Mental Health CPT Codes: The Definitive Guide [2025]

CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes are essential for mental health professionals to accurately document services rendered and ensure appropriate reimbursement from insurance providers. In 2025, several updates and clarifications have been introduced to help streamline billing processes and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the most relevant CPT codes for mental health services in 2025, organized by service type, and includes tips for proper use and documentation.

What Are CPT Codes?

CPT codes are five-digit numeric codes developed by the American Medical Association (AMA) to describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic services. In mental health, these codes cover a wide range of services, from psychotherapy to diagnostic evaluations.

Mental health CPT codes are primarily found in the 908XX series, but codes outside this range may also apply, depending on the service provided.

Mental Health CPT Codes by Service Type

1. Diagnostic Evaluations

Diagnostic evaluations are typically the first step in mental health care. These evaluations help determine a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

 

• • 90791: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation (without medical services)

• • 90792: Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation (with medical services, e.g., when performed by a psychiatrist)

Documentation Tips:
Ensure detailed notes include the patient’s history, presenting problems, assessment methods, and treatment recommendations.

2. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy codes are used for individual, family, or group therapy sessions. The codes are based on session duration and type.

 

• • 90832: Psychotherapy, 30 minutes (16-37 minutes)

• • 90834: Psychotherapy, 45 minutes (38-52 minutes)

• • 90837: Psychotherapy, 60 minutes (53+ minutes)

• • 90846: Family psychotherapy (without the patient present)

• • 90847: Family psychotherapy (with the patient present)

• • 90853: Group psychotherapy

Documentation Tips:
Always record the start and end times, therapeutic interventions used, and patient progress.

3. Crisis Psychotherapy

Crisis codes are used for emergency mental health interventions.

 

• • 90839: Psychotherapy for a crisis, first 60 minutes

• • 90840: Add-on code for each additional 30 minutes of crisis therapy

Key Notes:
Crisis codes require documentation of immediate threat to the patient’s safety or severe functional impairment.

4. Interactive Complexity

Add-on codes for psychotherapy involve additional complexity, such as communication barriers or involvement of third parties.

 

• • 90785: Interactive complexity (used with psychotherapy codes)

Examples:
Use when working with children who require play therapy or when addressing communication challenges in patients with developmental delays.

5. Medication Management

For providers who prescribe and manage psychiatric medications.

 

• • 90863: Pharmacologic management, used only in conjunction with psychotherapy

• • 99202-99215: Evaluation and Management (E/M) services for medication management (based on complexity)

Tips:
Accurately document medical decision-making and time spent managing medications.

6. Testing and Assessments

Psychological and neuropsychological testing codes are used when administering, scoring, and interpreting tests.

 

• • 96130: Psychological testing evaluation services, first hour

• • 96131: Each additional hour

• • 96136: Psychological or neuropsychological test administration, first 30 minutes (by technician)

• • 96137: Each additional 30 minutes

• • 96138: Psychological or neuropsychological test administration, first 30 minutes (by a clinician)

• • 96139: Each additional 30 minutes

Documentation Tips:
Include specific tests administered, scores, and interpretations.

Modifiers for Mental Health Services

Modifiers provide additional information about the services rendered. Common modifiers for mental health include:

 

• • GT/95: Telehealth services

• • 26: Professional component (e.g., interpretation of tests)

• • 59: Distinct procedural service

Ensure you understand payer-specific requirements for modifiers.

Billing for Telehealth Mental Health Services

With the expansion of telehealth services, many CPT codes can now be used for virtual sessions. Ensure that:

 

1. 1. Telehealth Modifiers (GT or 95) are included.

1. 1. Place of Service Code (02 or 10) is correctly applied to indicate telehealth.

Commonly used telehealth codes:

 

• • 90791, 90792: Diagnostic evaluations

• • 90832, 90834, 90837: Individual psychotherapy

• • 90846, 90847: Family psychotherapy

Tips for Accurate Billing and Coding

 

1. 1. Understand Time Requirements: CPT codes often have time thresholds. Ensure your session meets the required duration.

1. 1. Stay Up-to-Date with Payer Policies: Insurance carriers may have unique requirements.

1. 1. Use Add-On Codes When Applicable: For extended sessions or additional complexities.

1. 1. Maintain Thorough Documentation: This supports medical necessity and avoids claim denials.

1. 1. Leverage Billing Software: Use tools that update codes regularly to avoid outdated billing practices.

Conclusion

Mental health CPT codes are vital for ensuring accurate billing and proper reimbursement. By understanding and utilizing the correct codes for each service type, mental health professionals can focus on delivering high-quality care without unnecessary administrative burdens.

For 2025, staying informed about code updates, documentation requirements, and payer-specific guidelines will help streamline your practice’s operations and improve financial outcomes. Always consult the American Medical Association’s CPT Manual and payer policies for the latest information.