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Behavioral Health Coder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TaraVista Behavioral Health

Medical Coder

Holyoke, MA · Remote

$23 - $28/hr

Previous experience in the Health Information Management field, coding department and/or behavioral health coding/facility * Certification issued by AHIMA (to include CCA-with full credentials within ...

TaraVista Behavioral Health

Medical Coder, 40hrs

Devens, MA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.75/hr

Previous experience in the Health Information Management field, coding department and/or behavioral health coding/facility * Certification issued by AHIMA (to include CCA-with full credentials within ...

TaraVista Behavioral Health

Medical Coder, 40hrs

Devens, MA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.75/hr

Previous experience in the Health Information Management field, coding department and/or behavioral health coding/facility * Certification issued by AHIMA (to include CCA-with full credentials within ...

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Behavioral Health Coder information

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How much do behavioral health coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health coder in the United States is $22.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health Coder vs Medical Coder?

AspectBehavioral Health Coder

Behavioral Health Coders specialize in coding mental health and substance abuse treatment records, requiring knowledge of mental health diagnoses and specific coding systems like ICD-10-CM and CPT codes related to behavioral health. Medical Coders generally handle a broader range of medical specialties, including hospital and outpatient records, with a focus on general medical procedures and diagnoses. Both roles require certifications such as CPC or CCS, work in healthcare settings, and are essential for accurate billing and record-keeping. The main difference lies in the specialization area, with Behavioral Health Coders focusing exclusively on mental health services.

What are some common challenges Behavioral Health Coders face when working with clinical documentation?

Behavioral Health Coders frequently encounter challenges such as incomplete or ambiguous clinical documentation, which can make it difficult to assign accurate codes. They must often work closely with providers to clarify diagnoses and treatment details, ensuring coding compliance with mental health-specific regulations. Staying up to date with evolving coding guidelines, such as changes in ICD-10 and CPT codes for behavioral health services, is also essential. Effective communication, attention to detail, and ongoing education are key to overcoming these challenges and maintaining billing accuracy.

How to become a behavioral health coder?

To become a behavioral health coder, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in medical coding, often through certification programs. Certification from organizations like the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is highly recommended and may be required by employers; familiarity with coding systems such as ICD-10 and CPT is essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Behavioral Health Coder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Coder, you need in-depth knowledge of medical coding systems (ICD-10, CPT), behavioral health terminology, and a certification such as CPC or CCA. Familiarity with coding software, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and compliance regulations like HIPAA is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for accurately interpreting documentation and collaborating with healthcare providers. These competencies ensure precise coding, maximize reimbursement, and support regulatory compliance in behavioral health settings.

What is the highest paying job in behavioral health?

In behavioral health, licensed clinical psychologists and psychiatric nurse practitioners tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. Advanced certifications, specialized skills, and experience in outpatient or hospital settings can further increase earning potential for these roles.

What are Behavioral Health Coders?

Behavioral Health Coders are specialized medical coding professionals who assign standardized codes to diagnoses, procedures, and treatments related to mental health and substance use disorders. They ensure that healthcare providers and facilities accurately document behavioral health services for billing, insurance reimbursement, and regulatory compliance. Behavioral Health Coders must be familiar with coding systems such as ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS, as well as specific guidelines for mental and behavioral health records. Their work helps maintain accurate patient records and supports the financial health of behavioral health practices.

What pays more, CCS or CPC?

For Behavioral Health Coders, CPC (Certified Professional Coder) typically offers higher pay than CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) because CPCs often work in outpatient settings and have broader coding responsibilities. CCS credentials are more common in inpatient hospital coding, which may have different pay scales. Overall, CPCs tend to earn more due to their versatility and demand in outpatient and physician-based coding roles.

Is being a BHT a stressful job?

Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) often work in fast-paced environments and handle challenging behaviors, which can contribute to job stress. The level of stress varies depending on the work setting, patient needs, and support systems, but managing emotional resilience and communication skills are important for success in the role.
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Behavioral Health Coder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Coder job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,638 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
Behavioral Health Technician

Behavioral Health Technician

WES Health System

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT), will implement the Individual Treatment Plan. Using the strengths-based and preventive approach they will work directly with the child to reach the ITP goals across school, home and community settings.

ESSENTIAL & CORE FUNCTIONS:

1. Facilitate implementation of the ITP.

2. Support of problem-solving skill development.

3. Provide instruction on how to understand, direct, interpret, manage and control feelings and emotional responses to situations.

4. Assist the adults in the consumer's life to address the therapeutic needs of the consumer.

5. Provide psychoeducational services related to mental health, including the development of improved decision-making skills to manage behavior.

6. Assist with the development of social skills and socially acceptable behaviors.

7. Provide instruction on stress reduction techniques.

8. Collect data on consumer behavior, attendance, disciplinary actions, etc.

9. Provide behavioral stabilization and interventions to support services provided by a clinician, behavior specialist or mobile therapist.

10. Provide feedback and behavioral data needed for developing or revising the ITP goals, objectives or interventions.

11. Ensure timely and proper delivery of services.

12. Collaborate with school personnel, families and outside agencies.

13. Provide services across settings in schools, homes and communities.

14. Make recommendations for discharge.

15. Meet service productivity expectations.

16. Complete all paperwork within specified time frames.

17. Maintain an understanding of agency policies and procedures.

18. Participate in and adhere to Individualized Training Plan.

19. Attend and participate in supervision in accordance to regulatory standards.

20. Adhere to WES’s Code of Ethics and comply with State Mental Health Code.

21. Attend trainings as required by WES.

22. Participate in continuous quality assurance/program development.

23. Comply with WES standards for service delivery.

24. Maintain consumer confidentiality.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

PREREQUISITES & QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION:

By January 1, 2021, individuals who provide individual services through BHT services shall meet one of the following:

1) Have a certification as a BCaBA.

2) Have a certification as an RBT.

3) Have a certification as a BCAT.

4) Have a behavior health certification or behavior analysis certification from an organization that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies or the American National Standards Institute.

5) Have a high school diploma or the equivalent of a high school diploma and have completed a 40-hour training covering the RBT Task List as evidenced by a certification that includes the name of the responsible trainer, who is certified as a BCBA or BCaBA.

6) Have a minimum of 2 years of experience in the provision of behavioral health services.