CPT 90847 is a family or couples therapy session, usually 50 minutes, with the identified patient present. It is the code for couples counseling when one partner is the patient of record, and for family sessions in child and adolescent treatment.
What the price covers
The session only. At hospital-owned clinics a facility fee may be added. Insurance often covers family therapy only when it treats a diagnosed patient, not relationship counseling as such; the cash price is what couples counseling usually costs.
Why prices vary
Hospital behavioral health departments list higher prices than private practice, mostly because of facility fees. Private couples and family therapists commonly charge $120 to $300 per session cash, often with sliding scales.
Questions to ask
- What is the self-pay price for 90847, and is there a facility fee?
- Is this billed as treatment of one patient's diagnosis or as relationship counseling?
- Is a sliding scale available?