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How to use CPT code 90834

The “45-minute” session is a core element of mental health care, so it’s vital that every provider knows how to apply the 90834 code to their work.

December 21, 2023 • Updated on July 27, 2026

10 min read

Key insights

1

Code 90834 represents a 45-minute session of psychotherapy (i.e. talk therapy), with between 38 and 52 minutes of documented face-to-face time.

2

In addition to true 45-minute sessions, some 50- to 60-minute sessions may fit standards for using code 90834.

3

The key is to track face-to-face time spent on actual therapeutic work, not pre-session pleasantries or administrative tasks.

CPT code 90834 description

Code 90834 represents a 45-minute session of psychotherapy (i.e. talk therapy), with between 38 and 52 minutes of documented face-to-face time.

Some colloquially “hour-long” therapy sessions fit inside the upper limit of 90834’s 52-minute window, once you subtract time spent on pleasantries and administrative work (like comparing calendars to schedule an upcoming session), which don’t count towards therapeutic time.

This is is how the American Medical Association defines 90834 in the official CPT codebook:

Psychotherapy, 45 minutes with patient

Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental illness and behavioral disturbances in which the physician or other qualified health care professional, through definitive therapeutic communication, attempts to alleviate the emotional disturbances, reverse or change maladaptive patterns of behavior, and encourage personality growth and development.

The psychotherapy service codes include ongoing assessment and adjustment of psychotherapeutic interventions, and may include involvement of informants in the treatment process. These codes describe psychotherapy for the individual patient, although times are for face-to-face services with patient and may include informant(s). The patient must be present for all or a majority of the service.

Your documentation for this code should include all the standard elements of a progress note, including:

  • Session details: Including patient name and date of birth on every page, start and stop times, date, and place of service
  • Person-centered details
  • Patient-centered observations
  • Clinical interventions and evidence-based practices used during the session
  • Progress towards clearly-defined goals and/or objectives
  • Risk assessment
  • Clinical path forward

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It’s important to use the code that most accurately reflects the time you spent with the patient to treat their condition, and ensure that documentation for the session supports the chosen code. 

When to use CPT code 90834

The 90834 code is directly associated with a length of time: As the “45 minute” code, any session billed with 90834 should last between 38 and 52 minutes in duration, as documented by the start and stop times in your progress notes and EMR/EHR records (it’s important that session times in your notes and tools are consistent with each other). 

The time requirement of the 90834 code should reflect only the face-to-face time spent on therapy, not any of the administrative work related to the session, like writing notes, scheduling future sessions, or collecting payment.

That means you might use code 90834 for:

  • Sessions scheduled to last 45 minutes that run on time
  • Hour-long sessions that include pleasantries or administrative work before getting started, or that start a little late
  • Shorter sessions that run long, lasting at least 38 minutes

CPT code 90834 reimbursement rates

Reimbursement rates for sessions billed with 90834 will vary depending on the plan, your contract, your location, and your license type.  On average, however, reimbursement rates for code 90834 are around $100, give or take a bit.

If you want to maximize your earnings, consider working with Headway. Our relationships with major payers mean we can negotiate competitive reimbursement rates—and our guaranteed bi-weekly payments mean you can count on receiving them on time.

Find out your rates with Headway

What’s the difference between 90837, 90834, and 90832?

90837, 90834, and 90832 are three different time-based codes for psychotherapy sessions with individuals. The only difference is the amount of time that was required to address the client’s presenting symptoms.

  • 90837: Psychotherapy, 60 minutes with patient (53+ minutes of documented face-to-face time) 
  • 90834: Psychotherapy, 45 minutes with patient (38-52 minutes of documented face to face time)
  • 90832: Psychotherapy, 30 minutes with patient (16-37 minutes of documented face to face time)

Common billing issues with CPT code 90834

Code 90834 is a go-to CPT code for many therapists, but it can’t be used in every circumstance. Be careful to avoid these common mistakes:

  • Using code 90834 for sessions shorter than 38 or longer than 52 minutes
  • Failing to account for non-therapeutic time (i.e., greetings or comparing calendars at the beginning of the session) when calculating session length
  • Keeping inconsistent notes—that is, recording different stop/start times in your progress note versus your EHR records

If you want extra security, lean on a partner like Headway to manage billing. Our full-service EHR, claims support, and clawback protection features make it easier than ever for therapists to accept insurance.

CPT code 90834 FAQs

Does administrative time count toward the 90834 time threshold?

No. To use code 90834, the session must include 38 to 52 minutes of face-to-face therapeutic work.

Does 90834 require prior authorization?

Not necessarily, but it depends on the specifics of the client’s plan.

Can I bill 90834 for telehealth sessions?

Yes, as long as the session fits within the time window.

Can I bill 90834 if I'm working under supervision?

Yes, as long as supervisory billing — that is, billing for services under your supervisor’s license — is allowed by your client’s state and insurance plan.

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Accepting insurance is one of the best ways therapists can improve access to care. But doing so comes with its own challenges. That’s why Headway supports in-network providers through every step of the billing process. Features including automatic insurance verification, claims support, guaranteed bi-weekly payments, and compliant note-taking assistance make it easier than you ever thought possible to accept and bill insurance.

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Disclaimer: This document is intended for educational purposes only. It is designed to facilitate compliance with payer requirements and applicable law, but please note that the applicable laws and requirements vary from payer to payer and state to state. Please check with your legal counsel or state licensing board for specific requirements.

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute clinical, legal, financial, or professional advice. All decisions should be made at the discretion of the individual or organization, in consultation with qualified clinical, legal, or other appropriate professionals.

© 2026 Therapymatch, Inc. dba Headway. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission.

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