CPT® Code 90853 is used to report group psychotherapy services, in which a qualified mental health provider delivers therapeutic treatment to multiple patients simultaneously. Group psychotherapy focuses on interpersonal interaction, shared experiences, and therapeutic discussion to address behavioral health conditions.
This code represents the psychotherapy service itself, not medication management, diagnostic evaluations, or other separately reportable services.
Key Facts About CPT® 90853
- Service type: Group psychotherapy
- Provider type: Psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and other qualified mental health professionals
- Medical services included: Yes—psychotherapy delivered in a group setting
- Time-based: Typically 45–60 minutes per session
- Common clinical indications:
- Depression and mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Trauma-related conditions
- Substance use disorders
- Behavioral and emotional regulation challenges
When to Use CPT® 90853
CPT 90853 is appropriate when:
- Psychotherapy is delivered to two or more patients in a group setting
- The session is therapeutic and interactive, led by a qualified provider
- Treatment is focused on mental or behavioral health conditions
- Services are not primarily educational or instructional
Examples:
- A therapist-led group session focused on coping skills for anxiety
- A trauma support group utilizing structured therapeutic interventions
- A relapse prevention group for patients in substance use recovery
Documentation Requirements
To properly support CPT 90853 billing, documentation should include:
- Patient identifiers and date of service
- Group size and session duration
- Therapeutic modality or approach used
- Treatment goals addressed during the session
- Patient participation and clinical response
- Provider signature and credentials
Accurate documentation supports compliance, continuity of care, and appropriate reimbursement.
Reimbursement and Coding Considerations
- CPT 90853 is commonly covered by Medicare and commercial insurers when medically necessary
- Reimbursement is typically per patient, not per group
- Must not be billed with individual psychotherapy codes for the same session
- Documentation must clearly demonstrate therapeutic intent, not education
- Payer rules may vary regarding group size and session length
Always verify payer-specific coverage and documentation guidelines.
How OptiMantra Supports Group Psychotherapy
OptiMantra’s integrated EMR and practice management system makes managing CPT 90853 sessions simple and compliant:
With OptiMantra, providers can:
- Document group psychotherapy using structured templates
- Track group size, duration, and therapeutic focus
- Link group sessions to individualized treatment plans
- Capture patient participation while maintaining privacy
- Generate clean, audit-ready claims for group therapy services
By centralizing behavioral health workflows, OptiMantra helps practices streamline documentation, support compliance, and optimize reimbursement for group psychotherapy.
Try OptiMantra for free here!
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