Tools
Therapy CPT code reference
Search the CPT codes therapists use most, with the time thresholds that decide which code applies.
Last updated 10/08/2026
| Code | Description | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90791 | Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation | Intake / first session | No medical services. Usually billed once at the start of care. |
| 90792 | Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services | Intake | Prescribers only (MD, DO, NP, PA). |
| 90832 | Psychotherapy, 30 minutes | 16–37 minutes | Individual psychotherapy with the client. |
| 90834 | Psychotherapy, 45 minutes | 38–52 minutes | The most common individual therapy code. |
| 90837 | Psychotherapy, 60 minutes | 53 minutes or more | Some payers review frequent use; document medical necessity. |
| 90846 | Family psychotherapy without the client present | 50 minutes (26+) | Family or couples work where the identified client is not in the room. |
| 90847 | Family psychotherapy with the client present | 50 minutes (26+) | Often used for couples therapy when one partner is the identified client. |
| 90853 | Group psychotherapy | Per session | Billed per group member; not for family groups. |
| 90839 | Psychotherapy for crisis, first 60 minutes | 30–74 minutes | Urgent assessment and intervention for a client in crisis. |
| 90840 | Psychotherapy for crisis, each additional 30 minutes | Add-on to 90839 | Use with 90839 only. |
| 90785 | Interactive complexity | Add-on | Add-on when communication is complicated (e.g. a third party or interpreter dynamics). |
| 96127 | Brief emotional / behavioral assessment | Per instrument | Standardized screenings such as PHQ-9 or GAD-7, scored and documented. |
Reference only. Always confirm current code definitions and payer rules (AMA CPT, CMS, and each payer's policy).
How time-based psychotherapy codes work
Individual psychotherapy codes are chosen by the actual face-to-face time with the client:
- 90832 — 16 to 37 minutes
- 90834 — 38 to 52 minutes
- 90837 — 53 minutes or more
A 50-minute session is billed as 90834, not 90837. Sessions under 16 minutes are generally not billed as psychotherapy.
Intake, family and group
- 90791 is the diagnostic evaluation, usually billed once at the start of care.
- 90846 and 90847 cover family or couples psychotherapy without and with the identified client present.
- 90853 covers group psychotherapy, billed per group member.
Telehealth
Telehealth sessions use the same CPT codes. Payers may also require a modifier (commonly 95) and a telehealth place-of-service code (10 for the client's home, 02 for elsewhere). Rules differ by payer, so check each one.
Putting codes on a superbill
Each session line on a superbill needs the date, CPT code, place of service, fee and amount paid, plus an ICD-10 diagnosis code for the visit. Prexella builds superbills in one click and suggests the CPT code from each session's length.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 90834 and 90837?
90834 covers 38 to 52 minutes of psychotherapy; 90837 covers 53 minutes or more.
Can I bill 90791 more than once?
It is usually billed once per episode of care. Some payers allow it again after a long gap or a significant change; check the payer's policy.
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