How Do I Bill Insurance for Mental Health Services Correctly?

Billing insurance for mental health services can be confusing even for seasoned therapists and providers. From choosing the right CPT codes to submitting claims that get approved the first time, there’s a lot that goes into getting reimbursed efficiently and correctly. EZ Settle Solutions walks you through the essential steps and best practices to help you bill insurance accurately and avoid costly denials.

Step 1: Verify Patient Insurance Coverage

Before a session even starts, always verify a client’s mental health coverage. Check:

• If mental health services are covered
• Copay amounts
• Deductible status
• Number of covered sessions
• Referral or authorization requirements

Failing to verify benefits is one of the most common causes of denied or delayed claims. Read more about the impact of inaccurate benefit verification on patient satisfaction and how it can affect your revenue.

Step 2: Understand and Use the Correct CPT Codes

CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes tell the insurance provider what service you delivered. Here are some common ones used in mental health billing:

• 90832 – Psychotherapy, 30 minutes
• 90834 – Psychotherapy, 45 minutes
• 90837 – Psychotherapy, 60 minutes
• 90791 – Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation
• 90846 / 90847 – Family therapy (without/with patient)
• 90853 – Group therapy
• 90863 – Medication management

Using the correct codes ensures that your services are properly reimbursed. For an in-depth breakdown, check our guide to Common CPT Codes for Mental Health Billing.

Step 3: Submit Accurate and Clean Claims

Once the session is complete, submit a clean claim by ensuring:

• Correct client information (name, DOB, policy ID)
• Accurate CPT and diagnosis codes (ICD-10)
• Proper modifiers for telehealth or extended sessions
• Provider and practice NPI numbers

Mistakes in any of these areas can trigger denials or audits. Learn more about how healthcare providers can handle rejected or denied claims and ensure smoother reimbursements.

Step 4: Track and Follow Up on Claims

Don’t assume a submitted claim is a paid claim. Use software or billing support to:

• Track claim status
• Reconcile payments
• Resubmit or appeal denied claims

Timely follow-up can make the difference between full payment and lost revenue.

Step 5: Stay Compliant and Document Thoroughly

Always document sessions thoroughly to support medical necessity and justify your billing. Your notes should align with the service billed, especially for extended sessions or diagnostic evaluations.

Also, stay current with state and payer-specific billing regulations, including requirements for telehealth services or new CPT code updates. The American Psychological Association offers helpful resources and telepsychology guidelines that can support your documentation and compliance practices.

Save Time and Boost Revenue with EZ Settle Solutions

If you’re spending more time managing paperwork than seeing clients, it’s time to consider professional help. At EZ Settle Solutions, we specialize in mental health billing services designed to:

• Maximize insurance reimbursement
• Reduce denials and delays
• Streamline your revenue cycle
• Let you focus on patient care

From credentialing to claim submission, we take the complexity out of billing for mental health professionals.

Final Thoughts

Billing insurance for mental health services doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By verifying coverage, using correct CPT codes, and maintaining clean records, you can improve reimbursement and reduce claim headaches. And if you’re ready to simplify the process  EZ Settle Solutions is here to help you bill with confidence and efficiency.