If you’re a mental health therapist, CPT codes are one of the most confusing – but arguably the most important parts of getting paid for your work.
Today, we’ll be going over one of the CPT codes used for psychotherapy, code 90832. You might not use this code as frequently as other ones, but there are important times when using this code is warranted, especially if you want to maximize insurance reimbursement.
Here’s a detailed guide on what CPT code 90832 is, examples of when you might use it, reimbursement rates, and how to avoid common mistakes.
CPT code 90832 is the code used for 30-minute individual psychotherapy sessions provided by a licensed mental health clinician.
Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes are an essential part of documentation and billing for therapists and other medical professionals. They’re developed and managed by the American Medical Association and are required by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for billing. CPT codes are used for all types of medical procedures and services – including mental health therapy.
The psychiatry and mental health section of the CPT code set includes codes 90785 to 90899, and the individual psychotherapy code set includes everything between 90832 and 90838. CPT code 90832 – which we’re going over today – falls under this category.
You should use 90832 for shorter, 30-minute individual therapy sessions. More specifically, sessions lasting between 16 and 37 minutes fall under this code.
Any licensed provider of individual therapy can use CPT code 90832. This includes:
Psychiatric providers with a medical license, like psychiatrists (MDs) or nurse practitioners (NPs) can also use 90832 as long as they’re only providing individual therapy in the 30-minute session. If you’re also providing evaluation or medication services, then you either need to use a different code or add a modifier.
Pre-licensed therapists can generally use 90832, but you may need to use a modifier or add-on code. It’s important to check specific state and insurance requirements about how to use any code if you’re a pre-licensed therapist working under supervision.
CPT code 90832 only covers individual therapy services, with no medical evaluation or medication management involved. Group therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy do not fall under this code. It’s for individual therapy only. This includes any type of individual therapy, including:
Brain stimulation therapies, like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, are billed under a different code. In addition, psychoanalysis is not considered individual therapy and also has a different code.
Many therapists aren’t familiar with code 90832 because typical therapy sessions tend to run 45 to 55 minutes. But there are scenarios in which a shorter session may be warranted, and half-hour sessions are becoming more and more common with the increasing popularity of teletherapy platforms.
Here are some client scenarios in which using this code for a shorter session may be warranted:
Arguably the most important part of using CPT codes is to get reimbursed by commercial insurance companies or Medicare and Medicaid. To be able to bill using this code (or any other), you must meet documentation requirements and bill for your session in the right way. Some of the required information includes:
Documenting your session in the right way is essential for getting paid, so take the time to write good notes to avoid delays and confusion.
The exact amount you’ll be reimbursed for any CPT code depends on several factors, such as your license type, state, and insurance plan. On average, the reimbursement for code 90832 is between $70 and $100. Medicare reimburses this code at around $75 for outpatient care.
To understand exactly how much you’ll get reimbursed for each CPT code, it’s essential that you speak with the insurance plan you’ll be billing. Reimbursement rates may change every year, and they can also vary by state.
Using CPT codes can be confusing and overwhelming. Use this chart to review common mistakes that people make when using 90832, and how to avoid them.
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using code 90832 for 45-minute sessions. | Use code 90834 for sessions lasting 38 to 52 minutes. |
| Using code 90832 for hour-long sessions. | Use code 90837 for sessions 53 minutes and longer. |
| Using code 90832 for crisis intervention. | Crisis intervention isn’t considered psychotherapy within the CPT system. Use code 90839 for crisis sessions up to 60 minutes, and 90840 for each additional 30 minutes. |
| Not using the right modifiers. | Make sure you look up when you need to use modifiers or add-on codes, including if you’re a pre-licensed therapist or if you’re doing complex work. |
| Using code 90832 for a 30-minute family or couples session. | 90832 is for individual therapy only. Use 90847 for family or couples therapy with the patient present, and 90846 if the patient is not present. |
| Using code 90832 for a 30-minute group therapy session. | Use code 90853. 90832 is for individual therapy only. |
| Using code 90832 as a psychoanalyst. | Psychoanalysis has a different code, 90845. |
| Using code 90832 with no modifiers for a psychiatric evaluation. | Psychiatric valuation sessions use E/M codes which include code numbers 99201–99205 for new patients. |
Here are the answers to some common questions that mental health providers have about this code.
How many minutes is 90832 CPT code?
This code is used for sessions lasting from 16 to 37 minutes – typically for half-hour sessions.
What is the difference between 90832 and 90837?
Both of these codes are used for individual therapy without medication management or evaluation. 90832 is used for shorter individual therapy sessions (16 to 37 minutes), while 90837 is used for typical hour-long sessions (53 minutes or longer).
How much is the 90832 reimbursement?
CPT codes are reimbursed at different rates according to license type, state, and insurance plan. As of 2024, Medicare reimburses 90832 at around $75 for outpatient and around $60 for in-facility service.
Can 90832 be billed with 99214?
99214 is the CPT code for an evaluation and management (E/M) office visit with an established patient. It, nor any other E/M code, should not be used in conjunction with 90832, unless the office visit and the therapy session were conducted by different providers (for example, if the client had a medication appointment with a psychiatrist, followed by a therapy session with a Masters-level therapist).
Can 90832 and 90847 be billed together?
90847, the code for family/couples therapy with the client present, can be billed on the same day as 90832. However, make sure you use a modifier to distinguish that these were two separate and distinct sessions.
Can you bill 90832 without a patient present?
No, 90832 is only used for individual therapy with the patient present.
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American Psychological Association, 2024 Physician Fee Schedule final rule released
American Psychological Association, Psychotherapy Codes for Psychologists
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Search the Physician Fee Schedule