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Behavioral Health Coder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Behavioral Health Clinician

Dorchester, MA ยท On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

... coding as needed. โ€ข Perform other duties as required by the position or as assigned by the BH ... behavioral health integration within the primary care setting. โ€ข Must have demonstrated ...

Behavioral Health Technician

Lynchburg, VA ยท On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

... codes; use of CPI techniques and Life Coaching skills. * Demonstrates effective on-going ... About Us Centra Behavioral Health Hospital is a 72-bed behavioral health hospital committed to ...

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Statement of Purpose The Behavioral Health Technician fulfills the assigned role as a part of the ... Be Professional : Wear business casual attire (please see dress code policy). Technician ...

Behavioral Health Technician

White Hall, AR ยท On-site

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

As a Behavioral Health Technician joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to ... to codes; use of CPI techniques and Life Coaching skills. Demonstrates effective on-going ...

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Behavioral Health Coder information

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$15

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How much do behavioral health coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 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.

Will a medical coder be replaced by AI?

Behavioral health coders, like other medical coders, perform tasks that involve interpreting clinical documentation and applying coding standards. While AI tools can assist with coding accuracy and efficiency, human oversight remains essential for complex cases and ensuring compliance, so complete replacement is unlikely in the near term.

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 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.

Is behavioral health coding hard?

Behavioral health coding involves translating clinical documentation into standardized codes for mental health services, which requires understanding coding guidelines and mental health terminology. It can be challenging initially due to the need for accuracy and attention to detail, but with training and experience, coders typically become proficient. Familiarity with coding software and ongoing education are important for success in this role.

What skills do you need to be a BHT?

Behavioral Health Technicians (BHTs) need strong communication and interpersonal skills to support clients effectively. They should have knowledge of mental health conditions, be able to follow treatment plans, and often require certification or training in CPR and first aid. Attention to detail, patience, and the ability to work in a team are also important for success in this role.

What pays more, CCS or CPC?

For a Behavioral Health Coder, 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 coders, usually employed in hospital or inpatient environments, may have slightly lower salaries but often require specialized knowledge of inpatient coding. Salary differences can vary based on experience, location, and employer, but generally CPC certification is associated with higher compensation in outpatient coding roles.
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What states have the most Behavioral Health Coder jobs? States with the most job openings for Behavioral Health Coder jobs include:
Behavioral Health Clinician

Behavioral Health Clinician

DotHouse Health

Dorchester, MA โ€ข On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Description:

SUMMARY:

The Behavioral Health Clinician is based primarily in the Behavioral Health (BH) Department and shall have primary responsibility for completing behavioral health services under the general direction of the Director of Behavioral Health Services, in accordance with policies, procedures, and protocols established by DotHouse Health. The Clinician develops an ongoing caseload, starting with a comprehensive diagnostic mental health assessment and then establishing a treatment plan for ongoing care. The clinician is required to follow all other appropriate standards of practice, licensing, and certificates, along with other regulatory agency requirements.

GENERAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical:

โ€ข Screen and assess at-risk patients for various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, substance use, intimate partner violence, suicide risk, and trauma symptoms during the primary care visit.

โ€ข Provide diagnostic assessments, interventions, education, referrals, and consultations.

โ€ข Perform short and long-term outpatient therapy.

โ€ข Prepare appropriate transfer, discharge plans and assist clients in a therapeutic transition from services.

โ€ข Use tests, measurements, and measurement scales (PHQ2/PHQ9, GAD) for general and specific assessments.

โ€ข Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes primary care providers, case managers, and other administrative staff.

Administrative:

โ€ข Attend bi-weekly Team Meetings.

โ€ข Attend regular supervision.

โ€ข Maintain and complete in a timely manner all appropriate clinical paperwork and documentation in compliance with the Behavioral Health department policy and procedures, including use of the EHR and use of DSM-5 coding as needed.

โ€ข Perform other duties as required by the position or as assigned by the BH Director. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all the activities, duties, and/or responsibilities that are required of this position. Duties and responsibilities are subject to change due to the organizationโ€™s needs at any time with or without previous notice.

Requirements:

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

Education: Masterโ€™s Degree in Social and/or Human Services from an accredited school of social work


Location: Must be located in the state of Massachusetts


Experience:

โ€ข Minimum of two (2) yearsโ€™ experience in a community health, substance abuse, social work, or clinical setting.

โ€ข Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary staff and providers at external agencies.

โ€ข Professional, positive attitude, vision, and understanding of behavioral health integration within the primary care setting.

โ€ข Must have demonstrated sensitivity to the healthcare needs of underserved and vulnerable populations.

โ€ข Must be a team player who welcomes working across disciplines and departments.

โ€ข Strong interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills.

โ€ข Can be flexible in approaches.

โ€ข Familiarity with multicultural groups, previous work experience in a multicultural setting and willingness to remain current in field of focus is preferred.


Certification/Licensure: Massachusetts Licensure (LICSW, LCSW or LMHC) required.


Software/Hardware: Basic computer knowledge. Experience with an electronic medical records system.