CPT Code Quick Reference for Mental Health Clinicians
Billing Codes at a Glance
Accurate CPT coding is essential for proper reimbursement and compliance. This quick reference covers the most commonly used Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes in mental health practice, including psychotherapy, evaluation and management, crisis intervention, group therapy, and telehealth modifiers.
Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation
These codes are used for initial psychiatric assessments, typically during the first visit or when a comprehensive evaluation is needed.
| Code | Description | Duration | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90791 | Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation (without medical services) | 45-60 min | Initial intake by non-prescribing clinicians (therapists, counselors, social workers) |
| 90792 | Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services | 45-60 min | Initial intake by prescribing providers (psychiatrists, NPs) including medication evaluation |
Psychotherapy Codes
The primary codes for individual psychotherapy sessions. The correct code is determined by the actual time spent in face-to-face psychotherapy, not the total appointment length.
| Code | Description | Duration | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90832 | Individual psychotherapy, 30 minutes | 16-37 min | Brief therapy sessions, check-ins, follow-up visits |
| 90834 | Individual psychotherapy, 45 minutes | 38-52 min | Standard therapy sessions (most commonly billed code) |
| 90837 | Individual psychotherapy, 60 minutes | 53+ min | Extended therapy sessions, complex cases, trauma work |
Psychotherapy Add-on Codes
These codes are billed in addition to an E/M code when psychotherapy is provided during the same visit as an evaluation and management service (e.g., a psychiatrist providing therapy and medication management).
| Code | Description | Duration | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| +90833 | Psychotherapy add-on, 30 min (with E/M) | 16-37 min | Brief psychotherapy combined with medication management |
| +90836 | Psychotherapy add-on, 45 min (with E/M) | 38-52 min | Standard psychotherapy combined with medication management |
| +90838 | Psychotherapy add-on, 60 min (with E/M) | 53+ min | Extended psychotherapy combined with medication management |
Evaluation & Management (E/M) Codes
E/M codes are used by prescribing providers for medication management visits, or in combination with psychotherapy add-on codes. As of January 1, 2021, visit level is selected based on medical decision-making (MDM) complexity or total time personally spent by the reporting practitioner on the day of the visit. Note: CPT code 99201 was eliminated.
| Code | Description | Duration | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99202 | New patient, straightforward MDM | 15-29 min | Simple new patient medication evaluation |
| 99203 | New patient, low complexity MDM | 30-44 min | New patient with low-complexity medication needs |
| 99204 | New patient, moderate complexity MDM | 45-59 min | New patient with moderate medication complexity |
| 99205 | New patient, high complexity MDM | 60-74 min | Complex new patient with multiple diagnoses |
| 99211 | Established patient, may not require physician presence | 5 min or less | Minimal problem, e.g., nurse visit for vitals or injection |
| 99212 | Established patient, straightforward MDM | 10-19 min | Quick medication follow-up, stable patient |
| 99213 | Established patient, low complexity MDM | 20-29 min | Routine medication management visit |
| 99214 | Established patient, moderate complexity MDM | 30-39 min | Medication adjustment, multiple medications |
| 99215 | Established patient, high complexity MDM | 40-54 min | Complex medication management, multiple diagnoses |
Time ranges shown are for time-based level selection per AMA CPT guidelines. When using MDM to select the level, the time spent does not determine the code—MDM complexity does. Add-on code G2211 may be reported for visit complexity when applicable. See the AMA CPT E/M guidelines for full details.
Crisis Psychotherapy Codes
Used for urgent, crisis-oriented psychotherapy sessions. The patient must be in a state of acute emotional distress that requires immediate clinical intervention.
| Code | Description | Duration | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90839 | Psychotherapy for crisis, first 60 minutes | 30-74 min | Initial crisis intervention, suicidal ideation, acute destabilization |
| +90840 | Psychotherapy for crisis, each additional 30 min | Each 30 min | Extended crisis intervention beyond the first hour |
Group & Family Therapy
Codes for therapy involving multiple participants. Group therapy is billed per patient. Family therapy codes may or may not include the identified patient.
| Code | Description | Duration | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90846 | Family/couples therapy without patient present | 50 min | Caregiver or family sessions when the identified patient is not present |
| 90847 | Family/couples therapy with patient present | 50 min | Couples therapy, family sessions with the identified patient |
| 90849 | Multi-family group psychotherapy | 50 min | Multiple families meeting together for group therapy |
| 90853 | Group psychotherapy | 50 min | Standard group therapy (billed per individual patient) |
Telehealth Modifiers
When providing services via telehealth, append the appropriate modifier to your CPT code. Requirements vary by payer, so always verify with the specific insurance company.
| Code | Description | Duration | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95 | Synchronous telemedicine service (real-time audio/video) | N/A | Most common telehealth modifier for live video sessions |
| GT | Via interactive audio and video telecommunications | N/A | Some Medicare and Medicaid plans still require this modifier |
| FQ | Service furnished using audio-only communication technology | N/A | Medicare audio-only telehealth (phone sessions); verify payer acceptance |
Note: Telehealth modifier requirements vary significantly by payer and state. Always verify with the specific insurance company before billing. Use Place of Service (POS) 10 for telehealth provided to the patient's home.
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Disclaimer: This guide is provided for educational and reference purposes only. It does not constitute billing or legal advice. CPT codes, descriptions, and reimbursement rules are subject to change. Always verify current coding requirements with your payer, consult the official AMA CPT code manual, and consider working with a certified medical coder or billing specialist for complex cases.