crisis psychotherapy session (90839).
Add-on Codes are identified by a + sign in front of the number, i.e. +90840 is an add-on code for extra time in the case of crisis psychotherapy.
On CMS 1500 forms CPT Add-on codes are simply added on a new line.
Add-on codes are extremely important to use in order to most accurately describe the services being rendered and to ensure your services are maximized per session.
We help the mental health providers that work with us in our billing service do all of this for every appointment.
Mental Health Testing CPT Codes [2020]
These codes are only effective January 1st, 2019.
Assessment of Aphasia and Cognitive Performance Testing CPT Codes
CPT Code 96105
Assessment of aphasia (includes assessment of expressive and receptive speech and language function, language comprehension, speech production ability, reading, spelling, writing, e.g., by Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination) with interpretation and report, per hour
CPT Code 96125
Standardized cognitive performance testing (e.g., Ross Information Processing Assessment) per hour of a qualified health care professional’s time, both face-to-face time administering tests to the patient and time interpreting these test results and preparing the report
Developmental/Behavioral Screening and Testing
CPT Code 96110
Developmental screening (e.g., developmental milestone survey, speech and language delay screen), with scoring and documentation, per standardized instrument
CPT Code 96112
Developmental test administration (including assessment of fine and/or gross motor, language, cognitive level, social, memory, and/ or executive functions by standardized developmental instruments when performed), by physician or other qualified health care professional, with interpretation and report; first hour
Add-on CPT Code + 96113 – Each additional 30 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Brief emotional/behavioral assessment (e.g., depression inventory, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] scale), with scoring and documentation, per standardized instrument
Psychological/Neuropsychological Testing CPT Codes
These codes have changed in 2019.
Neurobehavioral Status Exam CPT Codes
CPT Code 96116
Neurobehavioral status exam (clinical assessment of thinking, reasoning and judgement, e.g., acquired knowledge, attention, language, memory, planning and problem solving, and visual spatial abilities), by physician or other qualified health care professional, both faceto-face time with the patient and time interpreting test results and preparing the report; first hour
Add-on CPT Code +96121 – Each additional hour (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Test Evaluation Services CPT Codes
CPT Code 96130
Psychological testing evaluation services by physician or other qualified health care professional, including integration of patient data, interpretation of standardized test results and clinical data, clinical decision making, treatment planning and report and interactive feedback to the patient, family member(s) or caregiver(s), when performed; first hour
Add-on CPT Code +96131 – Each additional hour (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
CPT Code 96132
Neuropsychological testing evaluation services by physician or other qualified health care professional, including integration of patient data, interpretation of standardized test results and clinical data, clinical decision making, treatment planning and report and interactive feedback to the patient, family member(s) or caregiver(s), when performed; first hour
Add-on CPT Code +96133 – Each additional hour (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Test Administration and Scoring CPT Codes
CPT Code 96136
Psychological or neuropsychological test administration and scoring by physician or other qualified health care professional, two or more tests, any method, first 30 minutes
Add-on CPT Code +96137 – Each additional 30 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
CPT Code 96138
Psychological or neuropsychological test administration and scoring by technician, two or more tests, any method; first 30 minutes
Add-on CPT Code +96139 – Each additional 30 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Automated Testing and Result CPT Codes
96146 – Psychological or neuropsychological test administration, with single automated instrument via electronic platform, with automated result only
Mental Health Evaluation & Management (E/M) Codes
There are also E/M (evaluation & management) in conjunction with psychotherapy, used by authorized prescribers, psychiatrists, and MDs.
Coding E/M is trickier, harder to document and more vulnerable to audit but usually results in greater reimbursement.
There’s also a series of E/M codes that are used without the psychotherapy component.
For more in-depth coverage on E/M coding for psychotherapy there are some good free webinars released by AACAP on E/M CPT Codes.
- Add-on CPT Code +90833 – E/M code for 30 minutes of psychiatry (used with 90832).
- Add-on CPT Code +90836 – E/M code for 45 minutes of psychiatry (used with 90834).
- Add-on CPT Code +90838 – E/M code for 60 minutes of psychotherapy (used with 90837).
Key Points
- Psychotherapy must be at least 16 minutes.
- Time is very important and should be rounded to the nearest CPT Code.
- Outpatient vs. Inpatient is not important.
- E/M codes can only be used by prescribers (MD, DO, APN, PA).
Medicare 2022 Reimbursement Rates by CPT Code
CPT CodeDescriptionMedicare Reimbursement Rate 2020Medicare Reimbursement Rate 2021Medicare Reimbursement Rate 202290791Psychological Diagnostic Evaluation$140.19$180.75$195.4690792Psychological Diagnostic Evaluation with Medication Management$157.49$201.68$218.9090832Individual Psychotherapy, 30 Minutes$68.47$77.81$85.0790833Individual Psychotherapy with Evaluation and Management Services, 30 minutes$71.00$71.18$77.8890834Individual Psychotherapy, 45 Minutes$91.18$103.28$112.2990836Individual Psychotherapy with Evaluation and Management Services, 45 minutes$89.74$90.02$98.3090837Individual Psychotherapy, 60 Minutes$136.95$152.48$164.8490838Individual Psychotherapy with Evaluation and Management Services, 60 minutes$118.57$119.33$129.3090839Individual Crisis Psychotherapy initial 60 min$157.6690840Individual Crisis Psychotherapy initial 60 min, each additional 30 min$78.6499201Evaluation and Management Services, Outpatient, New Patient$46.49Not CoveredNot covered99202Evaluation and Management Services, Outpatient, New Patient$77.48$73.97$80.9199203Evaluation and Management Services, Outpatient, New Patient$109.92$113.75$124.3999204Evaluation and Management Services, Outpatient, New Patient$166.86$169.93$185.2699205Evaluation and Management Services, Outpatient, New Patient$209.75$224.36$244.9999211Evaluation and Management Services, Outpatient, Established Patient$23.07$23.03$25.7199212Evaluation and Management Services, Outpatient, Established Patient$45.77$56.88$62.7699213Evaluation and Management Services, Outpatient, Established Patient$75.32$92.47$100.5799214Evaluation and Management Services, Outpatient, Established Patient$110.28$131.20$141.7899215Evaluation and Management Services, Outpatient, Established Patient$147.76$183.19$200.0099354Prolonged Services$132.26 $132.09$140.2699355Prolong Services with E/M$100.91$100.33$101.3290846Family psychotherapy without patient, 50 minutes$103.58$99.10$107.3790847Family psychotherapy with patient, 50 minutes$107.19$102.59$111.1596105Assessment of aphasia and cognitive performance$101.54$109.2696112Developmental testing administration by a physician or qualified health care professional, 1st hr$131.55$141.0296113Developmental testing administration by a physician or qualified health care professional, each additional hour$58.62$66.5496116Neurobehavioral status exam performed by a physician or qualified health professional, first hour$97.00$104.7396121Neurobehavioral status exam performed by a physician or qualified health professional, additional hour$82.35$87.3496125Standardized cognitive performance test administered by health care professional$107.12$115.6996127Brief emotional and behavioral assessment$4.89$5.2996130Psychological testing and evaluation by a physician or qualified health care professional, first hour$120.73$132.7096131Psychological testing and evaluation by a physician or qualified health care professional, each additional hour$91.42$98.6896132Neuropsychological testing and evaluation by a physician or qualified health care professional, first hour$133.29$144.8096133Neuropsychological testing and evaluation by a physician or qualified health care professional, each additional hour$103.98$112.2996136Neuropsychological or psychological test administration and scoring by a physician or qualified health care professional, first hour$46.76$49.1596137Neuropsychological or psychological test administration and scoring by a physician or qualified health care professional, each additional hour$41.87$44.2496138Neuropsychological or psychological test administration and scoring by a technician, first hour$37.34$38.5696139Neuropsychological or psychological test administration and scoring by a technician, each additional hour$37.34$$39.32
(Source)
Interactive Complexity (+90785): Criteria and How to Bill
+90785 is one of the new add-on codes in the most recent CPT update in 2013.
This code is used as an umbrella add-on code and can be used for four different criteria. The most common scenarios usually involve children, although this is not necessarily always the case.
Common Examples of Interactive Complexity:
- The use of play equipment with young children.
- Interpreters/translators.
- Involvement of parents with discordant views that complicate the treatment plan.
- Report of abuse/neglect.
Interactive complexity can be used in conjunction with the primary CPT Codes for diagnostics, psychotherapy, or group therapy and cannot be used for couple/family therapy or crisis codes.
+90785, can be used with: 90791, 90792, 90832, 90833, 90834, 90836, 90837, 90838, 90853.
Unsure when to use the interactive complexity code? Need help asking if it will be approved? Our billing service exclusively for mental health providers is here to help.
Am I Being Underpaid? Was I Paid the Right Amount?
Here’s typical rates depending on the therapist’s credentials:
Typical Reimbursements by Type of Therapist
Type of TherapistReimbursement/SessionSocial Workers~$55-60Marriage Family Therapists~$60-65Counselors~$60-65Psychologists~$70-80
These rates can vary significantly therapist to therapist but are good benchmarks for comparison.
How about CPT Codes? How do they affect the rate of reimbursement? This is a difficult and complex calculation, depending on the level of education, location, and license. The AMA has created a code search feature on their website that shows payment based off CPT Code and location.
This information is somewhat incomplete and is based off medicare payments and does not specify a number of other important factors. However, this tool is still very useful to compare the relative value CPT Codes against one another.
Private insurance will be correlated with some deviation from these numbers.
Reimbursement by CPT Code (Three Different Geographies)
Reimbursement (Rest of CA)Reimbursement (Los Angeles)Reimbursement (WA)
CodeCaliforniaLos AngelesWashington90791$137.10$141.17$132.9890792$147.84$152.16$143.3990832$66.14$68.03$64.25+90833$67.69$69.69$65.7090834$87.66$90.15$85.18+90836$85.71$88.21$83.1890837$131.28$134.95$127.54+90838$113.07$116.42$109.7590846$106.46$109.51$103.3890847$109.75$112.82$106.6090853$26.99$27.83$26.2190839$137.22$141.04$133.28+90840$65.75$67.61$63.89+90785$14.67$15.08$14.24
Data from AMA Codemanager. These numbers are useful for relative comparison of individual CPT Codes and geography.
Therapist Reimbursement Rates for 2022
Read our definitive guide with 2022 reimbursement rates for mental health CPT codes.
Downcoding Claims
Downcoding (including less services on the claim than actually provided) will usually mean you get paid less, while upcoding (including more services on the claim than actually provided) can get you in trouble with your managed care panels.
It’s also important to note that it might be tempting to maximize your CPT codes to earn higher reimbursements.
This is highly recommended against and can get you flagged, audited and removed from insurance panels. Even if this is your biller’s error, the therapist is the one who ultimately bears the responsibility and will be the one penalized.
Here’s a video guide we did of this article!
Distilled Guide to Mental Health CPT Codes
If you are just starting out or just beginning to deal with managed care, keep it simple.
CPT Codes appear far more complex from the outside looking in. Make a quick cheatsheet.
Don’t worry about memorizing all the CPT Codes (there’s alot!) or even all of the mental health ones. You will likely just use just a few individual codes.
Memorize the relevant codes and use google or other references to find the correct CPT codes for more unique scenarios.
Call to verify eligibility and benefits and make sure those codes will be approved with that client’s coverage.
And if all of that sounds like too much trouble, offload the work to us. You won’t have to know one CPT code from another to get your billing paid in full.
Additional Resources
Consider Outsourcing Your Billing
Don’t want to learn any of this stuff? We are your team of billing experts here to translate all of this gibberish into English! Reach out about our billing service if you are a licensed mental health provider (we only work with licensed mental health providers).
