CPT Code 90837: Psychotherapy, 60 minutes

Duration

60 min

Typical Fee

$150-$250

Type

Outpatient therapy

Note: Most common therapy code.

When to Use CPT 90837

Use CPT code 90837 when billing for psychotherapy, 60 minutes. This code is used by licensed therapists (LCSW, LPC, MFT, Psychologist) for outpatient sessions.

Adding CPT 90837 to a Superbill

When generating a superbill with CPT 90837, include the ICD-10 diagnosis code, date of service, fee charged, amount paid, and your NPI number. Superbilled pre-fills common therapy CPT codes automatically.

Common ICD-10 Pairings

These diagnosis codes are frequently used alongside CPT 90837:

F41.1 - Generalized anxiety disorder F32.1 - Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate F43.10 - Post-traumatic stress disorder, unspecified F31.9 - Bipolar disorder, unspecified F43.23 - Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood

Documentation Requirements

Session must be 53 minutes or longer. Document exact start and stop times, therapeutic interventions, and patient response.

Common Denial Reasons

✗ Session documented at less than 53 minutes — should use 90834
✗ Missing or vague diagnosis code
✗ Frequency of sessions exceeds payer medical necessity guidelines

Modifier Notes

Use modifier 95 for synchronous telehealth sessions. Modifier 76 if repeating the same service on the same day (rare).

Reimbursement Expectations

OON reimbursement typically 50-70% of UCR. Expect $80-$175 from most commercial insurers.

Related Guides

CPT Code 90837: Psychotherapy 60 Minutes Explained5 min read
Telehealth Therapy Billing: CPT Codes, Modifiers, and Superbills6 min read
How to Create a Superbill: Complete Guide8 min read

Generate a superbill with CPT 90837 free