Learn how to bill CPT code 90845 correctly, along with critical information like reimbursement rates, timeframes, and billable types in this guide.
July 14, 2025
6 min read
CPT codes are an important part of documenting and billing for therapy sessions. CPT code 90845, which represents psychoanalysis, is commonly used by specially trained psychologists, psychiatrists, and some licensed social workers.
Learn more below about how to use CPT code 90845 in your practice.
CPT code 90845 represents psychoanalysis, a specialized type of psychotherapy that involves exploring a client’s unconscious mind to better understand the root cause of their emotions and behavior. Psychoanalysis typically includes 3 to 5 sessions per week over an extended period of time. It’s typically used by trained, licensed analysts when chronic mental health symptoms aren’t resolving with other traditional treatment methods.
Psychoanalysis requires specialty training, so not just any therapist can provide it or bill for it. Typically, qualified and licensed psychologists and psychiatrists can bill this code. Some licensed social workers with additional specialty training and certification in psychoanalysis can also bill code 90845.
Simplify insurance and save time on your entire workflow — from compliance and billing to credentialing and admin.
CPT code 90845 isn’t a time-limited code like other therapy codes. Instead, psychoanalysis is billed on a per-session basis, typically involving several sessions. That means you don’t need to track time spent on psychoanalysis sessions, as with other CPT codes. Code 90845 can be billed once per day, no matter how long the session lasts.
Reimbursement rates for 90845 depend on a number of factors, such as the level of the provider’s training, geographic location, and the client’s insurance network and specific plan. If you provide psychoanalysis, contact your client’s insurance provider to learn more about reimbursement rates for this code.
There are several types of psychoanalysis therapists can bill, including:
Using the right CPT code for psychotherapy is essential for timely reimbursement. As a therapist, you may use some common mental health CPT codes more than others. Taking time to learn about some of these CPT codes, when to use them, and how to bill them can save you time as a provider — and prevent unnecessary stress.
Below, find Headway’s resources for CPT codes commonly used by therapists:
Headway makes it simple and effortless to document and bill for therapy sessions — without the headache of searching for the right CPT code and worrying about when you’ll get paid. Instead of stressing about all the logistics involved in running a therapy practice, you can spend your time and energy on what matters most: supporting your clients. Learn more about how to become a Headway provider today.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute clinical, legal, financial, or professional advice. All decisions should be made at the discretion of the individual or organization, in consultation with qualified clinical, legal, or other appropriate professionals.
© 2026 Therapymatch, Inc. dba Headway. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission.
Understand the ins and outs of CPT codes to help make documentation and billing more efficient — and give you more time to focus on other areas of your practice.
Headway strives to simplify billing insurance so you can focus on providing care. Read our comprehensive guide to mental health billing.
Understand the ins and outs of CPT codes to help make documentation and billing more efficient — and give you more time to focus on other areas of your practice.
