How much does Medicaid pay for therapy in California?
In California, Medicaid (Medi-Cal) reimbursement for psychotherapy varies significantly based on the duration and type of session. In 2024, the average payment for a standard 60-minute individual therapy session (CPT 90837) is approximately $222.40. This specific service represents the largest portion of therapy spending in the state, totaling over $715 million in 2024.
Avg. 60-Min Therapy Pay (2024)
$222.40
Avg. 45-Min Therapy Pay (2024)
$143.89
Total 2024 Therapy Spend
$970,957,000
Top therapy services by total spend in California (2024 data).
| Service Description | CPT Code | Avg. Paid | Total State Spend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psytx w pt 60 minutes | 90837 | $222.40 | $715,462,226.17 |
| Psytx w pt 45 minutes | 90834 | $143.89 | $155,584,917.81 |
| Family psytx w/pt 50 min | 90847 | $287.51 | $39,187,361.31 |
| Psytx w pt 30 minutes | 90832 | $48.07 | $51,109,483.92 |
| Group psychotherapy | 90853 | $37.81 | $7,796,454.96 |
A notable trend in California is the sharp increase in average reimbursement rates since 2022. For instance, the average payment for a 60-minute session rose from $92.36 in 2022 to $222.40 in 2024, reflecting significant policy or schedule adjustments in recent years.