Payer × state
What BCBS pays therapists in California
Nine therapists in California reported BCBS rates. The median 90837 was $103 across 8 reports, with a range of $86 to $148. Across all codes the median was $106, which reflects the 1 report for intakes, shorter sessions, or family codes in the set.
Reported 90837: median $103, range $86–$148, middle half $92–$114, about 82% of the 2026 national Medicare reference for a master's-level clinician (8 reports · 9 across all CPTs)
| Route | License | CPT | Rate | Effective | Note / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headway | LMFT | 90834 (45 min) | $106.40 | October 2026 | submitted |
| Headway | LMFT | 90837 (60 min) | $106 | December 2025 | submitted |
| Direct contract | LCSW | 90837 (60 min) | $133 | August 2025 | submitted |
| Headway | — | 90837 (60 min) | $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 | LCSW | 90837 (60 min) | $100 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | LMFT | 90837 (60 min) | $86 | August 2024 | submitted |
| Direct contract | PhD/PsyD | 90837 (60 min) | $148.46 | January 2024 | submitted |
| Headway | LCSW | 90837 (60 min) | $107 | August 2023 | submitted |
| Direct contract | LMFT | 90837 (60 min) | $94.50 | July 2014 | submitted |
Related: all BCBS reports, all California reports.