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Code deleted, use 90833 and 99201-99255, 99304-99337, 99341-99350 and 90875 (if applicable)

Official Description

Individual psychotherapy, insight oriented, behavior modifying and/or supportive, in an office or outpatient facility, approximately 20 to 30 minutes face-to-face with the patient; with medical evaluation and management services

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 90805 refers to a specific type of individual psychotherapy that is conducted in an office or outpatient facility setting. This procedure is characterized by its focus on insight-oriented, behavior-modifying, and supportive therapeutic techniques. During the session, which lasts approximately 20 to 30 minutes, the healthcare provider engages in face-to-face counseling with the patient. The primary goal of this psychotherapy is to assist the patient in understanding and altering inappropriate behaviors that may be contributing to their mental health issues. In addition to the therapeutic counseling, the provider also performs medical evaluation and management services during the same encounter, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the patient's mental health care. This dual focus on psychotherapy and medical evaluation allows for a more integrated treatment plan tailored to the patient's specific needs.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 90805 is indicated for patients experiencing behavioral disturbances or mental illness. This includes a range of conditions where psychotherapy can be beneficial in addressing inappropriate behaviors and enhancing the patient's understanding of their mental health challenges.

  • Behavioral Disturbances Patients exhibiting disruptive or maladaptive behaviors that require therapeutic intervention.
  • Mental Illness Individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders that necessitate psychotherapy as part of their treatment plan.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 90805 involves several key steps that ensure effective delivery of psychotherapy and medical evaluation.

  • Step 1: Patient Engagement The session begins with the provider engaging the patient in a face-to-face interaction. This initial engagement is crucial for establishing rapport and understanding the patient's current mental state and behavioral concerns.
  • Step 2: Psychotherapeutic Counseling The provider conducts insight-oriented and behavior-modifying counseling. This involves discussing the patient's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, with the aim of helping them gain insight into their issues and develop strategies for change.
  • Step 3: Medical Evaluation and Management Concurrently, the provider performs a medical evaluation and management assessment. This step is essential for identifying any underlying medical issues that may be contributing to the patient's mental health condition and for determining the appropriate course of treatment.
  • Step 4: Treatment Planning Based on the insights gained during the counseling and evaluation, the provider collaborates with the patient to develop a tailored treatment plan. This plan may include recommendations for further therapy sessions, medication management, or referrals to other specialists as needed.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the psychotherapy session, the patient may be advised on follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary. It is important for the patient to engage in any recommended therapeutic activities or exercises to reinforce the strategies discussed during the session. Additionally, the provider may schedule subsequent evaluations to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and make any necessary modifications to enhance the patient's mental health outcomes.

Short Descr PSYTX OFF 20-30 MIN W/E&M
Medium Descr INDIV PSYCTX OFFICE/OUTPT 20-30 MIN W/MED E/M
Long Descr Individual psychotherapy, insight oriented, behavior modifying and/or supportive, in an office or outpatient facility, approximately 20 to 30 minutes face-to-face with the patient; with medical evaluation and management services
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Discontinued Code
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) M5B - Specialist - psychiatry
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 218 - Psychological and psychiatric evaluation and therapy
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, use 90833 and 99201-99255, 99304-99337, 99341-99350 and 90875 (if applicable)
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
1998-01-01 Added Code added
Code
Description
Code
Description
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