This change has introduced new mental health CPT codes, such as G0553 and G0554, created specifically for virtual and digital therapy.
The integration of mental health into primary care is also increasing. Many clinics now offer same-day billing for both medical and mental health services, improving convenience for patients and streamlining documentation.
For mental health professionals, understanding the latest CPT codes is vital for accurate billing, compliance, and timely reimbursement.
This blog helps psychiatrists and therapists stay updated with the most important mental health CPT codes in 2025.
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???? Commonly Used Mental Health CPT Codes (2025)
1. Diagnostic Evaluations
90791 – Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation (without medical services)
Used for the first assessment of a patient’s mental health without prescribing or managing medications.
90792 – Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation (with medical services)
Used when the evaluation includes medical services like prescribing or adjusting medications.
2. Psychotherapy Sessions
90832 – Psychotherapy, 30 minutes
Covers sessions from 16–37 minutes, focusing on short-term therapy for specific emotional or behavioral issues.
90834 – Psychotherapy, 45 minutes
Used for sessions between 38–52 minutes, providing moderate-length therapy.
90837 – Psychotherapy, 60 minutes
Covers sessions lasting 53 minutes or longer, ideal for in-depth or complex therapy cases.
3. Family and Couples Therapy
90846 – Family or couples psychotherapy (without patient present)
Focuses on family communication and relationships without the patient in session.
90847 – Family or couples psychotherapy (with patient present)
Involves both the patient and family members to address relational or emotional issues.
4. Group Therapy
90853 – Group psychotherapy (other than multiple-family group)
Used for group sessions where patients work together toward shared therapeutic goals.
5. Crisis Intervention
90839 – Psychotherapy for crisis (first 60 minutes)
For urgent sessions addressing acute emotional or behavioral crises.
90840 – Psychotherapy for crisis (each additional 30 minutes)
Add-on code for extra time beyond the initial 60 minutes.
6. Interactive Complexity
+90785 – Psychotherapy with interactive complexity
Add-on code used when communication is complicated — for example, when interpreters are needed or the session involves children.
7. Telehealth Services
98000–98003 – New client audio-video telemedicine visits
Used for video-based sessions with new clients.
98004–98007 – Established client audio-video telemedicine visits
Used for follow-up telehealth sessions with returning clients.
98008–98011 – New client audio-only telemedicine visits
Covers phone-based sessions for new patients.
98012–98015 – Established client audio-only telemedicine visits
For ongoing therapy sessions done by phone with existing patients.
98016 – Brief virtual check-in encounter
Used for short telehealth check-ins to review progress or provide brief counseling.
8. Behavioral Health Integration (BHI)
99492 – First 60 minutes of care coordination
Covers the first hour of behavioral health integration with care planning and communication.
99493 – Each additional 30 minutes
Used for extra coordination time beyond the first hour.
99494 – Each additional 60 minutes
For complex or extended cases requiring extra planning.
G2214 – Additional 30 minutes of coordination
Add-on code for further 30-minute coordination beyond standard care.
Guidelines for Correct Use of Mental Health CPT Codes
✅ 1. Understand the Codes
Know all relevant mental health CPT codes including evaluations, psychotherapy, and telehealth Billing services. This helps ensure accurate billing and compliance.
✅ 2. Match the Code to Session Type
Select the exact code that matches the type of service — individual, group, couples, or crisis therapy.
✅ 3. Match the Code to Session Duration
Always use the correct time-based code (30, 45, or 60 minutes). Time accuracy avoids underpayment or billing errors.
✅ 4. Use Add-On Codes Appropriately
Only add codes like +90785, +90840, or BHI codes (99492–G2214) when medically necessary and supported by proper documentation.
✅ 5. Maintain Detailed Documentation
Every note should include the session date, time, duration, diagnosis, therapy methods, and progress notes.
✅ 6. Follow Telehealth Rules
Apply the correct telehealth codes for audio-only or audio-video sessions. Keep the same documentation quality as in-person visits.
✅ 7. Stay Audit-Ready and Compliant
Follow payer, AMA, and regulatory guidelines. Clear and detailed records protect your practice from denials or penalties.
Benefits of Outsourcing Mental Health Billing
Outsourcing mental health billing helps clinics and private practices save time, reduce errors, and boost revenue. Professional billing teams, like 24/7 Medical Billing Services, specialize in handling mental health CPT codes, payer-specific rules, and changing regulations.
Many practices that outsource report a 5–15% increase in collections and smoother cash flow. Outsourcing also ensures clean claims, fewer rejections, and faster reimbursements.
With advanced reporting tools, you can track revenue trends, identify problem areas, and plan better. It also ensures compliance with the latest telehealth and Medicare policies, giving you peace of mind and more time to focus on patient care.
FAQs About Mental Health CPT Codes
Q1. Are CPT codes the same for inpatient and outpatient therapy?
No. Some CPT codes apply only to outpatient sessions, while others are for inpatient care.
Q2. Can I bill multiple CPT codes for one session?
Yes, if the services are distinct and properly documented (e.g., add-on or crisis codes).
Q3. Are CPT codes needed for self-pay patients?
Yes. Even for self-pay patients, CPT codes help create superbills that can be submitted to insurance for reimbursement.