CPT Code 90853: Group Psychotherapy
Reviewed against AMA CPT and CMS guidance. See sources.
What is CPT 90853?
CPT 90853 is group psychotherapy other than a multiple-family group. A clinician provides psychotherapy to a group of clients, and each client is billed one unit on their own claim. CPT does not attach a time to 90853, so payer policy sets any minimum length. Every member needs an individual note.
Psychotherapy delivered to a group of clients at the same time. The therapist uses group process and interventions toward each member's treatment goals. Each member is billed separately under their own insurance.
Time Requirements
CPT assigns no time to 90853. Payers may set a minimum session length. Report one unit per client per session.
Modifiers
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 95 | Synchronous audio-video telehealth. Many payers also require a telehealth place of service code (02 or 10). |
| HQ | Group setting (required by some Medicaid programs). |
Billing a session by video or phone? See telehealth modifiers 95, 93, GT and POS 02 vs 10.
When to Use
- Structured group therapy such as DBT skills, CBT, or process groups
- Substance use treatment groups led by a licensed clinician
- Psychoeducation groups that include a psychotherapy component
When Not to Use
- Individual therapy: use 90832, 90834, or 90837
- Family therapy: use 90846 or 90847
- Multiple-family groups: use 90849
- Group ABA delivered by a technician: use 97154
- Classes or peer support without psychotherapy by a licensed clinician
What to Document for CPT 90853
- Group topic, modality, and interventions
- Each member's participation, response, and progress toward their own goals
- Start and stop times
- Risk concerns for any member and the follow-up
Common Denial Reasons
- Group size outside payer requirements
- Documentation reads as a class or lecture rather than psychotherapy
- No individual note for each billed member
- Treatment plan does not support group therapy for the member
Payer Notes
Each group member is billed separately. Most payers require an individual progress note per member. Some Medicaid programs require modifier HQ. Group size limits come from payer policy, not CPT.
ICD-10 diagnosis codes
Every claim pairs the CPT code with the diagnosis the clinician documented. See the mental health ICD-10 code reference or a condition guide:
Related Codes
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need separate notes for each group member?
Yes. You can keep a master group note for the session, but each client needs an individual note documenting their participation, response, and progress toward their treatment goals.
Can I bill 90785 with 90853?
Yes, for the specific member where an interactive complexity factor applies, for example when a member's caregiver behavior interferes with the treatment plan. Bill 90785 only for that member.
How many members does a group need?
CPT does not set a group size. Payers and state Medicaid programs may set minimums and maximums, so check the plan policy. Each member's treatment plan should support group therapy.
Can I bill 90853 and individual therapy on the same day?
Often yes, when they are separate sessions with separate documentation, but some payers limit same-day psychotherapy services. Check the payer policy.
Can group therapy be billed by telehealth?
Many payers cover telehealth group psychotherapy with modifier 95 and a telehealth place of service code. Rules vary by payer.
Sources: American Medical Association (AMA), CPT Professional codebook: code descriptors, psychotherapy time rules, and add-on code guidance. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) policy.
- AMA: CPT overview
- CMS: National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits
- CMS Medicare Coverage Database: Billing and Coding, Psychiatry and Psychology Services (A57480)
- CMS: Physician Fee Schedule relative value files
- CMS MLN901705: Telehealth and Remote Monitoring (PDF)
Payer rules vary. Confirm coverage, time, modifier, and documentation rules with each payer before billing. This page is general education, not billing or legal advice.
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