Guide · reviewed 2026-09-09 · dataset snapshot 2026-09-09 (664 reports)
Counselor and LCSW reimbursement: what the reports show
For 90837, the combined counselor categories have a reported median of $111.50 across 194 rows. LCSW reports have a median of $115 across 157. The groups differ in more than professional license, so the gap does not measure a payer's license adjustment.
Data snapshot: September 9, 2026, from 664 total reports; 476 have a numeric payment for 90837. The tables below stay with this snapshot. The current 90837 table updates as reports are added.
Which categories are included
This comparison combines the submitted LPC/LMHC and LCPC/LPCC/LCMHC categories as counselors. It keeps LCSW separate and excludes missing or other licenses. The raw categories remain available in the rate table; a missing license is never assigned from the payment amount.
Compare within the payer
| Payer · 90837 | Counselor categories combined | LCSW |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $122 (n=33) | $120.95 (n=33) |
| BCBS | $122.66 (n=50) | $128 (n=43) |
| Optum/UHC | $112.50 (n=30) | $115.82 (n=23) |
| Cigna | $97.50 (n=26) | $95 (n=19) |
Matching the payer still leaves different states, plans, platforms and service periods. This sample cannot show that license caused a payment difference, or rank the influence of license against geography. Check the actual rate schedule for the license and contract being offered.
Traditional Medicare uses defined provider categories
CMS describes clinical social worker services and eligible mental health counselor and marriage and family therapist services using a 75% physician fee schedule basis. MFT and MHC participation began in 2024 and requires meeting CMS's qualifications and enrollment conditions; a degree label alone does not establish eligibility. CMS mental health coverage and MFT and MHC requirements explain the categories.
Locality, setting, covered service and payment adjustments matter. Medicare Advantage contract terms must be checked separately. The Medicare reference guide explains the limits of a national comparison.
Limitations
Reports are volunteered, unverified and drawn from different states, license groups and service dates. A report is a row, not a count of unique therapists. Small cells can change substantially after one submission. These medians describe the sample; they do not establish a typical offer, the effect of choosing a platform, or what a platform retained from a matched claim. Compare the relevant state, license, payer, code and payment period before applying a number to your practice.
Add a received payment with its license and state to make these comparisons easier to interpret.
Every figure above is a community report unless a primary source is linked. The full table · the CSV · add your rate.