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Group psychotherapy is a valuable tool in mental health treatment, offering support, insight, and therapeutic intervention in a shared environment. CPT code 90853 is used for billing group therapy sessions involving multiple patients receiving psychotherapy from a licensed mental health provider. This billing guide outlines correct usage, provides real-world scenarios, details documentation needs, explains modifiers, and offers reimbursement strategies for 2025.
CPT Code 90853 – Description
CPT 90853 is defined as “Group psychotherapy (other than of a multiple-family group)”. This code applies when a therapist conducts a therapeutic session with multiple individuals (usually 6 to 10), each addressing their mental health issues, but participating in a structured, interactive group process.
The provider facilitates therapeutic interventions, such as emotional regulation, interpersonal skills development, trauma recovery, and cognitive restructuring, through shared discussions, exercises, and peer interactions. This is not a support group or psychoeducational meeting; it is an active psychotherapy service.
When to Use CPT Code 90853 – Scenarios
The following clinically appropriate scenarios demonstrate when CPT 90853 is used effectively:
1. Substance Use Recovery Groups
Patients working through addiction may participate in structured group therapy sessions to address triggers, relapse prevention, emotional regulation, and peer accountability as part of a formal treatment plan.
2. Trauma-Focused Therapy Groups
Individuals dealing with PTSD or complex trauma often benefit from group-based processing, where the provider guides participants through coping strategies and shared healing experiences in a supportive setting.
3. DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) Skills Training
In outpatient DBT programs, weekly group sessions target emotional regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These are considered active psychotherapy sessions and fall under CPT 90853.
4. Depression and Anxiety Management Groups
Therapists may organize weekly psychotherapy groups for individuals with depression or anxiety where CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) techniques are applied in a group setting to reframe thinking patterns and reduce isolation.
5. Adolescent Behavior Groups
Teens with behavioral challenges may participate in guided sessions focusing on anger management, peer interaction, impulse control, and decision-making in a clinically supervised environment.
Group therapy sessions must have a therapeutic intent, be facilitated by a provider, and be part of a documented treatment plan.
Modifiers Commonly Used with CPT 90853
- Modifier 95: When the session is conducted via telehealth
- Modifier GT: Alternative telehealth modifier (payer-specific)
- Modifier 59: IF other distinct services are provided on the same day
- Modifier HQ: Identifies services delivered in a group setting
Check each payer’s policies to determine if HQ is required in addition to 90853 or already implied.
Documentation Requirements for CPT Code 90853
Accurate and detailed documentation supports both compliance and reimbursement. Here's what should be included:
Group Composition & Session Format
List participants (first names or initials), total group size, and confirmation that the session meets the therapeutic requirements for CPT 90853.
Session Objectives and Goals
Clearly define the therapeutic goals for the group (e.g., reducing anxiety symptoms, enhancing communication, increasing coping skills) and demonstrate how they relate to individual treatment plans.
Therapeutic Interventions Used
Detail specific strategies applied during the session, CBT, mindfulness techniques, role-play, trauma processing, etc, and document the provider’s role in facilitating discussion and guiding insight.
Patient Engagement and Progress
Note each patient’s level of participation and any relevant comments that show progress or challenges related to their treatment goals.
Time and Duration
Document that the session lasted approximately 45–60 minutes, consistent with psychotherapy standards. Telehealth sessions must confirm synchronous interaction.
Reimbursement Tips for CPT Code 90853
Proper billing for group psychotherapy requires attention to detail. Here are best practices:
- Avoid misuse with educational or support groups
This code applies only to structured psychotherapy—not general support or teaching-focused sessions.
- Telehealth documentation
Use appropriate POS codes (e.g., POS 10 for home-based telehealth) and include required modifiers. Ensure interaction is real-time and HIPAA-compliant.
- Frequency limits vary
Some payers restrict the number of group therapy sessions per week or per month. Ensure that billing aligns with approved treatment plans.
- Avoid overlap with individual therapy codes.
Do not bill 90853 and 90834 or 90837 on the same day for the same patient unless separate sessions occurred, are fully documented, and medically necessary.
Typical Reimbursement Ranges
- Commercial payers: $70 to $110 per session
- Medicare: $55 to $95, depending on provider and locality
- Telehealth: Often reimbursed at parity if documentation supports it
Why Choose MindCare for Behavioral Health Billing
MindCare specializes in complex behavioral health billing, ensuring providers receive full reimbursement for all levels of psychotherapy, including group sessions. With deep knowledge of payer guidelines and documentation standards, we help eliminate avoidable denials and compliance risks.
Our team ensures your group therapy claims are accurately coded, modifiers are correctly applied, and documentation aligns with payer policy—so your revenue cycle stays efficient and stress-free.
What Makes MindCare Different?
- Over 85% reduction in claim rejections
- Up to 70% revenue growth for practices using our Mental Health Billing Services
- 40% faster reimbursement cycle
- Expert handling of group, individual, and telehealth psychotherapy billing
Whether you’re running a high-volume outpatient program or managing weekly therapy groups, we ensure your sessions are fully compliant and financially optimized.
Let Mind Care Billing Help
We help mental health providers use the correct CPT codes, avoid denials, and get paid faster. If you're unsure which code to use, or tired of dealing with rejections, our team can take billing off your plate entirely.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Mind Care Billing today — and leave the coding confusion behind.
