Group Psychotherapy: CPT 90853
What CMS.gov says group psychotherapy is, how it differs from multiple-family group therapy, and what the note has to show. Checked against CMS.gov on 9/29/26.
Get My Free Consultation
Group Psychotherapy at a glance
This page covers group psychotherapy for mental health billing: what the codes cover, how payers apply them, and what to document. Psychotherapists and psychiatrists both use these codes, so the sections below call out differences where they matter. Payer rules vary, so confirm current requirements with the payer before you bill.
What CMS.gov says these codes are
Quotes are copied from CMS.gov pages. Each quote names its source. Contractor articles are written by Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs), the companies that process Medicare claims for a region, and apply to their own region.
Code list entry
“Group psychotherapy (other than of a multiple-family group)”
“Multiple-family group psychotherapy”
What the service is
“CPT code 90853 represents group therapy. When medically indicated, the interactive complexity add-on code (+90785) may be billed in conjunction with this code.”
Time range and documentation
Every timed code needs the date of service and the start and end time of the service.
| Code | Service | Time range | Document |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90849 | Multiple-family group psychotherapyBilled per patient, per session. | No time range defined | Date of service + start and end time Documentation rules |
| 90853 | Group psychotherapy (not multiple-family), per patient+90785 can be added when medically indicated (contractor article A57480). | No time range defined | Date of service + start and end time Documentation rules |
How often and with what?
- +90785 can be added to 90853 when medically indicated.
Source: CMS Coverage Database, Article A57480 (WPS, rev. 1/1/2026) - Crisis codes 90839/+90840 are not billed with 90785–90899 or 90832, 90833, 90834, 90836, 90837, 90838.
Source: CMS, Psychotherapy for Crisis (page modified 02/25/2026) - No annual cap or per-day unit limit is stated in the CMS sources reviewed. Check the MUE table for units.
Source: CMS, NCCI Medicare Policy Manual, Ch. XI (1/1/2026)
These are Medicare rules. Private payers and state Medicaid programs set their own; ask each payer. Full list: frequency and documentation rules.
Psychotherapists and psychiatrists
Psychotherapists
Bill 90853 for each patient in the group, with each patient's own note.
Psychiatrists
The same code applies. Keep any same-day E/M documented separately.
Frequently asked questions
What does CPT 90853 cover?
CMS lists 90853 as “Group psychotherapy (other than of a multiple-family group).” Contractor article A57480 says 90853 represents group therapy.
What is the difference between 90853 and 90849?
90853 is group psychotherapy other than of a multiple-family group. 90849 is multiple-family group psychotherapy. CMS lists them separately in its code table.
Is there a time range for 90853?
Neither CPT nor the CMS sources reviewed set a minute range. Ask each payer for its minimum and record the start and end time of the session in every patient's note.
Can I add interactive complexity to group therapy?
Yes, when medically indicated. Contractor article A57480 says +90785 may be billed in conjunction with 90853.
More CPT code guides
CMS.gov sources
- CMS Coverage Database, Article A57480 (WPS, rev. 1/1/2026)
- CMS, Medicare & Mental Health Coverage (MLN1986542, March 2026)
- CMS, NCCI Medicare Policy Manual, Ch. XI (1/1/2026)
- CMS, Psychotherapy for Crisis (page modified 02/25/2026)
Current as of last search (9/29/26). Reconfirm before publishing. For quick reference only: verify against the current AMA CPT manual and each payer's policy before billing. Operational billing guidance, not legal advice.
Want these codes billed right, every time?
Get a free, no-pressure consultation with a specialist who only works mental and behavioral health billing.
Get My Free Consultation