Psychotherapy CPT Coding Guide

SonderMind
Friday, September 22 2023

This cheat sheet has a list of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes that are available to therapists to bill through SonderMind, including their descriptions. 

Within the SonderMind portal, at step three of the claim submission process, the selection of CPT codes are automatically tailored depending on the insurance/EAP/other billing method selected in the previous step. Selection of CPT codes are based on the face-to-face time spent with a client during a SonderMind Video Telehealth® or office-based session.

We have listed the codes/descriptions here as a convenient reference sheet when getting accustomed to submitting claims within the portal.

Diagnostic:

  • 90791  Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation/intake session (therapist - LPC, LMFT, LCSW, LP) 
  • 90792  Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services (prescribers/medical provider)
  • 96130  Psychological testing, first 60 minutes 
  • 96131  Add-on for psychological testing, each additional 60 minutes 

Therapy:

  • 90832  Psychotherapy, 30 minutes (16-37 minutes with the client)
  • 90834  Psychotherapy, 45 minutes (38-52 minutes with the client)
  • 90837  Psychotherapy, 60 minutes (53 minutes and over with the client)
  • 90846  Family psychotherapy, without the client, 50 minutes (total duration of psychotherapy session 26 minutes and over)
  • 90847  Family psychotherapy (conjoint psychotherapy), with the client, 50 minutes (total duration of psychotherapy session 26 minutes and over)
  • 90849  Multiple-family group psychotherapy
  • 90853  Group psychotherapy (other than a multiple-family group)

Add-on codes with therapy: 

  • 90785  Interactive complexity (can be reported with appropriate primary procedure — 90791, 90832, 90834, 90837, or 90853 — if at least one of four specific complicating factor(s) are present, cannot be reported solely for the purpose of translation or interpretation services)* 


Crisis: 

  • 90839  Psychotherapy for crisis (a crisis psychotherapy session requiring urgent assessment and history of crisis state mental status exam, and disposition), 60 minutes**  
  • 90840  Additional code for an additional 30 minutes (75 minutes and over with the client), used with 90839

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

  • 90832 Psychotherapy, 30 minutes (16-37 minutes with the client)
  • 90834 Psychotherapy, 45 minutes (38-52 minutes with the client)
  • 90846 Family psychotherapy, without the client, 50 minutes (total duration of psychotherapy session 26 minutes and over)
  • 90847 Family psychotherapy (conjoint psychotherapy), with the client, 50 minutes (total duration of psychotherapy session 26 minutes and over)
  • 90853 Group psychotherapy (other than a multiple-family group)
  • 99404 Employee Assistance Program (Cigna EAP) ONLY

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*Refers to specific communication factors that complicate the delivery of a mental health procedure. Complicating factors could include difficult communication with acrimonious family members and engagement of verbally undeveloped children. These factors are typically found with patients who:

  • Have other legally responsible for their care, such as minors or adults with guardians
  • Request other such as family members or interpreters to be involved during the visit
  • Require the involvement of third parties such as schools or probation officers  

**The present problem must typically be life-threatening or complex and require immediate attention to a patient in high distress.

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