Medical Billing Terms C: Psychotherapy CPT Codes 90785 to 90847

Psychotherapy CPT codes are the five-digit procedure codes therapists and psychiatrists use to bill sessions. This page defines CPT 90785 through 90847, plus copay, copay waiver, corrected claim and covered entity. Each entry gives a plain definition, why it matters, an example, and an official source. MCM South Medical Billing Service, LLC works only in mental and behavioral health billing.

Last reviewed: October 10, 2026Sources linked at each term

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Billing Terms Glossary slide, Terms C: Psychotherapy CPT Codes - MCM South Medical Billing Service, LLC

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On this page (23 terms)

Copay
Copay Waiver
Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA)
Corrected Claim
Cost to Collect
Counseling Compact
Coverage Effective Date
Coverage Termination Date
Covered Entity
CPT 90785
CPT 90791
CPT 90792
CPT 90832
CPT 90833
CPT 90834
CPT 90836
CPT 90837
CPT 90838
CPT 90839
CPT 90840
CPT 90845
CPT 90846
CPT 90847

How to use these Psychotherapy CPT Codes definitions

Use this page as a quick reference for Psychotherapy CPT Codes, from Copay to CPT 90847. Each entry gives a plain definition, why it matters to a mental health practice, and an official source. When a rule changes by payer or state, the entry says so, so confirm Psychotherapy CPT Codes details with the payer before you bill.

Checklist: put the psychotherapy cpt codes definitions to work

Check the psychotherapy cpt codes entries above before you send a claim that depends on them.
Share this psychotherapy cpt codes page with front-desk and billing staff so everyone works from the same definitions.
When a payer letter mentions psychotherapy cpt codes, find the matching entry and note the date you checked it.
Keep your psychotherapy cpt codes notes next to your payer contracts, because a contract can define a term differently.
Ask the payer to confirm in writing how it applies psychotherapy cpt codes before you change a workflow.
Train new staff on psychotherapy cpt codes first, then move on to the rest of the glossary.
Log any psychotherapy cpt codes question that comes up twice, then add the answer to your billing procedures.
Use the source links under the psychotherapy cpt codes entries to confirm the current rule.
Print the psychotherapy cpt codes entries you use most and keep them at the billing desk.
Review your psychotherapy cpt codes notes each quarter, because payer and CMS rules change.
Mark where psychotherapy cpt codes work differently for psychotherapists and for psychiatrists in your own procedures.
If a psychotherapy cpt codes entry does not match what your payer tells you, follow the payer contract and ask for the answer in writing.
A common psychotherapy cpt codes mistake is relying on an old payer bulletin, so check the date on every source.
Another psychotherapy cpt codes mistake is copying a definition into a policy without citing the source.
Send questions about psychotherapy cpt codes to one billing lead so the answer is shared once.
For psychotherapy cpt codes that affect payment, record the claim number and the name of the payer representative.

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Copay

General (all payers)

Also called copayment; flat fee copay

Definition: A fixed dollar amount a member pays for a covered service, often collected at the time of visit.
Why it matters: Collecting the correct copay at check-in improves revenue and patient experience.
Illustrative example: A member owes a $30 copay per therapy visit.

Reference sourceCMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesPatient Financial Responsibility Terms Eligibility & Benefits

Copay Waiver

General (all payers)

Also called waiving copays; routine copay forgiveness

Definition: Routinely not collecting a patient's cost sharing, which can violate payer contracts and, for government programs, anti-kickback and false claims rules.
Why it matters: Waiving copays without a compliant hardship policy is a compliance risk.
Illustrative example: A practice forgives copays for all patients and a payer flags it in an audit.

Reference sourceHHS Office of Inspector General (OIG)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesPatient Financial Responsibility Terms Audits & Compliance

Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA)

General (all payers)

Also called CIA; OIG corporate integrity agreement

Definition: A corporate integrity agreement is a multi-year agreement between OIG and a health care provider or entity, often as part of resolving federal health care fraud allegations. It sets compliance obligations in exchange for OIG not excluding the entity.
Why it matters: It signals a serious enforcement outcome. Anyone who receives one needs counsel.
Illustrative example: A provider settles a False Claims Act case and enters a CIA that requires training and audits.

Reference sourceHHS Office of Inspector General (OIG)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesAudits & Compliance

Corrected Claim

General (all payers)

Also called claim correction; resubmission; rebilling

Definition: A new claim sent to fix an error on a claim the payer already accepted, usually marked as a replacement.
Why it matters: Corrections have their own deadlines and rules; sending a duplicate can cause a denial.
Illustrative example: A practice sends a replacement claim to fix a wrong modifier.

Reference sourceCMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesClaims Processing Denials & Appeals

Cost to Collect

General (all payers)

Also called cost of billing; billing cost percentage

Definition: The cost of billing and collections as a percentage of revenue collected.
Why it matters: Helps compare in-house and outsourced billing.
Illustrative example: A practice spends 7 cents to collect each dollar.

Reference sourceHFMAchecked 10/9/26

CategoriesRevenue Cycle Metrics

Counseling Compact

General (all payers)

Also called counseling licensure compact; compact privilege to practice; interstate counseling license

Definition: The Counseling Compact is an interstate agreement that lets licensed professional counselors who qualify be granted a privilege to practice in other member states. The ACA describes it as a mutual recognition model, similar to a driver's license. The ACA reported that 38 states and the District of Columbia had ratified it as of September 30, 2025.
Why it matters: It affects telehealth across state lines, but payers still credential, and each state may have its own rules for privileges. Check that the state where the patient sits is in the compact and that the privilege is active.
Illustrative example: A counselor licensed in one compact state applies for a privilege to see a client who lives in another compact state.

Reference sourceACA, The Counseling Compact (9/30/2025)American Counseling Associationchecked 10/9/26

CategoriesCredentialing & Enrollment Telehealth Terms

Coverage Effective Date

General (all payers)

Also called effective date of coverage; coverage start date

Definition: The date a member's coverage begins.
Why it matters: Services before this date are not covered, and claims deny for no coverage.
Illustrative example: A patient's plan begins on the 1st; a session on the 30th before was not covered.

Reference sourceCMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesEligibility & Benefits

Coverage Termination Date

General (all payers)

Also called termination date; coverage end date

Definition: The date a member's coverage ends.
Why it matters: Billing after this date results in denials, so termination dates should be checked at each visit.
Illustrative example: A patient loses employer coverage on the last day of the month; a claim for the next month denies.

Reference sourceCMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesEligibility & Benefits

Covered Entity

General (all payers)

Also called HIPAA covered entity

Definition: A health plan, clearinghouse, or health care provider that transmits health information electronically in connection with standard transactions.
Why it matters: Determines who must follow HIPAA rules.
Illustrative example: A therapist who bills insurance electronically is a covered entity.

Reference sourceHHS (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesAudits & Compliance

CPT 90785

General (all payers)

Also called +90785; interactive complexity add-on

Definition: CPT +90785 is the interactive complexity add-on code. A Medicare contractor article describes it as an add-on specific to psychiatric services that refers to communication difficulties during the procedure.
Why it matters: It is not a timed code and is not billed if the patient cannot communicate by any means. It is not added to crisis codes 90839 and 90840. Record what was adapted and why. It can be billed with 90853 when medically indicated.
Illustrative example: A therapist uses a play-based approach and involves a caregiver to overcome a communication barrier, and adds +90785 to the psychotherapy code with a note explaining why.

Reference sourceCMS Coverage Database, Article A57480 (WPS)CMS Coverage Database, Article A57520 (First Coast)CMS Coverage Database, Article A57065 (CGS)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesCPT, E/M & HCPCS Code Entries Behavioral Health Specific Terms

CPT 90791

General (all payers)

Also called 90791; psychiatric diagnostic evaluation without medical services; psych intake code

Definition: CPT 90791 is the psychiatric diagnostic evaluation without medical services. A psychotherapist or a psychiatrist uses it to assess a new patient, reach a diagnosis, and start a treatment plan. CMS lists 90791 under the name "Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation."
Why it matters: It is normally billed once, at the start of an illness or suspected illness. A Medicare contractor article allows a repeat after a break in care of about six months, an inpatient admission, a significant change in mental status, or when the diagnosis needs clarifying. Under the Medicare NCCI policy manual it is not reported with psychotherapy codes on the same date, and E/M codes are not reported with it. Commercial payers set their own limits.
Illustrative example: A therapist bills 90791 for a new client's intake on Monday and 90834 for the first therapy session the following week.

Reference sourceCMS Medicare Learning Network (MLN)CMS Coverage Database, Article A57480 (WPS)CMS, NCCI Medicare Policy Manual, Chapter XIchecked 10/9/26

CategoriesCPT, E/M & HCPCS Code Entries Behavioral Health Specific Terms

CPT 90792

General (all payers)

Also called 90792; psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services

Definition: CPT 90792 is the psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services. Prescribers, such as psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners, use it when the evaluation includes a medical assessment. CMS lists 90792 under the name "Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation."
Why it matters: A Medicare contractor article says a practitioner who performs an evaluation with medical assessment may use 90792 or an E/M code. Under the Medicare NCCI policy manual an E/M is not reported with 90792 on the same date. Frequency follows the same rule as 90791.
Illustrative example: A psychiatrist evaluates a new patient, reviews medical history, and starts medication in the same visit, and bills 90792.

Reference sourceCMS Medicare Learning Network (MLN)CMS Coverage Database, Article A57520 (First Coast)CMS, NCCI Medicare Policy Manual, Chapter XIchecked 10/9/26

CategoriesCPT, E/M & HCPCS Code Entries Behavioral Health Specific Terms

CPT 90832

General (all payers)

Also called 90832; psychotherapy 30 minutes; 16-37 minutes

Definition: CPT 90832 is individual psychotherapy with the patient and/or a family member. The AMA describes it with a typical time of 30 minutes, and a Medicare contractor article (First Coast A57520) quotes the billable range as 16 to 37 minutes.
Why it matters: Choose the code by the face-to-face minutes on the note, not the typical time. A session of 15 minutes or less is not billable as psychotherapy. Medicare contractors require start and stop times, or the total time, for 90832, 90834 and 90837.
Illustrative example: A 30-minute check-in session that ran 10:00 to 10:32 is billed 90832.

Reference sourceCMS Coverage Database, Article A57480 (WPS)CMS Coverage Database, Article A57520 (First Coast)American Medical Association (AMA)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesCPT, E/M & HCPCS Code Entries Behavioral Health Specific Terms

CPT 90833

General (all payers)

Also called +90833; psychotherapy add-on 16-37 minutes; psychotherapy with E/M 30 minutes

Definition: CPT +90833 is an add-on code for psychotherapy, 16 to 37 minutes, reported together with an E/M service on the same date. It is never billed alone.
Why it matters: Psychiatrists and other prescribers use it when medication management and psychotherapy happen in the same visit. Pick the E/M level by medical decision making only, and count the psychotherapy time separately from the E/M. The psychotherapy time does not have to be continuous. The E/M and the psychotherapy must each be significant and separately identifiable.
Illustrative example: A psychiatrist bills 99214 plus +90833 for a visit with a medication review and 25 minutes of psychotherapy.

Reference sourceCMS Coverage Database, Article A57480 (WPS)CMS Coverage Database, Article A57520 (First Coast)CMS Medicare Learning Network (MLN)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesCPT, E/M & HCPCS Code Entries Behavioral Health Specific Terms

CPT 90834

General (all payers)

Also called 90834; psychotherapy 45 minutes; 38-52 minutes

Definition: CPT 90834 is individual psychotherapy with the patient and/or a family member. The AMA describes it with a typical time of 45 minutes, and a Medicare contractor article quotes the billable range as 38 to 52 minutes.
Why it matters: It is the most commonly billed therapy code. Record the date of service and the start and end time on every note. Choose 90837 only when the session reaches 53 minutes.
Illustrative example: A 50-minute session from 2:00 to 2:50 is billed 90834.

Reference sourceCMS Coverage Database, Article A57480 (WPS)CMS Coverage Database, Article A57520 (First Coast)American Medical Association (AMA)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesCPT, E/M & HCPCS Code Entries Behavioral Health Specific Terms

CPT 90836

General (all payers)

Also called +90836; psychotherapy add-on 38-52 minutes; psychotherapy with E/M 45 minutes

Definition: CPT +90836 is an add-on code for psychotherapy, 38 to 52 minutes, reported together with an E/M service on the same date.
Why it matters: It pairs with office and outpatient E/M codes (99202 to 99215) and with home or residence E/M codes (99341 to 99350) under Medicare contractor guidance. Do not count E/M time toward the psychotherapy time.
Illustrative example: A psychiatrist bills 99213 plus +90836 for a follow-up with a 45-minute psychotherapy portion.

Reference sourceCMS Coverage Database, Article A57480 (WPS)CMS Coverage Database, Article A57520 (First Coast)CMS Medicare Learning Network (MLN)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesCPT, E/M & HCPCS Code Entries Behavioral Health Specific Terms

CPT 90837

General (all payers)

Also called 90837; psychotherapy 60 minutes; 53 minutes or more

Definition: CPT 90837 is individual psychotherapy with the patient and/or a family member. The AMA describes it with a typical time of 60 minutes, and a Medicare contractor article quotes the billable floor as 53 minutes or more.
Why it matters: It draws the most payer and Medicare audit attention, so document exact start and stop times, not estimates. There is no code for a 75-minute or a 90-minute session, and no 46 to 52 minute tier. A Medicare contractor pays a session over 90 minutes only when the record shows the face-to-face time and the medical necessity for the extra time.
Illustrative example: A 58-minute session from 3:00 to 3:58 is billed 90837, and the note shows both times.

Reference sourceCMS Coverage Database, Article A57480 (WPS)CMS Coverage Database, Article A57520 (First Coast)American Medical Association (AMA)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesCPT, E/M & HCPCS Code Entries Behavioral Health Specific Terms

CPT 90838

General (all payers)

Also called +90838; psychotherapy add-on 53 minutes or more; psychotherapy with E/M 60 minutes

Definition: CPT +90838 is an add-on code for psychotherapy, 53 minutes or more, reported together with an E/M service on the same date.
Why it matters: The E/M level is chosen separately by medical decision making. Document the psychotherapy start and stop times or total time apart from the E/M. Because the add-on needs 53 minutes, the whole visit is long, so the note must clearly show the two services.
Illustrative example: A prescriber bills 99215 plus +90838 for a visit that includes 55 minutes of psychotherapy.

Reference sourceCMS Coverage Database, Article A57480 (WPS)CMS Coverage Database, Article A57520 (First Coast)CMS Medicare Learning Network (MLN)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesCPT, E/M & HCPCS Code Entries Behavioral Health Specific Terms

CPT 90839

General (all payers)

Also called 90839; psychotherapy for crisis first 60 minutes; crisis psychotherapy

Definition: CPT 90839 is psychotherapy for crisis. CMS describes the service as an urgent assessment and history of a crisis state, a mental status exam, and a disposition, and words 90839 as "first 60 minutes." CPT defines the range as 30 to 74 minutes.
Why it matters: Because CMS and CPT word the time differently, confirm the threshold with each payer. CMS says crisis codes are not billed with 90791, 90792, 90785 through 90899, or 90832 through 90838. The time can be non-continuous on the date of service.
Illustrative example: A therapist spends 45 minutes stabilizing a client in acute distress and bills 90839.

Reference sourceCMS, Psychotherapy for Crisis CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesCPT, E/M & HCPCS Code Entries Behavioral Health Specific Terms

CPT 90840

General (all payers)

Also called +90840; crisis psychotherapy each additional 30 minutes; crisis add-on

Definition: CPT +90840 is the add-on code for each additional 30 minutes of psychotherapy for crisis. It is billed only with 90839, once the crisis service reaches 75 minutes under the CPT definition.
Why it matters: Record the start and end time of the whole crisis service so the extra block is supported. Do not bill an E/M or a psychotherapy add-on for the same crisis time.
Illustrative example: A crisis session runs 95 minutes, so the claim shows 90839 plus one unit of +90840.

Reference sourceCMS, Psychotherapy for Crisis CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesCPT, E/M & HCPCS Code Entries Behavioral Health Specific Terms

CPT 90845

General (all payers)

Also called 90845; psychoanalysis

Definition: CPT 90845 is psychoanalysis. CMS lists it among covered mental health codes.
Why it matters: No minute range is defined. Payers may limit how often it is billed or require review, so confirm policy before you schedule a course of care.
Illustrative example: An analyst bills 90845 for an established psychoanalytic session after confirming the payer's coverage.

Reference sourceCMS Medicare Learning Network (MLN)checked 10/9/26

CategoriesCPT, E/M & HCPCS Code Entries Behavioral Health Specific Terms

CPT 90846

General (all payers)

Also called 90846; family psychotherapy without the patient present

Definition: CPT 90846 is family psychotherapy without the patient present. CMS says Medicare covers family psychotherapy with or without the patient present when it is medically reasonable and necessary and the patient's treatment is the main purpose.
Why it matters: The note should say who attended and why the session treated the patient's condition. A CMS billing guideline says these codes are not for taking a family history or for E/M counseling. Neither CPT nor the CMS sources reviewed set a minute range, so ask each payer for its minimum.
Illustrative example: A therapist meets with a child's parents, without the child, to work on the treatment plan and bills 90846.

Reference sourceCMS Medicare Learning Network (MLN)CMS Coverage Database, Article A57480 (WPS)CMS, NCCI Medicare Policy Manual, Chapter XIchecked 10/9/26

CategoriesCPT, E/M & HCPCS Code Entries Behavioral Health Specific Terms

CPT 90847

General (all payers)

Also called 90847; conjoint family psychotherapy with the patient present

Definition: CPT 90847 is family psychotherapy (conjoint) with the patient present. The family may include spouses, parents and children, or the patient and other family members.
Why it matters: Under the Medicare NCCI policy manual, 90847 can be reported on the same date as 90832 through 90838 only when it is a separate, distinct service in a separate time interval. It is not reported with 90791 or 90792 on the same date. Document each interval's start and end time.
Illustrative example: A therapist sees a teen alone for 45 minutes (90834) and then meets with the teen and parents for 40 minutes (90847), with both intervals timed in the note.

Reference sourceCMS Medicare Learning Network (MLN)CMS Coverage Database, Article A57480 (WPS)CMS, NCCI Medicare Policy Manual, Chapter XIchecked 10/9/26

CategoriesCPT, E/M & HCPCS Code Entries Behavioral Health Specific Terms

Quick answer: Psychotherapy CPT Codes

What is CPT 90837?

CPT 90837 is individual psychotherapy with the patient and/or a family member. The AMA describes it with a typical time of 60 minutes, and a Medicare contractor article quotes the billable floor as 53 minutes or more.

Frequently asked questions: Psychotherapy CPT Codes

What is CPT 90834?

CPT 90834 is individual psychotherapy with the patient and/or a family member. The AMA describes it with a typical time of 45 minutes, and a Medicare contractor article quotes the billable range as 38 to 52 minutes.

What is CPT 90791?

CPT 90791 is the psychiatric diagnostic evaluation without medical services. A psychotherapist or a psychiatrist uses it to assess a new patient, reach a diagnosis, and start a treatment plan. CMS lists 90791 under the name "Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation." It is normally billed once, at the start of an illness or suspected illness.

What is a copay?

Copay is a fixed dollar amount a member pays for a covered service, often collected at the time of visit. Collecting the correct copay at check-in improves revenue and patient experience.

Related resources

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MCM South serves psychotherapists and psychiatrists in ten states: Georgia, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Texas, Florida, New York, Colorado, Tennessee, North Carolina and Illinois.

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