CPT and E/M Code Guide for Mental Health Billing
CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes are the codes a practice puts on a claim to say what was done. This guide covers psychotherapy and psychiatric codes, E/M and home-visit codes, modifiers and place of service codes, for both psychotherapists and psychiatrists. Checked against CMS.gov on 9/29/26.
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- ✓ Psychotherapy and psychiatric CPT codes
- ✓ E/M and home-visit codes
- ✓ Modifiers and place of service codes
- ✓ Medicaid HCPCS (in progress)
CPT codes at a glance
CPT codes are the five-digit codes a practice puts on a claim to say what service was done. This guide sorts CPT codes into four groups: psychotherapy and psychiatric codes, E/M and home-visit codes, modifiers and place of service codes, and Medicaid HCPCS codes. Psychotherapists usually start with the Non-E/M guide. Psychiatrists usually need the E/M guide plus the add-on codes. Payer rules differ, so confirm anything time-sensitive with the payer before you bill.
What is the CPT and E/M code guide?
CPT codes describe the service. E/M (evaluation and management) codes describe an office or home visit, such as a medication visit with a psychiatrist. Non-E/M codes describe a specific service, such as a psychotherapy session or a diagnostic evaluation. Modifiers and place of service codes add detail about how and where the service was done. Psychotherapists usually start with the Non-E/M guide. Psychiatrists and other prescribers usually need the E/M guide plus the psychotherapy add-on codes.
Which CPT and E/M guide do you need?
Psychotherapy & Psychiatric CPT Codes (Non-E/M)
- 90791 / 90792 diagnostic evaluations
- 90832 / 90834 / 90837 psychotherapy
- +90833 / +90836 / +90838 add-on codes
- 90846 / 90847 family psychotherapy
- 90853 group psychotherapy
- 90839 / +90840 crisis psychotherapy
E/M & Home-Visit Codes
- Home or residence, new patient: 99341, 99342, 99344, 99345
- Home or residence, established patient: 99347–99350
- Office visits: 99202–99205 and 99211–99215
- Add-ons: +90833, +90836, +90838, +90785, G2211
Modifiers & Place-of-Service Codes
- POS 12 — patient’s home
- POS 10 and POS 02 — telehealth
- Every CMS place of service code, 01–99
- Modifiers 25, 59, 95, 93, GT and more
Medicaid HCPCS (Home & Community Behavioral Health)
- Home and community-based behavioral health codes are set by each state
- Codes are compared by state, and only rows confirmed against a state Medicaid source are listed
CPT and E/M code guide: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between E/M and non-E/M CPT codes?
E/M codes, such as 99213 to 99215, describe an office visit for evaluation and management, which psychiatrists use for medication management. Non-E/M codes, such as 90834, describe a specific service such as psychotherapy or a diagnostic evaluation.
Which CPT codes do psychotherapists bill most?
Psychotherapists bill mostly from the psychotherapy list, 90832, 90834 and 90837, plus the diagnostic evaluation codes 90791 and 90792. See the Non-E/M code guide for the time range of each.
Can a psychiatrist bill psychotherapy with an E/M visit?
Yes, using the add-on codes +90833, +90836 or +90838 with an E/M code. The note has to support both services. See the E/M and home-visit guide for the pairing rules.
Where do I find place of service codes and modifiers?
The place of service guide covers the codes for office, home and telehealth visits, and a separate page lists every CMS code. The modifiers guide covers modifiers such as 25, 59, 95 and 93.
Where this information comes from
- CMS, Evaluation and Management Services (MLN006764, May 2026)
- CMS, Place of Service Code Set (page modified 02/17/2026)
Current as of last search 9/29/26 — reconfirm before publishing. Each linked guide lists its own sources. Operational guidance for a billing service, not legal advice.
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