How Much Does Therapy Session (38-52 Minutes) Cost?
Also known as: Psytx w pt 45 minutes (CPT 90834)
A therapy session with a mental health professional, slightly shorter than a full hour.
Therapy Session (38-52 Minutes) (CPT 90834) costs $92 at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $181.
Cost Comparison by Payer
How much Psytx w pt 45 minutes costs across different settings and payers
Patient Guide: Therapy Session (38-52 Minutes)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
You meet with a therapist to discuss your mental health concerns. The therapist helps you develop strategies to manage your symptoms and improve well-being.
How Long Does It Take?
38-52 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, coping with life changes, ongoing mental health maintenance
How to Prepare
Think about topics you want to cover. Note any changes in symptoms since your last visit.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Psytx w pt 45 minutes
How to Reduce Your Cost for Psytx w pt 45 minutes
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
For this procedure, the office rate ($114) differs from the facility rate ($92). Ask if it can be done in an office setting.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (3.41) x CF ($33.40) = $114
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Psytx w pt 45 minutes cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Psytx w pt 45 minutes is $92. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $181. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Psytx w pt 45 minutes cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Psytx w pt 45 minutes can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Psytx w pt 45 minutes?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Psytx w pt 45 minutes when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.