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CPT Code 90849 Multiple Family Group Psychotherapy (2025 update)
- CPT 90849 represents multi-family group psychotherapy.
- Involves two or more families working together with a licensed clinician.
- Requires interactive participation among families and strong documentation.
- Different from 90847 (single-family therapy) and 90853 (group therapy).
- Proper use improves billing accuracy and ensures compliance with payer requirements.
What is CPT Code 90849?
CPT code 90849 is used to report multi-family group psychotherapy sessions. This type of therapy involves two or more families participating together under the guidance of a licensed mental health professional. The goal is to address shared emotional or systemic issues, improve family communication, and foster mutual support.
Unlike traditional group therapy (CPT 90853), which includes unrelated individuals, 90849 specifically refers to sessions that involve multiple family units participating simultaneously.
90849 CPT Code Description
- CPT Code: 90849
- Service: Multi-Family Group Psychotherapy
- Setting: Outpatient or community mental health settings
- Provider Type: Licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker
- Typical Duration: Around 60 minutes (may vary based on clinical setting)
- Purpose: To address shared issues impacting multiple families, such as parenting challenges, behavioral concerns, or substance use recovery
What CPT Code 90849 Covers?
CPT 90849 applies when a therapy session includes multiple families interacting together as part of a structured, therapeutic process.
Key features include:
- Multi-family participation: At least two different families must attend.
- Group psychotherapy: Focused on improving emotional well-being and family relationships.
- Systemic focus: Addresses shared problems or family dynamics across multiple households.
- Clinical leadership: Conducted by a qualified, licensed therapist.
Documentation Requirements for 90849
Accurate documentation ensures compliance and proper reimbursement. Include:
- Date and duration of the session
- Number of families participating
- Clinical goals for the session
- Psychotherapeutic techniques used (e.g., CBT, family systems therapy)
- Progress notes reflecting interaction among families
- Justification for using the multi-family model
Distinguishing 90849 from Other Psychotherapy CPT Codes
CPT Code | Description |
90849 | Multi-family group psychotherapy (two or more families) |
Family psychotherapy with the patient present (single family) | |
90846 | Family psychotherapy without the patient present (single family) |
90853 | Standard group psychotherapy with unrelated individuals |
90834 | Individual psychotherapy, 45 minutes |
90833 | Psychotherapy add-on, 30 minutes |
90791 | Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation (initial assessment) |
Clinical Use Cases for 90849
- Substance use programs: Involving multiple families learning recovery support techniques.
- Adolescent behavioral therapy: Addressing peer and family interactions.
- Parenting interventions: Supporting parents with similar challenges.
- Chronic illness support: Families coping with the impact of medical or mental health conditions.
Billing and Reimbursement Tips
- Confirm payer policy — not all insurers cover 90849.
- Verify the number of participants and time spent before submitting claims.
- Clearly note the therapeutic intent and group composition in session notes.
- Append appropriate modifiers if multiple sessions occur on the same day.
How Expressmbs Can Help with CPT Code 90849 Billing
Navigating the complexities of mental health billing can be challenging. Expressmbs specializes in mental health medical billing; ensuring providers receive maximum reimbursement while minimizing claim denials. Our services include:
- Accurate coding and billing for psychotherapy services.
- Claim submission and follow-up to reduce rejections.
- Insurance verification and prior authorization support.
- Compliance with 2025 CMS and insurance policies.
Final Thoughts
The 90849 CPT code is essential for billing multi-family group psychotherapy sessions, fostering collective healing and communication among families. Proper coding, detailed documentation, and payer verification ensure accurate reimbursement and compliance.
Partner with Express Medical Billing for expert mental health billing support, ensuring precision, compliance, and maximum reimbursement for psychotherapy codes like 90849, 90847, and 90853.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It’s used for psychotherapy sessions involving two or more families addressing shared or systemic issues under professional guidance.
Around 60 minutes, though timing may vary based on clinical needs.
No. For unrelated individuals, use CPT 90853 (group psychotherapy).
Licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, or clinical social workers can report this service.
Include session date, duration, families involved, therapeutic goals, interventions, and observed outcomes.
