---
title: "CPT 90839: Psychotherapy for crisis, first 60 minutes | BillingBrief"
description: "Psychotherapy for a patient in crisis, covering the first 60 minutes. It's used for urgent assessment and treatment of a highly distressed patient."
canonical: "https://billingbrief.com/cpt/90839/"
language: "en"
---

# 90839 Psychotherapy for crisis, first 60 minutes

CPT · [BillingBrief summary](#source)

Psychotherapy for a patient in crisis, covering the first 60 minutes. It's used for urgent assessment and treatment of a highly distressed patient.

## What to know

-   Time range: 30 to 74 minutes.
-   Each additional 30 minutes is reported with add-on 90840.

## Related codes

-   [`90840` Psychotherapy for crisis, each additional 30 minutes (add-on) CPT](https://billingbrief.com/cpt/90840/)
-   [`90837` Psychotherapy, about 60 minutes CPT](https://billingbrief.com/cpt/90837/)

## From the source

This is BillingBrief’s own explanation, not the official CPT descriptor. For the official code set, see the [American Medical Association](https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/cpt).

Code set

CPT

Category

Behavioral health

Educational reference only. Not medical, legal, or billing advice. Always check the current official code set and payer policy before you bill. [About BillingBrief and our sources](https://billingbrief.com/about/).