CPT code
What a 90837 pays
580 reported rates for CPT 90837 put the median at $115, with a range of $39 to $284. The code covers individual psychotherapy, 53 minutes or longer. The tables below split the same 580 reports by payer, route, and license.
Reported 90837: median $115, range $39–$284, middle half $100–$130, about 92% of the 2026 national Medicare reference for a master's-level clinician (580 reports · September 2013 to December 2026 · updated 2026-10-08)
What 90837 is
- Session time
- 53 minutes or longer of face-to-face psychotherapy. CMS instructs clinicians to choose the code closest to the actual time, so a session running 38 to 52 minutes is billed as 90834 instead. That 53-minute line is why the two codes pay differently for work that looks the same in the room.
- What it covers
- Individual psychotherapy with the patient. Family members may be present.
- Who bills it
- LCSWs, LPCs, LMFTs, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners, subject to each payer's credentialing and scope rules.
Time rules above are quoted from the CMS billing and coding article A57520. Rate figures on this page are self-reported by therapists and are a separate thing from what a payer is obliged to allow.
90837 by payer
| Payer | Median | Range | Reports |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCBS | $122 | $69–$284 | 142 |
| Aetna | $122 | $78–$196 | 117 |
| Optum / UHC | $116 | $88–$190 | 87 |
| Cigna | $95 | $39–$141 | 69 |
| Medicaid | $121 | $60–$220 | 32 |
| EAP | $100 | $70–$185 | 16 |
| All payers (flat) | $82 | $70–$90 | 16 |
| Kaiser | $116 | $85–$167 | 15 |
| Carelon | $101 | $67–$210 | 8 |
| Premera | $135 | $135–$140 | 5 |
| Medicare | $124 | $77–$163 | 5 |
| Harvard Pilgrim | $141 | $127–$141 | 3 |
| Healthfirst | $112 | $97–$112 | 3 |
| Ambetter | $103 | $91–$115 | 3 |
| Spring Health | $120 | $120–$120 | 2 |
| Anthem Blue Cross | $114 | $106–$123 | 2 |
| Regence | $111 | $101–$120 | 2 |
| Carefirst | $101 | $88–$113 | 2 |
| Independence Blue Cross | $95 | $95–$95 | 2 |
| AmeriHealth | $67 | $64–$70 | 2 |
90837 by route
| Route | Median | Range | Reports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct contract | $120 | $39–$284 | 319 |
| Headway | $118 | $81–$200 | 124 |
| Alma | $110 | $75–$143 | 43 |
| Grow Therapy | $88 | $64–$117 | 34 |
| Spring Health | $110 | $60–$130 | 19 |
| Rula | $85 | $70–$90 | 14 |
| Lyra Health | $140 | $85–$185 | 9 |
| SonderMind | $87 | $72–$111 | 4 |
| Collective Counseling Solutions | $120 | $110–$120 | 3 |
| Tava Health | $88 | $86–$115 | 3 |
| Talkspace | $72 | $70–$75 | 2 |
90837 by license
| License | Median | Range | Reports |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPC/LMHC | $112 | $60–$201 | 216 |
| LCSW | $115 | $60–$210 | 194 |
| LMFT | $113 | $73–$210 | 59 |
| PhD/PsyD | $143 | $90–$284 | 36 |
| LCPC/LPCC/LCMHC | $111 | $70–$134 | 17 |
| MD/DO | $136 | $109–$163 | 2 |
| Pre-licensed | $109 | $60–$158 | 2 |
90837 by state
| State | Median | Range | Reports |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $115 | $74–$210 | 79 |
| Washington | $121 | $80–$185 | 38 |
| Oregon | $152 | $77–$201 | 32 |
| Maryland | $103 | $74–$131 | 32 |
| Georgia | $95 | $60–$196 | 32 |
| Texas | $105 | $70–$130 | 29 |
| Colorado | $113 | $65–$130 | 27 |
| Massachusetts | $139 | $69–$185 | 24 |
| Illinois | $131 | $70–$194 | 19 |
| Arizona | $111 | $39–$163 | 19 |
| Pennsylvania | $110 | $73–$143 | 19 |
| New Jersey | $118 | $76–$170 | 18 |
| New York | $112 | $67–$185 | 18 |
| Wisconsin | $121 | $62–$143 | 16 |
| North Carolina | $116 | $62–$139 | 16 |
| Virginia | $113 | $74–$171 | 16 |
| Florida | $95 | $68–$121 | 16 |
| Connecticut | $122 | $101–$132 | 11 |
| Tennessee | $106 | $60–$136 | 8 |
| Iowa | $110 | $89–$181 | 7 |
| Ohio | $110 | $89–$121 | 7 |
| Indiana | $100 | $70–$121 | 7 |
| Rhode Island | $130 | $115–$134 | 6 |
| District of Columbia | $112 | $88–$162 | 6 |
| New Hampshire | $118 | $72–$126 | 5 |
| Louisiana | $105 | $88–$106 | 5 |
| Mississippi | $142 | $95–$189 | 4 |
| Montana | $132 | $68–$156 | 4 |
| Kansas | $116 | $112–$122 | 4 |
| Arkansas | $112 | $78–$166 | 4 |
| Missouri | $103 | $68–$130 | 4 |
| Nebraska | $185 | $108–$284 | 3 |
| Michigan | $137 | $81–$164 | 3 |
| Hawaii | $123 | $119–$123 | 3 |
| Kentucky | $109 | $91–$163 | 3 |
| Maine | $109 | $95–$127 | 3 |
| Nevada | $108 | $108–$143 | 3 |
| Oklahoma | $105 | $81–$122 | 3 |
Other codes: 90834 · 90791 · 90847 · 90846.
All 581 reports for 90837
| Route | Payer | St | License | Rate | Effective | Note / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Availity | BCBS | MD | LMFT | $113.48 | December 2026 | Increased from 109.97 submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | PA | LPC/LMHC | $100 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | PA | LPC/LMHC | $115 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Cigna | PA | LPC/LMHC | $95 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | TN | LPC/LMHC | $96 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | TN | LPC/LMHC | $122 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Optum / UHC | TN | LPC/LMHC | $102 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Spring Health | — | OR | LPC/LMHC | $129 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Premera | WA | LMFT | $135.39 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | WA | LPC/LMHC | $152.52 | October 2026 | Regence of OR (Clark County only) submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | VT | LCSW | $60 | October 2026 | Opening offer for individual credential. Unwilling to negotiate. submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | AL | LCSW | $127 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Rula | All payers (flat) | WA | LPC/LMHC | $80 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | WA | LPC/LMHC | $107.01 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | WA | LPC/LMHC | $92 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Hmsa | Anthem Blue Cross | HI | LMFT | $123 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | CO | LCSW | $98 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Optum / UHC | CO | LCSW | $110 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | CO | LCSW | $121.74 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Rula | All payers (flat) | CA | PhD/PsyD | $90 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | WA | LCSW | $99 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Spring Health | EAP | CA | LCSW | $110 | October 2026 | Same rate in all 4 of my states. submitted |
| Spring Health | EAP | NM | LCSW | $110 | October 2026 | Same rate as in other 4 licensed states submitted |
| Spring Health | — | WA | LPC/LMHC | $95 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | BCBS | WI | PhD/PsyD | $127 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | Optum / UHC | WI | PhD/PsyD | $143.06 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Spring Health | EAP | CA | LCPC/LPCC/LCMHC | $95 | October 2026 | They initially offered 95 and we went back and forth and settled at $105. Down from the $120 clinicians were getting previously. submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | FL | LPC/LMHC | $95 | October 2026 | Does pay 12 dollars extra for 'interactive complexity' code on top of the base rate. submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | HI | LPC/LMHC | $118.70 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | University Health Alliance | HI | LPC/LMHC | $122.53 | October 2026 | 122.53 + 12 copay submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | NJ | LCSW | $76 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | — | LA | LPC/LMHC | $100 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | TX | PhD/PsyD | $127.81 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | NH | LCSW | $110 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | MA | LCSW | $140.12 | September 2026 | This is for an independently licensed clinician as a sole proprietor in private practice (LICSW) submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | IL | PhD/PsyD | $125 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | TN | Pre-licensed | $60 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | MN | Pre-licensed | $157.52 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | FL | LPC/LMHC | $79 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | PA | LCSW | $95 | September 2026 | Independence Blue Cross - Virtual Network submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | PA | LCSW | $100 | September 2026 | Highmark BCBS submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | PA | LCSW | $115 | September 2026 | Employer plans only, no individual/marketplace plans submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | CA | LMFT | $121.33 | September 2026 | Not updated or adjusted in at least 3 years submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | WI | LMFT | $119 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Carelon Commercial | CA | LMFT | $115 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Collective Counseling Solutions | Optum / UHC | CA | LCSW | $120 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | CHAMPVA | CA | LCSW | $133.75 | September 2026 | CHAMPVA pays 75% of Medicare rate. Does not require clinician to be credentialed. Exact rate varies based on specific zip code, 90837 is usually around $130-135 in CA submitted |
| Direct contract | Premera | WA | LPC/LMHC | $135 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | OR | LCSW | $142.26 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | OR | LCSW | $152.52 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | AR | LPC/LMHC | $78.49 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | NC | LPC/LMHC | $138 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | NC | LPC/LMHC | $138 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | WI | LPC/LMHC | $62 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | Aetna | VA | LCSW | $110 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | Aetna | CO | LCSW | $110 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | BCBS | CO | LCSW | $107 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | Cigna | CO | LCSW | $102 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | Optum / UHC | CO | LCSW | $120 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | Optum / UHC | VA | LCSW | $120 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | CO | LCSW | $98 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | Aetna | CO | LCSW | $95.41 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | Aetna | VA | LCSW | $95.41 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Cigna | GA | LCSW | $89 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Kaiser | CA | LCSW | $108 | September 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | Aetna | — | PhD/PsyD | cut | August 2026 | REPORTED RATE CHANGE, amount varies by contract: an initial notice proposed July 15, 2026 equalization of 90834/90837 and degree rates. A July 9 community reproduction of a revised Alma notice says code and degree differentials remain, with reductions effective August 15, 2026. The revised notice has not been verified against a public company source; consult your own schedule. No dollar amount is recorded for this notice. source |
| Rula | All payers (flat) | GA | LPC/LMHC | $80 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | Aetna | CA | LCSW | $112 | August 2026 | Cut from $129 in July submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | KS | LCSW | $122 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | KS | LCSW | $117 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | KS | LCSW | $112 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | KS | LCSW | $115 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | MD | LCSW | $121.74 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | MD | LCSW | $119.07 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Cigna | MD | LCSW | $89 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Kaiser | MD | LCSW | $130.96 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Optum / UHC | MD | LCSW | $117.73 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | Aetna | GA | LPC/LMHC | $95.41 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | OR | LCSW | $120 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | BCBS | GA | LPC/LMHC | $71.91 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | Cigna | GA | LPC/LMHC | $73.50 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | OR | LPC/LMHC | $201.28 | August 2026 | Used to be 184 until billed rate raised to 220 submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | OR | LPC/LMHC | $152.58 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Providence | OR | LPC/LMHC | $160.58 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicare | OR | LPC/LMHC | $77 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | OR | LPC/LMHC | $98 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | MT | LCSW | $156.19 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | Kaiser | GA | LPC/LMHC | $96.02 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | Aetna | GA | LPC/LMHC | $110 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Kaiser | OR | LPC/LMHC | $165 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | EAP | GA | LPC/LMHC | $80 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | AmeriHealth | GA | LPC/LMHC | $64 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | AmeriHealth | GA | LPC/LMHC | $70 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Marvin | — | NJ | PhD/PsyD | $95 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | CA | LCSW | $112.96 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | CA | LCSW | $115.82 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | CA | LCSW | $88 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Rula | All payers (flat) | WA | LPC/LMHC | $80 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | CA | LMFT | $131.97 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | EAP | CA | LMFT | $100 | August 2026 | The pay is the same whether 90834 or 90837. I just received a raise from $90 to $100 by asking for it. They also pay for client no-shows. Very easy, hands-off EAP, with no paperwork really. submitted |
| Alma | Aetna | MA | LPC/LMHC | $126 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Medicaid | OR | LCSW | $200 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Cigna | GA | LCSW | $89 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | IL | LCPC/LPCC/LCMHC | $133.67 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | NY | LPC/LMHC | $110 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | MO | LPC/LMHC | $130 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Cigna | MO | LPC/LMHC | $95 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | Aetna | MA | LCSW | $126 | August 2026 | Cut from $146 last month submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | OK | LPC/LMHC | $122 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | OK | LPC/LMHC | $81.26 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | Optum / UHC | TX | LPC/LMHC | $103 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | Aetna | FL | LPC/LMHC | $95.41 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | Aetna | TX | LPC/LMHC | $112 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | Cigna | TX | LPC/LMHC | $102 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | Ambetter | FL | LPC/LMHC | $91.27 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | Carelon | TX | LPC/LMHC | $107 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | EAP | TX | LPC/LMHC | $75 | August 2026 | 75.00 flat rate for every code. submitted |
| Direct contract | Healthfirst | NY | LPC/LMHC | $112 | August 2026 | Solo private practice submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | MD | LCPC/LPCC/LCMHC | $119.07 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Cigna | MD | LCPC/LPCC/LCMHC | $89 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | NJ | PhD/PsyD | $170.48 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | IA | LCSW | $180.80 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | TX | LCSW | $112.50 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | MA | LPC/LMHC | $139.06 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | MA | LPC/LMHC | $69 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | MA | LPC/LMHC | $141.08 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | PA | LPC/LMHC | $131.29 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | PA | LPC/LMHC | $125.07 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | PA | LPC/LMHC | $110.21 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | PA | LPC/LMHC | $110.30 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | VA | LPC/LMHC | $171 | August 2026 | $161 in 2025 submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | VA | LPC/LMHC | $102 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | VA | LPC/LMHC | $109.59 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | VA | LPC/LMHC | $113 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | MA | LCSW | $144.08 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Talkspace | — | MA | LCSW | $75 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | Optum / UHC | MD | LCSW | $103 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | Aetna | MD | LCSW | $110 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | Cigna | MD | LCSW | $102 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | KY | MD/DO | $109 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicare | KY | MD/DO | $163 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Optum / UHC | NY | LCSW | $121.80 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | IN | LCSW | $120 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Spring Health | — | IN | LCSW | $80 | August 2026 | Telehealth $80 In person $95 submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | IN | LCSW | $110 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Cigna | IN | LCSW | $90 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | CT | LPC/LMHC | $122.36 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | CT | LPC/LMHC | $105.68 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | CT | LPC/LMHC | $132.09 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | VA Community Care Network | MD | LPC/LMHC | $80.12 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | Optum / UHC | MD | LPC/LMHC | $96.44 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | Kaiser | MD | LPC/LMHC | $85 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | GTEB | MD | LPC/LMHC | $73.50 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | Cigna | MD | LPC/LMHC | $73.50 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | Carefirst | MD | LPC/LMHC | $87.98 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | Aetna | MD | LPC/LMHC | $95.41 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Cigna | OH | LCSW | $89 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | NJ | LPC/LMHC | $115 | August 2026 | $3 increase yearly - you need to reach out to them directly submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | NC | LPC/LMHC | $109.18 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | TX | LCSW | $129 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Cigna | TX | LCSW | $95 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Harvard Pilgrim | MA | LCSW | $140.55 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Fallon Health | MA | LCSW | $141.09 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Tufts Health Public Plan | MA | LCSW | $114.26 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | MA | LCSW | $139.06 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | TX | LMFT | $104.75 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | TX | LPC/LMHC | $104.75 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | BCBS | FL | LCSW | $87 | August 2026 | submitted |
| SonderMind | Aetna | MA | LCPC/LPCC/LCMHC | $111 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Alma | Aetna | NY | PhD/PsyD | $138 | August 2026 | Was cut from $201 submitted |
| Alma | Aetna | WI | PhD/PsyD | $138 | August 2026 | Cut from $180.31 submitted |
| Spring Health | — | GA | LPC/LMHC | $60 | August 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | WI | LPC/LMHC | $120.96 | July 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | LA | LPC/LMHC | $104.69 | July 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | MI | LPC/LMHC | $163.56 | July 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | OR | LPC/LMHC | $150 | July 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | PA | LCSW | $131.29 | July 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | IA | LPC/LMHC | $180.80 | July 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | CA | LMFT | $74 | July 2026 | submitted |
| Collective Counseling Solutions | Optum / UHC | OH | LCSW | $120 | July 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | OR | LPC/LMHC | $152.52 | July 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | MT | LCSW | $107.40 | July 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | NC | LPC/LMHC | $139.18 | July 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Providence Powered by Collective Health | OR | LPC/LMHC | $160.58 | July 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | OR | LCSW | $152.52 | July 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | WA | LCSW | $122.51 | July 2026 | submitted |
| Lyra Health | EAP | IN | LCSW | $100 | June 2026 | Virtual rate submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | CA | LMFT | $123.88 | June 2026 | Increased from 121.00 submitted |
| Direct contract | Anthem | CA | LMFT | $85 | June 2026 | They cut their rated this year submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | AZ | LPC/LMHC | $130 | June 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | TX | LPC/LMHC | $117.57 | June 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | TX | LPC/LMHC | $104.75 | June 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | CA | LCSW | $130 | June 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | CO | LCSW | $130 | June 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | IL | LCSW | $133.67 | June 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | NJ | LPC/LMHC | $115 | June 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Cigna | NJ | LPC/LMHC | $94.99 | June 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | MA | PhD/PsyD | $185 | June 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Community Care Alliance | MA | LCSW | $120 | June 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | AZ | — | $39 | May 2026 | lowest Cigna rate reported in the thread source |
| Collective Counseling Solutions | Cigna | — | — | $110 | May 2026 | contracted via Collective Counseling Solutions source |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | CO | — | $130 | May 2026 | source |
| Alma | Aetna | — | LCSW | $130 | May 2026 | therapist payout ~$130 including $25 copay; EOB showed Aetna paid Alma $122.19 source |
| Headway | Aetna | CO | — | $121.74 | May 2026 | most other plans pay $95-98 for 90837 via Headway in CO per poster source |
| Direct contract | Aetna | OR | LPC/LMHC | $142.67 | May 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | IL | LCSW | $131.48 | May 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | IL | LCSW | $100 | May 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | WY | LCSW | $210 | May 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Kaiser | WA | LPC/LMHC | $134.40 | May 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | RI | LCSW | $115 | May 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | NJ | PhD/PsyD | $148.12 | May 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP) | MA | LCSW | $125.69 | May 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | NC | LPC/LMHC | $139.47 | April 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | NY | LPC/LMHC | $110 | April 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Dean | IL | LCSW | $194.14 | April 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | MA | LCSW | $139.06 | April 2026 | Small decrease submitted |
| Direct contract | Harvard Pilgrim | MA | LCSW | $140.55 | April 2026 | submitted |
| Cyti Psychological | — | CA | LMFT | $90 | April 2026 | W-2 employee, also get $20/hour for no-shows, admin time, and education, plus $20/month toward wifi cost submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | OR | LCSW | $142.26 | April 2026 | submitted |
| Spring Health | EAP | — | — | $85 | March 2026 | Multiple clinicians report $75-85 unchanged since 2021. source |
| Spring Health | EAP | SC | LPC/LMHC | $100 | March 2026 | $130 in-person, $100 virtual, with paid no-shows; rates appear state- and license-dependent. source |
| Rula | All payers (flat) | GA | LPC/LMHC | $80 | March 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | TX | LPC/LMHC | $112 | March 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | OR | LPC/LMHC | $190 | March 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | IL | LCSW | $150 | March 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | NY | LCSW | $102.50 | March 2026 | submitted |
| Spring Health | — | DE | LCSW | $115 | March 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Carelon | CA | LMFT | $210 | March 2026 | Took significant negotiation and advocacy submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | FL | LPC/LMHC | $68 | February 2026 | No request for increase until 1 year of current rate. submitted |
| Direct contract | — | MD | LCSW | $101 | February 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | WA | LCSW | $106 | February 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | IA | LCSW | $104.79 | February 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | MVP | NY | LCSW | $115.09 | February 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | MD | LCSW | $131 | February 2026 | Work evenings and weekends submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | NY | PhD/PsyD | $185 | January 2026 | NYC, virtual only source |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | MI | — | $81.28 | January 2026 | Meridian Medicaid, group; below state Medicaid minimum per poster source |
| Headway | BCBS | MD | LCSW | $109 | January 2026 | Down from 115 in 2025 submitted |
| Spring Health | — | WI | LPC/LMHC | $85 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | MT | LPC/LMHC | $156.19 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | NC | LPC/LMHC | $138 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | NC | LPC/LMHC | $62 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | GA | LPC/LMHC | $93 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | CA | LMFT | $112.96 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicare | IN | LCSW | $120.84 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Talkspace | — | IN | LPC/LMHC | $70 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | IL | LCSW | $133.67 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | TX | LPC/LMHC | $104.75 | January 2026 | Increased from 94.75 submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | GA | LPC/LMHC | $121 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Cigna | GA | LPC/LMHC | $102 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Independence Blue Cross | GA | LPC/LMHC | $95 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Optum / UHC | GA | LPC/LMHC | $112 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | CT | LCSW | $105 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | IL | LMFT | $133.67 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | AZ | LCSW | $130 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Tava Health | Cigna | CA | LMFT | $86 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Tava Health | Optum / UHC | CA | LMFT | $88 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | Optum / UHC | FL | LCSW | $93.15 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | Aetna | FL | LCSW | $95.41 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | Cigna | FL | LCSW | $70 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | WA | LPC/LMHC | $108 | January 2026 | Applied for an increase and they gave me a $3 more (previous rate was $105) submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | WA | LPC/LMHC | $120.24 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | NY | LPC/LMHC | $120 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | ME | LCPC/LPCC/LCMHC | $108.64 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | IL | LCSW | $158.10 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | MA | LCSW | $139.06 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | FL | LCSW | $110.30 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | KY | LCPC/LPCC/LCMHC | $91.23 | January 2026 | since 2023 submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | TX | LMFT | $104.75 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | OH | LCSW | $121 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | OH | LCSW | $91 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | Optum / UHC | OH | LCSW | $110 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | MA | LCSW | $131 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | LA | LCSW | $104.69 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | NC | LPC/LMHC | $138.61 | January 2026 | submitted |
| Rula | All payers (flat) | CA | PhD/PsyD | $90 | December 2025 | Rula pays a flat per-session rate regardless of payer. source |
| Rula | All payers (flat) | GA | — | $70 | December 2025 | Rula pays a flat per-session rate regardless of payer. source |
| Direct contract | BCBS | VA | — | $150 | December 2025 | Anthem, independent contract, masters level, rounded source |
| Direct contract | Tricare | VA | — | $74 | December 2025 | independent contract, masters level, rounded source |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | WA | LCSW | $159 | December 2025 | United/Optum, group practice, western WA; group Cigna $117 source |
| Alma | Optum / UHC | MN | LCSW | $116.80 | December 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | MD | LCSW | $104.33 | December 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | MD | LCSW | $106.60 | December 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | NY | LPC/LMHC | $97.94 | December 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | MD | LCPC/LPCC/LCMHC | $104.33 | December 2025 | $104.33 for PPO; $106.60 for HMO submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | MD | LCPC/LPCC/LCMHC | $113.40 | December 2025 | Increase from 110.9 prior to December 2025 submitted |
| Direct contract | Carefirst | VA | LPC/LMHC | $113.47 | December 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | FL | LCSW | $102.94 | December 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | RI | LCSW | $132.86 | December 2025 | For LICSW, not LCSW (RI has both distinctions) submitted |
| Headway | Cigna | CA | LMFT | $95 | December 2025 | submitted |
| Headway | Carelon through Kaiser | CA | LMFT | $115 | December 2025 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | CA | LMFT | $106 | December 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Premera | WA | LPC/LMHC | $135 | December 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | SC | — | $117.43 | November 2025 | SC Medicaid published rate per poster source |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | CA | — | $175 | November 2025 | Alameda County Medi-Cal, 53-minute session source |
| Direct contract | Aetna | AZ | LPC/LMHC | $103.31 | November 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | RI | LPC/LMHC | $132.86 | November 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | CA | — | $131.97 | October 2025 | Medi-Cal, most payors source |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | CA | — | $171 | October 2025 | one CA county's Medi-Cal rate source |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | CA | — | $99.98 | October 2025 | Medi-Cal via Health Net source |
| Direct contract | Aetna | AZ | PhD/PsyD | $137.75 | October 2025 | decreased $2 on 2025-10-15; BCBS AZ $122.03 source |
| Spring Health | — | PA | LPC/LMHC | $85 | October 2025 | $85 per Telehealth session 90837, $110 per in person submitted |
| Direct contract | Ambetter | NC | LPC/LMHC | $103 | October 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | VA | LCSW | $101.35 | October 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | VA | LCSW | $170.99 | October 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | VA | LCSW | $113.40 | October 2025 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | TX | LPC/LMHC | $129.74 | October 2025 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | TX | LPC/LMHC | $92.04 | October 2025 | submitted |
| SonderMind | All payers (flat) | GA | LPC/LMHC | $84 | October 2025 | submitted |
| Rula | All payers (flat) | GA | LPC/LMHC | $80 | October 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | CT | LPC/LMHC | $116.82 | October 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | WA | LCSW | $107 | October 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | TX | LMFT | $114.01 | October 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | OR | LCSW | $149.33 | October 2025 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | Kaiser | CA | — | $101.20 | September 2025 | Kaiser NorCal paid Grow $213.07 for the same session; the clinician received $101.20. source |
| Grow Therapy | BCBS | — | — | $68.51 | September 2025 | Same clinician reported $104 for the same BCBS session through Headway. source |
| Headway | BCBS | — | — | $104 | September 2025 | Comparison figure from a clinician credentialed on both Grow and Headway. source |
| Grow Therapy | Cigna | — | — | $68 | September 2025 | source |
| Headway | BCBS | NJ | — | $115 | September 2025 | Horizon BCBS NJ, masters level source |
| Alma | Optum / UHC | NC | — | $116.80 | September 2025 | masters level; 90834 $101.30, 90791 $119.72 source |
| Alma | Aetna | NC | — | $129.74 | September 2025 | masters level; 90834 $103, 90791 $132.28 source |
| Alma | Cigna | NC | — | $95 | September 2025 | masters level; 90834 $79, 90791 $110 source |
| Alma | Optum / UHC | NE | — | $107.80 | September 2025 | LIMHP; 90834 $92.30 source |
| Alma | Aetna | TN | LMFT | $121 | September 2025 | source |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | NM | — | $220 | September 2025 | LMSW, group practice source |
| Direct contract | Cigna | NC | — | $103 | September 2025 | Evernorth first offer; poster reports negotiable to $115, then $130 before signing source |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | MD | PhD/PsyD | $115.82 | September 2025 | United Behavioral Health/Optum, Baltimore area source |
| Headway | BCBS | TX | — | $92.04 | August 2025 | BCBS PPO, masters level source |
| Headway | Aetna | TX | — | $129.74 | August 2025 | masters level source |
| Headway | Aetna | GA | LCSW | $121 | August 2025 | source |
| Headway | Quest Behavioral Health | GA | LCSW | $125 | August 2025 | source |
| Headway | Oscar | GA | LCSW | $112 | August 2025 | source |
| Headway | Carelon | GA | LCSW | $93 | August 2025 | source |
| Headway | BCBS | DC | LCSW | $114.97 | August 2025 | CareFirst; $5 above poster's direct contract source |
| Headway | Optum / UHC | WA | LPC/LMHC | $120.55 | August 2025 | United source |
| Direct contract | BCBS | TX | — | $93.88 | August 2025 | BCBS PPO and HMO, masters level; Medicare Advantage $124.99 source |
| Direct contract | BCBS | RI | LCSW | $128 | August 2025 | LICSW source |
| Direct contract | BCBS | IA | — | $172.90 | August 2025 | masters level; 90791 $187.10, 90834 $116.70 source |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | IA | — | $89.25 | August 2025 | UHC, masters level source |
| Direct contract | BCBS | DC | LCSW | $109.97 | August 2025 | CareFirst; increased to $113.40 in December 2025 source |
| Direct contract | Cigna | DC | LCSW | $128 | August 2025 | LICSW; group and individual contracts pay the same source |
| Direct contract | Aetna | OR | — | $151.74 | August 2025 | group contract, masters level; 90791 $164.15 source |
| Direct contract | Kaiser | OR | — | $167.09 | August 2025 | group contract; 90791 $171.98 source |
| Direct contract | Medicare | OR | — | $154.29 | August 2025 | group contract; 90791 $166.91 source |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | OR | — | $184.66 | August 2025 | OHP open-card base rate; CareOregon Tier 2 $203 source |
| Direct contract | Aetna | CA | LMFT | $112.96 | August 2025 | Southern CA, direct credentialing; Cigna offered $80, declined source |
| Direct contract | BCBS | ID | LPC/LMHC | $187.40 | August 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | AZ | LPC/LMHC | $103.31 | August 2025 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | FL | LPC/LMHC | $121 | August 2025 | submitted |
| Alma | Cigna | FL | LPC/LMHC | $102 | August 2025 | submitted |
| Alma | Optum / UHC | FL | LPC/LMHC | $103 | August 2025 | submitted |
| Tava Health | BCBS | FL | LPC/LMHC | $115 | August 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | CO | LPC/LMHC | $65 | August 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | CO | LPC/LMHC | $113 | August 2025 | submitted |
| Alma | Cigna | CO | LPC/LMHC | $106 | August 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | OR | LPC/LMHC | $184.66 | August 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | CA | PhD/PsyD | $157.04 | August 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | CA | LCSW | $133 | August 2025 | submitted |
| SonderMind | — | MD | LPC/LMHC | $90 | August 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | PA | LCSW | $112.35 | August 2025 | submitted |
| Alma | Optum / UHC | MA | LCSW | $133 | August 2025 | *cut sometime last year from $142 or so submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | NC | LPC/LMHC | $104.79 | August 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | NJ | PhD/PsyD | $164.28 | August 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | CO | LPC/LMHC | $113 | August 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | MO | LCSW | $68 | August 2025 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | Kaiser | CA | LCSW | $101.20 | July 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | LA | LPC/LMHC | $88.10 | July 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | NE | PhD/PsyD | $284.19 | July 2025 | Increased from 277 last July submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | NE | LMFT | $184.73 | July 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | MD | LCPC/LPCC/LCMHC | $128 | July 2025 | Bethesda area submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | DC | PhD/PsyD | $161.78 | July 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | MT | LCSW | $68 | July 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | WA | LCSW | $159.45 | July 2025 | submitted |
| Headway | Independence Blue Cross | PA | LCSW | $95 | June 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | ID | LPC/LMHC | $110 | June 2025 | No longer accept them/in network with them. submitted |
| Grow Therapy | Optum / UHC | WI | LPC/LMHC | $88.22 | June 2025 | submitted |
| Alma | Cigna | GA | LPC/LMHC | $102 | June 2025 | submitted |
| Alma | Optum / UHC | GA | LPC/LMHC | $103 | June 2025 | submitted |
| Spring Health | EAP | PA | LPC/LMHC | $130 | June 2025 | Negotiated regularly (every 6 months) Starting offer was $75, Negotiated to $95, then steadily re-negotiated at every opportunity to eventually bring it up to $130 submitted |
| SonderMind | All payers (flat) | NH | — | $72 | May 2025 | source |
| Spring Health | EAP | NC | LPC/LMHC | $115 | May 2025 | Up from $95 in 2024; applied for several raises. submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | IL | PhD/PsyD | $191 | May 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | CA | LCSW | $195 | May 2025 | submitted |
| Lyra Health | — | MD | LCSW | $90 | May 2025 | In person and virtual rates differ submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | CT | LCSW | $132 | April 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | NJ | LPC/LMHC | $127.86 | April 2025 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | VA | LPC/LMHC | $126 | March 2025 | They received an increase from anthem in July 2026 and refuse to pass it on. submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | CA | LMFT | $110.57 | March 2025 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | AL | LPC/LMHC | $127 | February 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | IA | LCSW | $110 | February 2025 | Had received $150 as a single provider agreement os OON, then became part of the UHC network and receive $110 for 90837. submitted |
| Lyra Health | Aetna | AR | LPC/LMHC | $140 | February 2025 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | RI | LPC/LMHC | $117 | February 2025 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | IL | LPC/LMHC | $129 | January 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | CA | LMFT | $109.62 | January 2025 | submitted |
| Rula | All payers (flat) | CA | LCSW | $90 | January 2025 | submitted |
| Rula | All payers (flat) | MA | PhD/PsyD | $90 | January 2025 | submitted |
| Alma | Optum / UHC | TX | LPC/LMHC | $120 | January 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Ambetter | TX | LPC/LMHC | $114.93 | January 2025 | submitted |
| Alma | Cigna | TX | LPC/LMHC | $97 | January 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | CO | LPC/LMHC | $127 | January 2025 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | — | IL | LCPC/LPCC/LCMHC | $101 | January 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Carelon | CA | LCSW | $133 | January 2025 | (Medi-cal) submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | CA | LCSW | $133 | January 2025 | Add-on code for Telehealth t1014 ($0.24 per minute) submitted |
| Brightside Health | — | AR | LCSW | $83 | January 2025 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | BCBS | FL | LCSW | $78.46 | January 2025 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | PA | PhD/PsyD | $143 | January 2025 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | CT | LPC/LMHC | $130 | January 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | LA | LCSW | $106.13 | January 2025 | submitted |
| Rula | All payers (flat) | CA | LMFT | $90 | January 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | NY | LPC/LMHC | $110.30 | January 2025 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | — | — | $110 | December 2024 | Clinician reported Headway billed BCBS $220 for the session and paid $110; the claim was later denied as too expensive. source |
| Rula | All payers (flat) | CA | LCSW | $90 | December 2024 | submitted |
| Alma | Optum / UHC | WI | LCSW | $110.26 | December 2024 | submitted |
| Spring Health | — | CA | LMFT | $115 | December 2024 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | BCBS | DC | LMFT | $87.98 | December 2024 | submitted |
| Alma | Optum / UHC | — | — | $120 | November 2024 | Cut from $130 in the November 2024 Optum rate reduction ($7 across Optum/UHC/UMR/Surest). source |
| Headway | Optum / UHC | — | — | $112 | November 2024 | Reported alongside the Alma figure; Optum reportedly pays Headway ~$130 for the session. source |
| Headway | BCBS | CA | — | $86 | November 2024 | San Francisco. The commenter reports the directly credentialed rate is about the same and that BCBS refused to negotiate. source |
| Direct contract | BCBS | OR | — | $137 | November 2024 | Reported as rising to about $148 on December 1, 2024. source |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | OR | — | $146 | November 2024 | source |
| Direct contract | Aetna | OR | — | $149 | November 2024 | source |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | OR | — | $173 | November 2024 | Oregon Health Plan noncontracted rate, Portland metro. source |
| Direct contract | Cigna | OR | — | $100 | November 2024 | source |
| Grow Therapy | Cigna | PA | LMFT | $73 | November 2024 | source |
| Grow Therapy | Optum / UHC | PA | LMFT | $92 | November 2024 | source |
| Direct contract | BCBS | IL | — | $131 | November 2024 | Reported as the BCBS PPO rate, not renegotiated in several years. source |
| Direct contract | Aetna | IL | — | $116 | November 2024 | source |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | IL | — | $115 | November 2024 | Reported as UHC/UMR. source |
| Direct contract | Cigna | IL | — | $103 | November 2024 | source |
| Alma | Aetna | CO | — | $129 | November 2024 | source |
| Headway | Optum / UHC | CO | — | $110 | November 2024 | source |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | CO | — | $125 | November 2024 | Independently credentialed, in-network regions. source |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | — | — | $110.30 | October 2024 | Solo-contract rate cited for comparison against platform rates. Same commenter reported Optum pays Alma ~$151 for the identical session. source |
| Alma | Optum / UHC | — | — | $126.80 | October 2024 | pre-cut rate; reduced to $116.80 November 2024; 90791 $126.80 cut to $119.72 source |
| Headway | Aetna | WA | PhD/PsyD | $185 | October 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | Premera | WA | PhD/PsyD | $140 | October 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | WA | PhD/PsyD | $152.27 | October 2024 | submitted |
| Rula | All payers (flat) | IL | LCPC/LPCC/LCMHC | $70 | October 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Carelon | CA | LMFT | $120 | October 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | CA | LMFT | $130 | October 2024 | No cuts submitted |
| Headway | Optum / UHC | CA | LMFT | $122 | October 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | Anthem Blue Cross | CA | LMFT | $106 | October 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Kaiser | WA | LPC/LMHC | $116 | September 2024 | submitted |
| Lyra Health | EAP | — | — | $85 | August 2024 | Contractor rate, reported as non-negotiable; a 5-year contractor reported annual rate-increase requests denied every year. source |
| Grow Therapy | BCBS | VA | LPC/LMHC | $117.34 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | AZ | LPC/LMHC | $104.59 | August 2024 | Started at 95.88 and received three raises submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | AZ | LPC/LMHC | $106 | August 2024 | Group contract rates. Was $59 for individual contract submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | AZ | LPC/LMHC | $110.30 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | CA | LMFT | $113 | August 2024 | Increased from $76 in 2023 or 2024 submitted |
| Headway | Optum / UHC | CO | LPC/LMHC | $120 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | CO | LPC/LMHC | $98 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Group Practice | Medicaid | CO | LPC/LMHC | $105 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Grow Therapy | Kaiser | GA | LPC/LMHC | $96.02 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | NY | LCSW | $120.95 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | CA | LCSW | $100 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | Cigna | ME | LCPC/LPCC/LCMHC | $95 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | Harvard Pilgrim | ME | LCPC/LPCC/LCMHC | $127 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | GA | PhD/PsyD | $196.24 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | GA | PhD/PsyD | $124 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | Cigna | UT | LPC/LMHC | $90 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | GA | LCSW | $98 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Alma | BCBS | MA | LCSW | $139.18 | August 2024 | * in MA the LCSW is pre licensed. LICSW is the independent licensure submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | WA | LCSW | $120.25 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | WA | LCSW | $135.39 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Kaiser | WA | LCSW | $126.35 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | TX | LPC/LMHC | $92.04 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | CA | LMFT | $86 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | CA | LMFT | $130 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | Optum / UHC | CA | LMFT | $117.73 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | Cigna | CA | LMFT | $95 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | VA | LCSW | $152.66 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | RI | LCSW | $134 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | IL | LCSW | $118.75 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | CT | LMFT | $101 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | TN | LPC/LMHC | $110.30 | July 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | TN | LPC/LMHC | $99 | July 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | CA | LMFT | $130 | July 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | NJ | LPC/LMHC | $137.26 | July 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Regence | WA | LPC/LMHC | $100.91 | July 2024 | Heard they may have lowered it in 2026? submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | WA | LPC/LMHC | $121 | July 2024 | Some report an Increase from this amount? submitted |
| Direct contract | First choice | WA | LPC/LMHC | $126 | July 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | WI | LPC/LMHC | $130 | June 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | WI | LPC/LMHC | $119 | June 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | MS | LCSW | $95 | June 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | MS | LCSW | $180 | June 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | MS | LCSW | $104.79 | June 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Healthfirst | NY | LCSW | $112 | June 2024 | was "strongly advised" to never use this code submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | GA | LCSW | $110 | June 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | MO | LCSW | $110.30 | June 2024 | submitted |
| Lyra Health | EAP | MA | PhD/PsyD | $185 | June 2024 | submitted |
| Spring Health | EAP | WA | LCSW | $110 | June 2024 | 1/2 for no-show late cancellation submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | WA | LPC/LMHC | $140 | June 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Kaiser | WA | LPC/LMHC | $116 | June 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | NV | LMFT | $142.83 | May 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | NV | LMFT | $108.10 | May 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | CA | LMFT | $112 | April 2024 | They pay very quickly submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | AR | LPC/LMHC | $166.19 | April 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | NH | LCSW | $125.80 | April 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicare | NH | LCSW | $124.48 | April 2024 | submitted |
| Lyra Health | — | CA | LMFT | $125 | March 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | OH | LCSW | $121 | February 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | CA | PhD/PsyD | $148.46 | January 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Kaiser | WA | LPC/LMHC | $116 | January 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | PA | LPC/LMHC | $115.82 | January 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | Cigna | DC | LMFT | $88.48 | January 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | IA | LPC/LMHC | $109.25 | January 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | WA | LPC/LMHC | $107.01 | December 2023 | I left panel it was so low, rejoined and given same rate. They are my lowest payer submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | OK | LCSW | $105.33 | November 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | NJ | LPC/LMHC | $127.86 | November 2023 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | TX | LPC/LMHC | $129.74 | October 2023 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | CA | LCSW | $129 | August 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | CA | LCSW | $115.82 | August 2023 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | NJ | LCSW | $115 | August 2023 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | NJ | LCSW | $129.74 | August 2023 | submitted |
| Headway | Optum / UHC | NJ | LCSW | $120.55 | August 2023 | submitted |
| Headway | Cigna | NJ | LCSW | $95 | August 2023 | submitted |
| Headway | Optum / UHC | CA | LCSW | $120 | August 2023 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | CA | LCSW | $107 | August 2023 | submitted |
| Headway | BCBS | AZ | PhD/PsyD | $140 | August 2023 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | AZ | PhD/PsyD | $163 | August 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | AZ | PhD/PsyD | $122 | August 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | AZ | PhD/PsyD | $147 | August 2023 | submitted |
| Headway | Optum / UHC | AZ | PhD/PsyD | $125 | August 2023 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | CA | LCPC/LPCC/LCMHC | $130 | August 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Kaiser | CA | LCSW | $90 | August 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | CA | LMFT | $141 | August 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Regence | WA | LPC/LMHC | $120.24 | July 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Premera | WA | LPC/LMHC | $135 | July 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Blue Care Network | MI | LPC/LMHC | $137.06 | July 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | NJ | LPC/LMHC | $115.82 | July 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Healthfirst | NY | LCSW | $97 | June 2023 | I accidentally entered the wrong number in my previous submission - I've been "strongly advised" to not use 90837 submitted |
| Lyra Health | — | OR | LPC/LMHC | $145 | June 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | CT | LCSW | $122 | May 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | MD | LCSW | $96.65 | May 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | VT | LPC/LMHC | $71 | May 2023 | Raised from 69 to 71 in August 2024 submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | NC | LPC/LMHC | $113.57 | April 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | OR | LPC/LMHC | $149.33 | March 2023 | submitted |
| Headway | Aetna | CA | LCPC/LPCC/LCMHC | $130 | March 2023 | submitted |
| Headway | Optum / UHC | CA | LCPC/LPCC/LCMHC | $122 | March 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | AZ | LPC/LMHC | $82.50 | March 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | AZ | LPC/LMHC | $110.30 | March 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | NY | LPC/LMHC | $165.76 | March 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | — | NV | LPC/LMHC | $108.15 | January 2023 | submitted |
| Spring Health | Spring Health | CA | LCSW | $120 | January 2023 | submitted |
| Spring Health | Spring Health | TX | LCSW | $120 | January 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | NY | LCSW | $120.66 | January 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | NH | LCSW | $118.38 | January 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | AZ | LPC/LMHC | $110.30 | December 2022 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | NJ | PhD/PsyD | $164.71 | August 2022 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | CO | LPC/LMHC | $117 | August 2022 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | CT | LMFT | $132.09 | August 2022 | submitted |
| Spring Health | EAP | TX | LPC/LMHC | $70 | August 2022 | submitted |
| Lyra Health | EAP | WA | LPC/LMHC | $140 | July 2022 | Had to negotiate, took weeks and push back. Paneled for years and asked for a raise, was denied. submitted |
| Direct contract | Reflect | WA | LPC/LMHC | $130 | July 2022 | Individual: $130/Day, $150/5pm, Couples: $155/Day, $175/5pm Evening. $30 Month submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | CA | LMFT | $115.82 | June 2022 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | WI | LCSW | $121.10 | June 2022 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | OH | LCSW | $110 | June 2022 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | CT | LCSW | $111 | May 2022 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | MD | LCSW | $100 | May 2022 | submitted |
| Lyra Health | — | CA | LCSW | $150 | January 2022 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | CA | LCSW | $108 | August 2021 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | TN | LPC/LMHC | $136 | July 2021 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | AZ | PhD/PsyD | $111 | July 2021 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | WI | LPC/LMHC | $131.98 | May 2021 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | WI | LPC/LMHC | $120.98 | May 2021 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | CA | LMFT | $121.36 | August 2020 | submitted |
| Direct contract | — | CA | LMFT | $121.33 | August 2020 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Carelon | NY | LCSW | $85.26 | August 2020 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Cigna | CO | LPC/LMHC | $121 | August 2020 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Medicaid | CO | LPC/LMHC | $125 | August 2020 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Aetna | CO | LPC/LMHC | $121 | June 2020 | submitted |
| Rula | All payers (flat) | CA | LMFT | $90 | May 2020 | submitted |
| Direct contract | — | CA | LMFT | $121.33 | April 2020 | I requested a raise this year and they shut me down and said they would evaluate again in Feb 2026 submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | MD | LPC/LMHC | $103 | August 2019 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | MS | LPC/LMHC | $189 | May 2018 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Lyra | AZ | LPC/LMHC | $150 | January 2018 | submitted |
| Direct contract | PacificSource | OR | LMFT | $171 | January 2018 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Carelon | CA | LMFT | $95 | June 2016 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | CA | LMFT | $94.50 | July 2014 | submitted |
| Direct contract | BCBS | WI | LPC/LMHC | $131.96 | October 2013 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Optum / UHC | WI | LPC/LMHC | $120.96 | September 2013 | submitted |
| Direct contract | Carelon | NY | LPC/LMHC | $67 | — | Unknown start date submitted |
Limitations
These figures have three limitations. First, every rate is self-reported and unverified. Second, the sample is self-selected: 14% of all reports come from California. Third, license is missing on 66 of 789 rows. These per-code reports describe this sample; additional reports can change the median and widen the range. How this data is collected and checked.