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Behavioral Health Coder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

mhchealth

Understands coding and billing procedures and service delivery needs of this program and works ... behavioral health agency staff. * Interacts effectively with staff, community members and other ...

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Behavioral Health Coder information

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$15

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$34

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 - Behavioral Health Consultant

Behavioral Health - Behavioral Health Consultant

MHC Healthcare

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$63K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Marana Health is seeking a Behavioral Health Consultant to join the Behavioral Health team at the Marana Main Health Center, located in the heart of Marana, AZ.
The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) collaborates with the medical team to address behavioral health (BH) needs of patients identified by the Primary Care Physician (PCP) during visits. The BHC provides brief, targeted interventions rather than ongoing therapy, aiming to achieve appropriate health-related outcomes for medical patients.
Marana Health is a Federally Qualified Community Health Center (FQHC), with 11 sites in Tucson and Pima County. Our mission is to improve our community by providing exceptional, whole-person healthcare.
The following qualifications are required:
  • Master's degree in social services, counseling, or related field
  • Licensed as an independent practitioner with AZ Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or Psychologist)
  • 3 years' professional experience conducting individual, group and/or family therapy or special focus groups
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Professionals certification
  • Fingerprint Clearance Card through the Arizona Department of Public Safety
  • Current Arizona driver's license with clean driving record and proof of current vehicle insurance (39-month MVR will be run by MH)

The following qualifications are preferred:
  • Experience working in a primary care/medical environment
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered if applicable and must be directly related to the functions and body of knowledge required to successfully perform the job.
This position has the following supervisory responsibilities:
Does not direct or supervise others.
The ideal candidate will also possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • Knowledge of business and operations aspects in the community health field.
  • Knowledge of State and Regional Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) requirements.
  • Thorough knowledge of current versions of DSM and ICD.
  • Excellent customer service, organizational, and communication skills with emphasis on responsiveness, building trust, mutual respect, and courtesy.
  • Demonstrates cultural competence and commitment to supporting and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through work performance and professional interactions.
  • Computer proficient with Microsoft Office applications.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Works with other members of the medical team to provide educational groups, such as motivational interviewing, to assist with patient compliance regarding such disorders as diabetes and obesity.
  • Regularly provides brief follow-up services to those patients needing additional consult to achieve positive health outcomes.
  • Patient assessment, treatment and aftercare planning are included in all clinical positions.
  • Ensures the growth of the Integration Program by working closely with all medical providers to maintain the integrity of the program as well as ensuring financial success by involvement in the business operations of the program.
  • Works collaboratively with medical personnel to maintain on-going communication, availability and productivity as well as attending to programming needs.
  • Works with medical and behavioral health teams to ensure the appropriate placement of patients.
  • Conducts assessments with patients as requested by PCP, completing all documentation, referral and other indicated paperwork in a timely and thorough manner.
  • As a consultant and member of the medical team, provides individual, family and group services to patients, regardless of handicapping condition, utilizing a 'brief, solution focused' model of delivery within the primary care setting, Medical Model of care and within the scope of the medical diagnosis.
  • Completes timely and accurate charting (within 24 hours) on all patient contacts utilizing EMR as appropriate.
  • Understands coding and billing procedures and service delivery needs of this program and works closely with the central business office to ensure profitability.
  • Works effectively with all clients and families, providing quality and timely assessments, service planning and aftercare planning within a 'primary care' model.
  • Provides patients with appropriate referrals to other community agencies or specialized services as needed or requested.
  • When providing direct care, maintains an appropriate number of direct service hours, ensuring that all identified clients referred by their PCP are seen, assessed, and served.
  • Responsible for assisting appropriate patients with self-management and providing patients with emotional/behavioral management of chronic illness.
  • Provides supervision to nonlicensed staff including intern/externs, as appropriate or requested, documenting all supervision provided.
  • Follows professional and ethical practices when working with patients, patient records, families and community personnel.
  • Maintains confidentiality of patient/family information.
  • Works effectively with all patients and families to promote trust while providing excellent customer service within a 'medical/consultant" model of care.
  • Acts as a willing and efficient liaison within Integrative Services and other medical and/or behavioral health agency staff.
  • Interacts effectively with staff, community members and other agency personnel to promote trust, productivity and growth.
  • Works collaboratively with all MH staff members to create a productive, working team.
  • Utilizes appropriate channels for reporting/discussing/solving problems or concerns.
  • Observes applicable state and federal laws. Assumes responsibility for knowledge of laws and requests clarification, if necessary.
  • Maintains general BH and medical standards and keeps abreast of BH and medical trends by reading and attending in-services and workshops as appropriate.
  • Has a thorough knowledge of all Marana Health policies and procedures and uses accordingly.
  • Uses appropriate incident reporting procedures when documenting unsafe or problematic incidents involving patients, clients and/or staff.
  • Completes Incident Report accurately and follows procedures completely.

Benefits:
Marana Health's vision is to be the premier provider and employer in community health. To support our mission and vision in our community, Marana Health believes health and well-being must start at home. Therefore, employees have many opportunities to care for our own health and wellness with benefits such as:
Medical, Dental, and Vision
403(b) with employer contribution
Short-term disability and other benefits
Paid time off including 11 holidays plus vacation and sick leave accrual
Paid bereavement, jury duty, and community service time
Education reimbursement ($3,000 per year for full-time)
Marana Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, including those with disabilities and pregnancy-related conditions. If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or to participate in the interview process under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), please contact our Human Resources Department at 520-682-4111.
Marana Health will recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition, all personnel actions such as compensation, promotion, demotion, benefits, transfers, staff reductions, terminations, reinstatement and rehire, company-sponsored training, education and tuition assistance, and social and recreational programs will be administered in accordance with the principles of equal employment opportunity.

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