CPT 90853 is group psychotherapy: a therapist-led session with several patients, typically 60 to 90 minutes, used for substance use recovery, anxiety, grief, chronic illness and skills-based programs such as DBT. The price is per person per session.
What the price covers
One person's attendance at one session. Hospital-owned programs may add a facility fee. Intensive outpatient programs bundle many group sessions into a daily rate, which is billed with different codes.
Why prices vary
Group therapy is the least expensive form of therapy per session, but hospital-listed prices vary widely and can approach the cost of an individual session. Community mental health centers, nonprofit programs and peer-support organizations often offer groups at low or no cost.
Questions to ask
- What is the self-pay price per session for 90853, and is there a facility fee?
- How many sessions does the program expect, and is there a package rate?
- Are there nonprofit or community groups for the same need?