Mental health CPT codes are essential for clean billing, faster reimbursement, and insurance compliance in therapy and psychiatry. Whether you are a therapist, counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist, selecting the right CPT code helps reduce claim denials and ensures proper payment for your services.
This guide explains the most commonly used CPT codes in behavioral health. It also covers billing tips, documentation best practices, and important areas many providers overlook like telehealth and collaborative care.
What Are CPT Codes in Mental Health
CPT stands for Current Procedural Terminology. These are five-digit codes used to describe the services you provide to clients, such as therapy sessions, psychiatric evaluations, or group work. Insurance companies use CPT codes to determine what services were delivered and how much to reimburse.
If a wrong CPT code is used or documentation is missing, your claim may be denied or delayed. Correct coding is a core part of running a healthy private practice or group clinic.
Most Common Mental Health CPT Codes
Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluations
- 90791 is used for an initial psychiatric evaluation without medical services
- 90792 is used when the initial evaluation includes medical services such as prescribing or reviewing medication
Therapists and psychologists typically use 90791. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners use 90792.
Psychotherapy Codes
- 90832 is for 30-minute therapy sessions
- 90834 is for 45-minute therapy sessions
- 90837 is for 60-minute therapy sessions
These codes are time-based. It is important to document actual time spent in session and clinical details that justify the code selected.
Crisis and Add-On Codes
90839 is for the first 60 minutes of psychotherapy for a client in crisis
90840 is an add-on for each extra 30 minutes during the same session
90785 is for interactive complexity when a session involves added clinical effort due to emotional intensity, language barriers, or other complicating factors
Interactive complexity is often missed. If the session includes family members, translators, or heightened risk, 90785 may apply.
Family and Group Therapy
- 90846 is for family therapy without the client present
- 90847 is for family therapy with the client present
- 90853 is for group psychotherapy with multiple participants
These codes require documentation that clearly shows the focus of treatment. Use the appropriate code based on whether the client is involved or not.
Behavioral Health Integration and Collaborative Care Codes
These CPT codes support integrated care where behavioral health providers work with primary care physicians or medical teams:
- 99484 is used for general behavioral health integration services
- 99492 is for initial 70 minutes of collaborative care in the first month
- 99493 is for ongoing collaborative care in later months
- 99494 is for each additional 30 minutes in a month
These codes require clear documentation of care coordination, communication with other providers, and active treatment planning.
Telehealth and CPT Coding for Mental Health
Many mental health services are now covered under telehealth. You can use the same CPT codes for therapy and evaluations, but you must add:
- A telehealth-specific place of service code (such as 02 or 10)
- A modifier 95 to indicate the service was delivered via real-time video
- Clear documentation that the session took place through a telehealth platform and that the client was located at an approved site
Do not assume every payer has the same telehealth rules. Check insurer requirements before submitting claims.
Documentation Guidelines for Accurate Billing
Use clear and consistent documentation for all services. This helps reduce audits and supports every claim you submit.
Include time spent in the session
- State whether the session was in person or via telehealth
- Describe the methods used such as CBT or trauma-focused therapy
- List who was present if using family or group codes
- Provide a brief summary of clinical observations and next steps
Always document medical necessity for each service billed. This applies to both therapy and evaluation codes.
Common Coding Mistakes in Mental Health Billing
- Using 90837 too often without proper documentation
- Failing to document the use of 90785 for complex sessions
- Billing 90791 when prescribing medication was involved
- Using therapy codes for sessions shorter than the required time
- Skipping the telehealth modifier or incorrect location codes
These mistakes can lead to denied claims, recoupments, or payer audits. Double-check code choice and documentation every time.
Billing Tips for Mental Health Professionals
- Use time-based codes correctly and consistently
- Train billing staff or admin on mental health specific coding
- Review payer rules often, especially for telehealth and modifiers
- Use add-on codes like 90840 and 99494 when eligible
- Keep clinical notes audit-ready by linking treatment goals to session content
Even small improvements in coding accuracy can make a major difference in cash flow and claim turnaround.
Final Thoughts
Mastering mental health CPT codes is key to running a stable, compliant, and profitable therapy or psychiatry practice. This guide helps you understand the main codes in use today, along with billing rules for crisis care, family therapy, collaborative care, and telehealth.
Stay informed on billing changes. Review documentation habits regularly. Teach your team to spot coding issues before claims are submitted. With clean billing and accurate CPT code use, your practice can grow with fewer administrative setbacks and stronger reimbursement.
