CPT Code 90847: Family Therapy With the Patient Present
CPT code 90847 is used to bill for family therapy sessions when the patient is actively participating. It’s commonly used in behavioral health, pediatrics, and substance use treatment to involve family members in the therapeutic process.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
What CPT 90847 includes
When to use it
Documentation requirements
Reimbursement rates
Common billing mistakes
What is CPT Code 90847?
CPT 90847 refers to family psychotherapy with the patient present, typically lasting 45–60 minutes. These sessions focus on improving family relationships, communication, and behavior patterns to support the patient’s treatment plan.
Common clinical use cases include:
Family therapy for adolescents with depression or anxiety
Couples therapy when addressing relationship dynamics and mental health
Parent training in autism or ADHD treatment plans
Tip: If the patient is not present, use CPT 90846 instead.
When to Use CPT Code 90847
Use 90847 when:
The patient is present and actively participating
The session includes at least one family member or caregiver
The goal is to address issues within the family that impact the patient’s mental health
Do not use 90847 for:
Group therapy with multiple unrelated families (use group psychotherapy codes)
Sessions without the patient (use 90846 instead)
Medication management (use E/M codes with add-on psychotherapy)
Documentation Requirements
For CPT 90847, documentation should include:
Time spent in the session
Family members present and their relationship to the patient
Therapeutic goals addressed and relevance to the patient’s diagnosis
Interventions used (e.g., systemic therapy, communication training)
Patient’s participation and response
Link all session content back to the patient’s mental health treatment plan.
Average Reimbursement for 90847
Medicare typically reimburses $100–$135 for CPT 90847, depending on provider type and region. Commercial insurers may reimburse at higher rates, particularly in high-need populations (e.g., children, autism care).
Pro tip: Include detailed documentation to avoid reimbursement delays or downcoding.
Common Billing Errors to Avoid
Patient not present (use 90846 instead)
Missing clinical rationale for family involvement
Incorrect session duration—sessions under 26 minutes may not be billable
Failure to tie session to the patient’s mental health condition
Final Thoughts
CPT 90847 plays a vital role in collaborative, family-centered care. When billed and documented correctly, it allows providers to engage families in the therapeutic process—leading to stronger clinical outcomes and better continuity of care.
