What are the Most Commonly Used CPT Billing Codes for Mental Health Services?

Mental health billing can be complex, especially when it comes to choosing the correct CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes for insurance reimbursement. Whether you’re a psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist, understanding these codes is essential for maximizing reimbursement and avoiding claim denials.

Why CPT Codes Matter in Mental Health Billing

CPT codes are used by healthcare providers to describe the services they provide to patients. In mental health, these codes help insurance companies determine how much to reimburse for services such as therapy sessions, evaluations, and medication management. Using the correct CPT code is critical for ensuring that your practice gets paid correctly and on time. That’s where expert support like our Mental Health Billing Services becomes invaluable.

Most Common CPT Codes for Mental Health Services

90832 — Psychotherapy, 30 Minutes
Used for individual therapy sessions lasting 16 to 37 minutes. It’s common for follow-up sessions or shorter appointments.

90834 — Psychotherapy, 45 Minutes
The most frequently used code, 90834 covers standard therapy sessions (38–52 minutes).

90837 — Psychotherapy, 60 Minutes
Used for extended sessions over 53 minutes, this code is common for in-depth psychotherapy. Learn more about billing 90837 and 90832 together.

90791 — Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation
A new patient intake or diagnostic session that includes a mental health assessment but excludes medical services.

For practices that need help with coding and submitting these types of claims, our Revenue Cycle Management service ensures accuracy and compliance.

90846 / 90847 — Family Therapy

• 90846 is for family therapy without the patient present.
• 90847 includes the patient in the session.

These are ideal for treating relational dynamics, often used in family and child counseling settings.

90853 — Group Therapy
Used for group psychotherapy sessions, usually lasting 45–60 minutes and involving multiple patients.

90863 — Pharmacologic Management
For medication management provided by a non-physician mental health provider, often billed with psychotherapy sessions.

CPT Add-On Codes for Extended Time

Sometimes therapy sessions go longer or involve additional evaluation. Here are two helpful add-on codes:

• +99354: For sessions lasting 30–74 minutes beyond the typical time.
• +99355: For each additional 30 minutes beyond 99354.

Need help managing complex billing structures like these? Check out our Medical Billing Services tailored for healthcare providers.

Tips for Using CPT Codes Correctly

• Match the session length with the appropriate time-based CPT code.
• Use modifier codes when services are delivered via telehealth or after hours.
• Always document clearly to justify the services billed.

For smaller practices, outsourcing billing to professionals like EZ Settle Solutions helps eliminate errors, save time, and improve collections. Check out our guide to overcoming mental health billing challenges.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right CPT billing codes for mental health services is crucial for accurate reimbursement and efficient practice management. Whether you’re billing for psychotherapy, evaluations, or family therapy, using the correct codes helps ensure you get paid for the services you provide. At EZ Settle Solutions, we specialize in helping mental health providers streamline their billing process, reduce denials, and improve revenue. Visit EZ Settle Solutions to learn how we can support your practice.