Coding correctly is important in mental health billing. Whether you are a solo provider, a behavioral health clinic, or a medical billing agency in California, knowing CPT and ICD-10 codes helps you submit clear claims and receive the most reimbursement. This 2025 mental health billing CPT code cheat sheet, relevant ICD-10 diagnoses, essential modifiers, and key payer details to help with your billing process.
Most Common Psychotherapy CPT Codes for 2025
Time-Based Individual Psychotherapy
- 90832 – 30-minute session
- 90834 – 45-minute session
- 90837 – 60-minute session
These three are essential for mental health billing. Choose based on the time spent in face-to-face therapy. Make sure the documentation backs up the time requirements.
📌 Tip: Some payers, like Medicare or commercial plans such as Aetna, scrutinize 90837. Use 90834 if documentation doesn’t justify a full 60-minute service.
Interactive Complexity Add-On
- 90785 – Use this add-on with sessions involving communication barriers (e.g., young children, trauma, cognitive issues). Always pair it with a primary psychotherapy code.
Family and Group Therapy Codes
- 90846 – Family psychotherapy without patient present
- 90847 – Family psychotherapy with patient present
- 90853 – Group therapy (often used in IOPs or residential settings)
Key ICD-10 Codes for Mental Health in 2025
Choosing the correct ICD-10 code is vital. The diagnosis must support medical necessity for psychotherapy services.
| F32.0 – F32.9: | Major depressive disorder, single episode |
| F33.0 – F33.9: | Major depressive disorder, recurrent |
| F41.1: | Generalized anxiety disorder |
| F43.1: | Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) |
| F90.0: | Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) |
| F84.0: | Autism spectrum disorder |
💡 Quick Insight: Pair F33.1 (recurrent depression, moderate) with CPT 90834 or 90837 for regular talk therapy. Clean submissions tie diagnosis and procedure tightly.
Must-Know Modifiers for Psychotherapy Billing
Modifiers clarify the circumstances of a claim. Here are the most important:
- GT & 95: Designate services delivered via telehealth.
- 59: Indicates a distinct procedural service. Use cautiously and only when billing multiple services in the same session.
- 25: Shows that a separate E/M service was performed by the same provider on the same day.
- KX: Required for services exceeding Medicare therapy caps.
🔍 Pro Tip: Payers vary. BCBS may prefer modifier 95; Medicare still accepts GT. Check contracts and payer bulletins for updates.
Telehealth Billing Considerations (2025 Updates)
Telehealth is here to stay. CMS and many commercial payers continue to support parity, though nuances exist:
- Common telehealth-approved codes: 90832, 90834, 90837
- Use modifier 95 for real-time audio/video. Use POS 10 (home) or 02 (other sites).
Ensure your documentation states “telehealth session” and confirms patient consent.
Documentation Best Practices to Prevent Denials
Documentation remains your strongest defense against audits or denials:
- Match diagnosis to CPT code logically
- Note total session time and therapeutic intervention
- Justify extended sessions (especially 90837) with clinical notes
Auditors often flag excessive 60-minute claims without specific supporting documentation.
Common Billing Mistakes to Avoid
- Overusing 90837: Without clear documentation, this triggers audits
- Missing modifiers: Telehealth claims often get denied if 95 or GT is left out
- Stale diagnosis codes: Review ICD-10 updates each October
- Ignoring payer policy: UHC might deny claims allowed by Medicare. Check each insurer’s list of covered services and requirements
🧠 Payer Spotlight:
- UHC: Often restricts use of 90837, requires prior auth
- BCBS: Allows telehealth but modifier and POS must be exact
- Medicare: Accepts GT and POS 02; watch for therapy cap rules (source: AMA)
Downloadable Mental Health Billing Cheat Sheet
Need a quick reference? Download our free 2025 Mental Health Billing Cheat Sheet (PDF) with CPT codes, ICD-10 mapping, and payer-specific reminders.
Want help with behavioral health billing? CHB is a reliable medical billing company for practices and providers across the country.
Schedule a consultation today.
FAQs
What CPT code should I use for a 45-minute therapy session?
Use 90834 for individual psychotherapy lasting around 45 minutes. This is the most commonly billed psychotherapy code.
Can I use 90837 for every session?
Not recommended. While 90837 covers 60-minute therapy, overuse without medical necessity or documentation can trigger audits.
Do I need modifiers for telehealth sessions?
Yes. Use modifier 95 for most payers and specify the POS code (usually 10 or 02). Always document that the session was conducted via real-time video.
How do I code for family therapy with the patient present?
Use 90847 when the patient is actively participating in the family therapy session.
What diagnosis codes pair with psychotherapy CPT codes?
Common pairings include:
F33.1 with 90834 (moderate depression, 45-minute session)
F41.1 with 90837 (anxiety, 60-minute session)
Conclusion
Understanding psychotherapy CPT codes, ICD-10 mapping, and modifiers helps you lower denials, improve compliance, and get paid faster. Use this cheat sheet to guide your claims. For personalized help, work with CHB, a medical billing agency in California that focuses on behavioral health practices.
