2025 CPT code 90834
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Psychiatry - Psychotherapy Feed
Psychotherapy, 45 minutes with patient.
Modifiers may be applicable in specific circumstances, such as when a discontinued procedure occurs (modifier 53), or for distinct procedural services (modifier 59).Other modifiers related to telehealth or specific circumstances may also be appropriate.
Medical necessity for psychotherapy services must be supported by the patient's diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment plan. The documentation should demonstrate that the therapy is necessary for the treatment of the patient's mental health condition.
In simple words: This code covers a 45-minute session of talk therapy with a mental health professional to help with emotional or behavioral problems. The session may also include family members if needed.
This code represents a 45-minute psychotherapy session with a patient.It includes the time spent by the physician or other qualified healthcare professional in face-to-face interaction with the patient, utilizing therapeutic communication to address mental illness and behavioral disturbances.The session may also involve family members or other informants.
Example 1: A patient with generalized anxiety disorder attends a 45-minute psychotherapy session to discuss coping mechanisms and address current stressors., A patient with depression receives a 45-minute psychotherapy session that includes cognitive behavioral therapy techniques., A patient with post-traumatic stress disorder attends a 45-minute psychotherapy session with their partner to discuss relationship challenges related to the disorder.
Documentation should include the start and end times of the session, the total duration, the patient's diagnosis, a brief summary of the topics discussed, and any interventions used. The presence of any family members or informants should also be noted.
- Specialties:Psychiatry, Psychology, Clinical Social Work
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Inpatient Hospital, Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home, Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home