# 90834 CPT Code: Psychotherapy, 45 minutes

**URL:** https://www.valant.io/resources/blog/90834-cpt-code-psychotherapy-45-minutes/
**Author:** Andrew Schatzberg
**Published:** June 27, 2024

> [vc_row type="in_container" full_screen_row_position="middle" column_margin="default" column_direction="default" column_direction_tablet="default" column_direction_phone="default" scene_position="center" text_color="dark" text_align="left" row_border_radius="none" row_border_radius_applies="bg" overlay_strength="0.3" gradient_direction="left_to_right" shape_divider_position="bottom" bg_image_animation="none" shape_type=""][vc_column column_padding="no-extra-padding" column_padding_tablet="inherit" column_padding_phone="inherit" column_padding_position="all" column_element_spacing="default" background_color_opacity="1" background_hover_color_opacity="1" column_shadow="none" column_border_radius="none" column_link_target="_self" gradient_direction="left_to_right" overlay_strength="0.3" width="1/1" tablet_width_inherit="default" tablet_text_alignment="default" phone_text_alignment="default" bg_image_animation="none" border_type="simple" column_border_width="none" column_border_style="solid"][vc_column_text] Definition The 90834...

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## Definition

The 90834 CPT code refers to psychotherapy sessions lasting approximately 45 minutes. It is commonly used by mental health professionals to bill for individual therapy sessions. During these sessions, clinicians worth with their patients to address emotional, behavioral, or psychological issues. The focus is on promoting mental well-being, improving coping skills, and fostering positive change.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”3/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

## Usage Guidelines

Here are some key points regarding the usage of the 90834 CPT code:

- **Duration:** As mentioned, this code specifically covers 45-minute sessions. If the session duration varies (e.g., 50 minutes), a different code should be used.

- **Individual Therapy:** The 90834 code is primarily for individual therapy. It does not apply to group therapy or family sessions.

- **Face-to-Face Time:** The therapist must spend at least 38 minutes face-to-face with the client during the session. This includes assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions.

- **Documentation:** Accurate documentation is crucial. Therapists should record the session content, goals, progress, and any relevant clinical information.

## Comparison with Other Psychotherapy CPT Codes

**Let’s briefly compare the 90834 code with other related CPT codes:**

- **90832 (30 minutes):** This code represents 30-minute psychotherapy sessions. It’s used for shorter sessions or when the therapist spends less time with the client.

- **90837 (60 minutes):** For longer sessions (up to 60 minutes), therapists use the 90837 code. It allows more in-depth exploration and intervention.

- **[90846](https://www.valant.io/resources/blog/90846-cpt-code-family-psychotherapy-without-the-patient-present/) (Family Therapy Without Patient Present):** This code applies when the therapist meets with family members to address the patient’s treatment, but the patient themselves is not present in the session. It’s normally used to discuss family dynamics, caregiving strategies, or ways to support the patient’s progress.

- **90847 (Family Therapy):** If the session involves family members, the 90847 code applies. Family therapy sessions focus on family dynamics and relationships.

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**

**CPT Code**** | 
****Description**** | 
****Session Duration**** | 
****Usage**** | 

**90832** | 
30-minute psychotherapy sessions | 
30 minutes | 
Shorter individual sessions | 

**90834** | 
45-minute psychotherapy sessions | 
45 minutes | 
Standard individual sessions | 

**90837** | 
60-minute psychotherapy sessions | 
60 minutes | 
Longer individual sessions | 

**90847** | 
Family therapy sessions | 
Varies | 
Sessions involving family members | 

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## Who Should Learn About 90834 CPT Code?

Mental health providers who understand the details of CPT 90834 will have an easier time ensuring accurate documentation.

In addition, billing administrators will find it useful for accurate coding, reimbursement, and general revenue cycle management.

## Resources/ References:

Remember, good billing processes – supported by accurate coding – help practices maintain steady reimbursement from payers and contribute to high-quality patient care. For more detailed information, check out these select resources from our blog:

- [2024 ICD-10 Updates](https://www.valant.io/resources/blog/2024-icd-10-updates/)

- [ICD-10 Codes for Depression](https://www.valant.io/resources/blog/icd-10-codes-for-depression/)

- [ICD-10 Code for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (F41.1)](https://www.valant.io/resources/blog/icd-10-code-for-generalized-anxiety-disorder-f41-1/)

- [ICD-10 Code for Generalized Anxiety Disorder](https://www.valant.io/resources/blog/icd-10-code-for-generalized-anxiety-disorder-f41-1/)

And here are some additional resources:

- [AMA: CPT Code 90834](https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/cpt/cpt-code-90834-psychotherapy-45-minutes#:~:text=CPT%C2%AE%20code%2090834%3A%20Psychotherapy%2C%2045%20minutes,-3%20MIN%20READ)

- [APA Services: Psychotherapy](https://www.apaservices.org/practice/reimbursement/health-codes/psychotherapy)

- [CMS: Medicare Coverage Database](https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?articleId=57480)

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