CPT Code 90834: Your 45-Minute Psychotherapy Session Billing Guide

When it comes to billing for mental health services, CPT Code 90834 is one of the most frequently used codes by providers. This code ensures accurate documentation and fair reimbursement for a 45-minute individual psychotherapy session. More than just billing, CPT 90834 represents the structured, evidence-based therapeutic care that licensed professionals deliver to address emotional, cognitive, and behavioral challenges.

This comprehensive guide covers the purpose of CPT 90834, who can bill it, session components, and a step-by-step approach to mental health billing and coding for successful claim submission.

What is CPT Code 90834?

CPT Code 90834 is the standard billing code for individual psychotherapy sessions lasting about 45 minutes. It applies only to direct face-to-face patient time and does not include non-clinical tasks such as scheduling, documentation, or administrative work.

By using this code correctly, mental health providers ensure proper billing CPT Code 90834 claims in outpatient settings.

Who Can Bill CPT Code 90834?

The following licensed mental health professionals are eligible to use CPT 90834 for billing:

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs)

Clinical Psychologists (PsyD or PhD)

Psychiatrists (MD)

???? Providers must hold a valid license in their state and deliver a qualifying 45-minute psychotherapy session.

Key Components of a CPT 90834 Session

To qualify for billing CPT Code 90834, the session must include specific therapeutic elements:

Evaluation & Assessment – Reviewing symptoms, diagnosis, and updating treatment plans.

Psychotherapy – Using insight-oriented therapy to improve self-awareness and emotional growth.

Behavior Modification – Applying evidence-based strategies to reduce harmful behaviors.

Supportive Interactions – Providing empathy, coping skills, and emotional guidance.

Exclusions – Administrative activities (scheduling, documentation) do not count toward billable time.

Billing Guide for CPT Code 90834

Here’s a step-by-step mental health billing and coding guide for CPT 90834:

Step 1: Verify Insurance Coverage

Check the patient’s insurance plan for coverage of CPT 90834, including limits or restrictions. This helps prevent denials and payment delays.

Step 2: Confirm Medical Necessity

Each billed session must meet medical necessity. Document conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or related diagnoses and pair them with proper ICD-10 codes to justify reimbursement.

Step 3: Meet Time Requirements

90832 → 16–37 minutes

90834 → 38–52 minutes (standard)

90837 → 53+ minutes

Precise documentation of start and end times is essential.

Step 4: Maintain Accurate Documentation

Every note should include:

Session duration (start & end times)

Patient progress updates

Interventions/techniques used

Treatment plan modifications

This protects against audits and ensures proper reimbursement.

Step 5: Consider Telehealth Rules

90834 is billable for telehealth sessions if requirements are met:

Use modifier 95 for real-time audio/video sessions

Confirm payer telehealth coverage

Document patient consent for telehealth

Step 6: Use Add-On Codes if Needed

90785 → Interactive complexity (complex communication, interpreters, etc.)

99050 → Services outside scheduled office hours

99051 → Services during weekends/holidays within office hours

Only apply these when appropriate and supported by payer policies.

Step 7: Submit the Claim

Include CPT 90834 with correct modifiers and supporting documentation. Attach progress notes when needed to reduce denials.

Step 8: Monitor Reimbursement Rates

Medicare (2025): $100–$150 per session (varies by location & credentials)

Private insurers: May reimburse higher rates

Regularly review payments for accuracy.

Step 9: Manage Denials & Appeals

If denied, review the payer’s explanation, provide additional documentation, and appeal promptly. Effective denial management prevents recurring billing issues.

Conclusion

Accurate billing for mental health services using CPT 90834 is vital for ensuring smooth practice operations, proper reimbursement, and quality care. With the right documentation, modifiers, and payer compliance, providers can optimize claims while avoiding costly denials.

For busy practices, outsourcing to experts can simplify the process. 24/7 Medical Billing Services specializes in mental health billing and coding, helping providers streamline claim management, reduce administrative burdens, and maximize reimbursements.

FAQs on Billing CPT Code 90834

Q1. Can CPT 90834 be billed for group therapy?
No, it is only for individual sessions.

Q2. Can it be billed multiple times per day?
Only once per patient per day, unless payer policy allows otherwise.

Q3. Does CPT 90834 include family therapy?
No, family therapy requires separate CPT codes.

Q4. Can interns or trainees bill 90834?
Only licensed professionals are eligible to bill CPT 90834.

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