ICD-10 for therapists
F32.1 — Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate
A single major depressive episode with symptom count and functional impairment between the mild and severe specifiers.
- Code
- F32.1 (ICD-10-CM)
- Common CPT pairings
- 90791 · 90834 · 90837
Clinical picture
- Symptom count or intensity exceeds the mild threshold; functioning at work, school, or home is noticeably affected.
- The most commonly billed severity specifier in outpatient psychotherapy.
- Screen for anxious distress, which is common and affects prognosis and treatment planning.
Documentation tips
- Describe functional impact concretely (missed days, reduced output, withdrawal from roles) — this is what distinguishes moderate from mild on review.
- Track PHQ-9 or equivalent at intake and at regular intervals; scores in the 10-14 band align with, but do not define, moderate severity.
Billing notes
Supports medical necessity for weekly psychotherapy in most commercial plans. Add-on 90785 (interactive complexity) applies only when specific communication barriers are documented.
Related codes
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Start free — no credit cardThis reference summarizes ICD-10-CM coding conventions and common billing practice for licensed clinicians. It is not medical, legal, or payer-specific billing advice; diagnosis requires clinical evaluation, and payer policies vary. Verify codes against the current ICD-10-CM release.