Q: What is CPT code 90834?
A: CPT codes are the billing language of American healthcare. For talk therapy, three matter: 90791 (the intake/first evaluation), 90834 (a 38–52 minute session — the standard weekly appointment), and 90837 (53+ minutes). They appear on every superbill and explanation of benefits, and they're the key to getting precise answers from your plan — vague questions get vague answers; code-number questions get numbers.
Worked example: "Do you cover therapy?" → "It depends." Versus: "What's my cost for in-network CPT 90834?" → "$25 copay, deductible waived." Same plan, useful answer.
Use the right code for the question
| Code | Ask about |
|---|---|
| 90791 | The first diagnostic evaluation or intake |
| 90834 | A psychotherapy session lasting 38–52 minutes |
| 90837 | A psychotherapy session lasting 53 minutes or longer |
The code describes the billed service, not whether a therapist is right for you. Confirm which code the therapist expects to use, then ask the plan for the copay or coinsurance, deductible treatment, visit limits, and prior-authorization rule for that code.
Do this: when calling your insurance, always ask by code: 90834 for coverage questions, 90791 for the intake. The superbill guide → shows where the codes live.
Source: AMA CPT code set (psychotherapy codes).