Ultimate Guide to CPT Code 90837: Billing for 60-Minute Psychotherapy Sessions in 2025
- Sirius solutions global
- Dec 17, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Mental health providers know that some clients need more time to unpack deep issues, process trauma, or build coping strategies effectively. That's why CPT code 90837 the code for extended individual psychotherapy sessions is such a cornerstone in behavioral health practices. These longer sessions, typically around 60 minutes, allow for meaningful progress in complex cases, but billing them correctly requires attention to detail to avoid denials and ensure fair reimbursement.
This ultimate guide to CPT code 90837 covers everything mental health professionals need in 2025: the official description, when and how to use it, documentation essentials, reimbursement rates, comparisons with similar codes, telehealth considerations, common pitfalls, and practical tips for seamless claims. Whether you're a psychologist, LCSW, LMFT, LPC, or psychiatrist adding therapy time, mastering CPT code 90837 helps you get paid accurately while delivering the care your clients deserve.
At Sirius Solutions Global, we've supported behavioral health providers nationwide with specialized revenue cycle management, including precise handling of psychotherapy codes like CPT code 90837. Our AI tools, like CODIN for coding accuracy and DEXA for denial recovery, combined with expert oversight, help practices reduce denials and boost collections so you can focus on therapy.
CPT code 90837 is defined by the AMA as "Psychotherapy, 60 minutes with the patient." Technically, it applies to individual psychotherapy sessions lasting 53 minutes or longer face-to-face with the patient (or including family if present, but focused on the patient).
This code covers insight-oriented, behavior-modifying, supportive, or interactive psychotherapy
whatever approach fits the client's needs. It's ideal for deeper work on issues like PTSD, severe anxiety, depression with complications, or personality disorders where shorter sessions just aren't enough.
In 2025, guidelines emphasize medical necessity for extended time. Payers expect proof that a 60-minute session was required over shorter options.
Key facts about CPT code 90837:
Time threshold: Minimum 53 minutes of direct therapy (not including scheduling or note-taking).
Patient presence: Required for the bulk of the session.
Standalone: Pure psychotherapy no E/M or medication management unless using add-ons.
With telehealth still prominent, many CPT code 90837 sessions are virtual, billed with modifiers like 95.
Bill CPT code 90837 for:
Complex cases needing in-depth exploration (e.g., trauma processing, relational patterns).
Clients with multiple diagnoses or high symptom severity.
Sessions naturally extending to 53+ minutes due to therapeutic needs.
Don't use it for:
Sessions under 53 minutes (downgrade to 90834 or 90832).
Initial evaluations (use 90791).
Group/family therapy (different codes).
Combined with E/M without proper add-ons (e.g., +90838 for prescribers).
Always justify necessity with ICD-10 codes like F32.2 (severe depression), F41.9 (anxiety), or F43.10 (PTSD).
CPT Code 90837 vs 90834 vs 90832: Key Differences Explained
Choosing the right code prevents under- or over-billing. Here's a breakdown:
CPT code 90837 offers higher reimbursement but attracts more scrutiny use it only when clinically justified. Many practices mix codes for flexible scheduling.
Extended sessions under CPT code 90837 often follow this flow:
Review progress and goals.
Dive deep into triggers, emotions, or patterns.
Apply techniques (CBT, EMDR, psychodynamic exploration).
Process insights, assign homework.
Document times, interventions, and next steps.
These sessions shine for breakthrough moments that shorter formats can't accommodate.
Payers deny CPT code 90837 claims without solid proof. Include:
Exact start/end times (or total minutes).
Specific interventions (e.g., "Explored childhood trauma via narrative therapy").
Progress toward goals and client response.
Why extended time was necessary (e.g., "Client decompensated mid-session requiring additional stabilization").
Medical necessity tied to diagnosis.
Templates help our CODIN AI at Sirius Solutions Global scans notes for gaps, ensuring compliance before submission.
For telehealth: Note platform, location, and consent.
Reimbursement Rates for CPT Code 90837 in 2025
Rates vary, but here's the landscape:
Medicare national average: ~$154 (facility setting).
Commercial payers: Often $160-220, depending on contracts.
Locality adjustments apply urban areas higher.
Prior auth is uncommon but check for high-frequency use. Add +90785 for interactive complexity if applicable.
Top denial reasons:
Insufficient time documentation.
Lack of medical necessity for extended session.
Overuse without varied coding.
Missing telehealth modifiers.
Avoid them with: Regular audits, AI scrubbing (like CLAIR), and strong appeals via DEXA.
Telehealth Billing with CPT Code 90837 in 2025
Virtual sessions remain covered use modifier 95 and POS 02. Rates match in-person for most payers. Document audio/video and patient location.
Optimizing Your Practice with CPT Code 90837
Strategically schedule longer sessions for appropriate clients. Verify benefits upfront with tools like ELIXA.
We've helped behavioral health groups recover revenue by refining CPT code 90837 usage and documentation.
Partner with Sirius Solutions Global for Behavioral Health Billing Excellence
Mental health billing, including CPT code 90837, demands specialty knowledge. At Sirius Solutions Global, our AI agents ELIXA, CODIN, DEXA, and more plus certified experts handle everything from coding to denials, achieving high clean claim rates and revenue growth.
Providers in psychiatry and therapy trust us to manage complexities so they can prioritize care. Contact us for a free audit.
FAQs About CPT Code 90837
What makes CPT code 90837 different from 90834?
Longer duration (53+ vs 38-52 minutes) and higher pay, but needs stronger justification.
Is prior authorization needed?
Rarely, but some payers monitor frequency.
Can I bill 90837 for telehealth?
Yes, with modifier 95.
What if my session is 52 minutes?
Bill 90834 don't round up.
How often can I use 90837?
As clinically needed, but vary codes to avoid flags.
Mastering CPT Code 90837 for Better Outcomes in 2025
CPT code 90837 empowers deeper healing while supporting practice sustainability. With accurate timing, robust documentation, and smart tools, you'll minimize denials and maximize impact.
Ready to streamline your mental health billing? Sirius Solutions Global is here to partner for success.
Updated as of December 16, 2025. Always consult current AMA/CMS guidelines.
