# 90837 CPT Code: Psychotherapy, 60 Minutes

**URL:** https://www.valant.io/resources/blog/90837-cpt-code-psychotherapy-60-minutes/
**Author:** Andrew Schatzberg
**Published:** June 28, 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 90837...

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## Definition

The 90837 CPT Code represents individual psychotherapy sessions lasting approximately 60 minutes. During these sessions, therapists engage with clients using various modalities to address mental health concerns, emotional well-being, and behavioral patterns.

It’s crucial to document the content of each session, including the therapeutic techniques used and the client’s progress.

[![billing and CPT codes blog CTA V1](https://www.valant.io/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/billing-and-CPT-codes-blog-CTA-V1-300x200.png)](https://www.valant.io/clinical-care/clinical-documentation/)[/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

- Time-Based Billing: CPT 90837 is a time-based code. It’s essential to accurately track the duration of the session. If the session lasts less than 60 minutes, consider using a different code (e.g., 90832 for 30-minute sessions).

- Frequency: Therapists can bill for multiple 60-minute sessions on the same day if medically necessary. However, ensure proper documentation and justification for the frequency.

- Modifiers: Use appropriate modifiers (e.g., -25, or -95) when billing alongside other services or procedures. For example you’ll want add -95 as a modified to indicate a telehealth session.

## Comparison with Other Psychotherapy CPT Codes

- **90832 (30 Minutes):** A shorter session, suitable for brief interventions or follow-ups.

- **90834 (45 Minutes):** Allows for more in-depth exploration and therapeutic work than 90832.

- **[90846](https://www.valant.io/resources/blog/90846-cpt-code-family-psychotherapy-without-the-patient-present/) (Family Psychotherapy without Patient Present):** Used for family therapy sessions without the patient present.

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## Who Should Learn About CPT Code 90837?

Mental Health Professionals: In order to understand the nuances of CPT 90837 for accurate billing and documentation.

Billing Administrators: In order to ensure proper coding and reimbursement processes.

## Resources/ References:

Remember, accurate coding ensures fair compensation for mental health services and contributes to better patient care. For more detailed information, explore the following 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/)

- [ICD-10 Code for Altered Mental Status, Unspecified 2024 – R41.82](https://www.valant.io/resources/blog/icd-10-code-for-altered-mental-status/)

- [ICD-10 Code for Suicidal Ideation 2024 – R45.851](https://www.valant.io/resources/blog/icd-10-code-for-suicidal-ideation/)

And check out these additional resources:

- [AMA: CPT Code 90837](https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/cpt/cpt-code-90837-psychotherapy-1#:~:text=CPT%C2%AE%20code%2090837%3A%20Psychotherapy%2C%201,-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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