Is couples therapy billed as 90847?

Only when one partner is the identified client with a diagnosis and the sessions treat that diagnosis. Couples work for relationship problems alone usually isn’t covered.

How long does a 90847 session need to be?

At least 26 minutes. CPT describes the code as 50 minutes.

Can I bill 90847 for each family member?

No. Bill one 90847 per session, under the identified client.

CPT code reference for therapists

CPT 90847: Family psychotherapy with the client

90847 is family psychotherapy with the identified client present for all or part of the session, together with family members or a partner. It’s the code used for family therapy and, where a plan covers it, conjoint couples work tied to a diagnosed client.

One 90847 is billed per session, under the identified client, no matter how many family members attend.

Updated October 5, 2026

What it is: Family or conjoint therapy, client present
Time: About 50 minutes; at least 26
Billed under: The identified client
Client not present: Use 90846

When to use 90847

Family sessions that include the identified client and focus on the client’s treatment.
Couples sessions where one partner is the identified client with a diagnosis and the work addresses that diagnosis.

Time rules

CPT describes 90847 as 50 minutes, and it can be billed once the session reaches 26 minutes.
Under 26 minutes, 90847 doesn’t apply; a short session focused on the client’s own psychotherapy may fit 90832 instead.

What to document

Who attended and their relationship to the client.
The link to the client’s diagnosis and treatment plan goals.
Interventions used and how the client and family responded.
Start and stop times, or total time, and the plan.

Billing rules and common denials

Couples therapy without a diagnosed identified client (relationship issues alone) usually isn’t covered by insurance.
Don’t bill 90847 and an individual psychotherapy code for the same client in the same session.
Add-on 90785 (interactive complexity) isn’t reported with the family psychotherapy codes.
For telehealth, payers differ: Medicare uses place of service 10 or 02, while many commercial plans want the in-person place of service (usually 11) with modifier 95. Check each payer’s telehealth policy.

Telehealth modifiers

95: Live (synchronous) video visit. The modifier most commercial plans and Medicaid programs ask for.
GT: Older “via interactive audio and video” modifier. A few payers and some institutional claims still want it instead of 95.
93: Audio-only (phone) visit, where the payer covers it. Some payers ask for FQ instead.

Add-on 90785 (interactive complexity) is not reported with this code.

Typical place of service codes

11: Office. The usual in-person place of service for private practice.
10: Telehealth with the client in their home.
02: Telehealth with the client somewhere other than home (work, car, a clinic).
12: In person at the client’s home.
03: School.
53: Community mental health center.

Common questions

Is couples therapy billed as 90847?: Only when one partner is the identified client with a diagnosis and the sessions treat that diagnosis. Couples work for relationship problems alone usually isn’t covered.
How long does a 90847 session need to be?: At least 26 minutes. CPT describes the code as 50 minutes.
Can I bill 90847 for each family member?: No. Bill one 90847 per session, under the identified client.

CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. This page summarizes common billing practice in plain language and isn’t billing or legal advice; payer policies vary, so check each payer’s current rules.