Mental Health CPT Codes latest update – The Only Guide You Need
If you’re a mental health provider struggling with billing , it’s probably because CPT codes change more often than your patients reschedule appointments. But don’t panic—I’ve got you covered with the latest mental health CPT codes for 2025 and how to use them without causing an insurance nightmare.
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ToggleWhy Knowing CPT Codes for Therapy is Essential
nsurance companies don’t care about your hard work unless it’s coded correctly. Using the wrong billing codes for mental health services means denied claims, delayed payments, and a big waste of time. Let’s fix that.
ICD-10-CM Updates for Mental Health
The ICD-10-CM updates for 2025 introduce new codes and revisions to existing ones, reflecting advances in mental health diagnostics. Highlights include:
- New Codes:
- F32.A: Major depressive disorder, single episode, mild with anxious distress.
- F43.8A: Prolonged grief disorder, which addresses an underrepresented condition.
- Updated Definitions:
- F41.1: Generalized anxiety disorder now includes further subcategories to distinguish severity levels.
- Enhanced Specificity:
- F43.1: PTSD has been updated to include clearer distinctions between acute, chronic, and delayed onset.
Providers should ensure their billing software is updated to reflect these changes and train their staff on new code usage to minimize errors and improve claim accuracy.
Updated Mental Health Billing Codes latest update (commonly used)
Here’s what you came for—the essential mental health CPT codes for 2025. Copy these, bill correctly, and get paid on time.
Common Psychotherapy CPT Codes:
- 90832 – 30-minute psychotherapy session
- 90834 – 45-minute psychotherapy session
- 90837 – 60-minute psychotherapy CPT code
- 90839 – Crisis psychotherapy, first 60 minutes
- 90840 – Add-on for each additional 30 minutes of crisis therapy
Family & Group Therapy CPT Codes:
- 90846 – Family therapy without patient
- 90847 – Family therapy with patient present
- 90853 – Group therapy (not family)
Telemedicine CPT Codes for Therapy:
- 90833 – Telehealth psychotherapy add-on (30 minutes)
- 90836 – Telehealth psychotherapy add-on (45 minutes)
- 90838 – Telehealth psychotherapy add-on (60 minutes)
- G2012 – Virtual check-in (5-10 minutes)
- G2252 – Virtual visit (11-20 minutes)
also you can learn more about mental health billing in these resources :
- up-to-date mental health CPT codes,American Medical Association’s (AMA)
- Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Mental Health Services booklet. Download the PDF here
American Psychiatric Association (APA) – Billing and Coding Guide (for psychiatrists) The APA provides a detailed guide on mental health billing and coding, including psychotherapy and telehealth codes.
- or view our comperhensive mental health billing services here
60-Minute Therapy CPT Code & Reimbursement
For a full 60-minute therapy session, the go-to code is 90837. However, some insurers try to dodge full reimbursement. Pro tip: document medical necessity (i.e., severe symptoms) to justify the longer session.
Tips for Hassle-Free Mental Health Billing
- Verify Coverage First – Not all insurers cover the same codes.
- Use Modifiers Correctly – Some sessions need a modifier (e.g., 95 for telehealth).
- Stay Updated – Codes change yearly, so don’t use outdated ones.
- Document Everything – Insurance loves rejecting claims over vague documentation.
- Check Reimbursement Rates – Not all codes pay the same; check with insurers.
Avoid These Common Billing Mistakes while dealing with mental health cpt codes
- Using outdated CPT codes – Insurance companies won’t pay for obsolete codes.
- Submitting incorrect session lengths – If you bill for 60 minutes but only did 45, expect a rejection.
- Ignoring Telehealth Requirements – Some payers require video, not just audio.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the updated mental health billing codes for 2025, use them wisely. Still confused? Consult a medical billing expert before your claims get rejected.
Need expert help with mental health billing? Contact us today to simplify your practice and maximize reimbursements!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new mental health codes for billing in 2025?
The 2025 CPT code set includes updates for telehealth, crisis care, and family therapy to align with evolving patient needs.
What is the 60-minute therapy CPT code?
The 90837 CPT code is used for a 60-minute individual therapy session.
How do I bill for telemedicine mental health sessions?
Use telemed-specific codes such as 99441-99443 for telephone consultations and G2012 for brief virtual check-ins.
“The mental health CPT codes listed in this guide, including 90832 (30-minute psychotherapy), 90834 (45-minute psychotherapy), and 90837 (60-minute psychotherapy), are sourced from the American Medical Association’s (AMA) official CPT codebook. For Medicare-specific guidelines, refer to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Mental Health Services booklet: CMS Mental Health Services. Additional resources can be found on the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) billing and coding page: APA Billing and Coding.”