1

Behavioral Health Utilization Management Jobs in Texas

Showing results 41-60

Behavioral Health Utilization Management information

See Texas salary details

$19

$39

$64

How much do behavioral health utilization management jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health utilization management in Texas is $39.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.15 and $45.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is behavioral health utilization management?

Behavioral Health Utilization Management is a process used by insurance companies and healthcare organizations to evaluate the necessity, appropriateness, and efficiency of behavioral health services such as mental health and substance use treatments. This process helps ensure that patients receive the right level of care based on clinical guidelines while managing healthcare costs. Utilization managers review treatment plans, authorize services, and coordinate with providers to promote quality outcomes and avoid unnecessary services. Their work is essential in balancing patient needs with resource allocation in the healthcare system.

What skills and qualifications are needed for behavioral health utilization management?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Utilization Management professional, you need a background in behavioral health or clinical care, often with an RN, LCSW, LPC, or similar licensure and experience in mental health care settings. Familiarity with utilization review software, insurance guidelines, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and negotiation skills are essential soft skills to effectively evaluate treatment plans and coordinate with providers. These competencies are vital to ensuring appropriate, cost-effective care while maintaining compliance with regulatory and payer requirements.

What are common challenges in behavioral health utilization management and how are they addressed?

Behavioral Health Utilization Management professionals often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads, keeping up with evolving clinical guidelines, and ensuring timely communication with providers and insurance companies. Balancing the need for cost containment with advocating for appropriate patient care can also be demanding. These challenges are typically addressed through ongoing training, strong teamwork, and the use of evidence-based criteria and decision-support tools to guide determinations and streamline workflows.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health Utilization Management vs Behavioral Health Case Manager?

AspectBehavioral Health Utilization ManagementBehavioral Health Case Manager
CredentialsLicenses (e.g., RN, LCSW), certifications in utilization reviewLicenses (e.g., LCSW, LPC), case management certifications
Work EnvironmentInsurance companies, healthcare organizations, utilization review departmentsHospitals, community clinics, outpatient facilities
Employer & Industry UsageHealth insurance providers, managed care organizationsBehavioral health agencies, hospitals, outpatient clinics

Behavioral Health Utilization Management focuses on reviewing and authorizing mental health services to ensure appropriate care and cost management. In contrast, Behavioral Health Case Managers coordinate ongoing patient care, providing support and resources to improve treatment outcomes. Both roles require relevant licenses and certifications but differ in their primary responsibilities and work settings.

What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Utilization Management jobs in Texas?

For Behavioral Health Utilization Management jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Utilization Management jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Utilization Management jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Behavioral Health Utilization Management jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Behavioral Health Utilization Management job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Utilization Management job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,936 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Utilization Review Specialist, Behavioral Health

Memorial Physician Practices

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Complete pre and re-certifications for inpatient and outpatient services.

  • Report denial and authorization information to designated resources and communicate with payers and physicians.

  • Interface with interdisciplinary teams, managed care organizations, and external reviews to ensure coverage and documentation requirements are met.


Job description

Your experience matters

Mesa Springs is part of Lifepoint Health, a diversified healthcare delivery network with facilities coast to coast. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being so you can provide exceptional care to others. As a Utilization Review Specialist joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier. Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.

How you'll contribute

An Utilization Review Specialistwho excels in this role:

  • Displays knowledge of clinical criteria, managed care requirements for inpatient and outpatient authorization and advocates on behalf of the patient to secure coverage for needed services
  • Completes pre and re-certifications for inpatient and outpatient services.
  • Reports appropriate denial, and authorization information to designated resource.
  • Actively communicates with interdisciplinary team to acquire pertinent information and give updates on authorizations.
  • Participate in treatment teams to ensure staff have knowledge of coverage and to collect information for communication with agencies.
  • Works with DON to ensure documentation requirements are met.
  • Ensure appeals are completed thoroughly and on a timely basis.
  • Interface with managed care organizations, external reviews, and other payers.
  • Communicate with physicians to schedule peer to peer reviews.
  • Accurately report denials.
Why join us

We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers:

  • Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage, tailored benefit options for part-time and PRN employees, and more.
  • Financial Protection & PTO: Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.
  • Financial & Career Growth: Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.
  • Employee Well-being: Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).
  • Professional Development: Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.
What we're looking for

Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree (required), Master's degree preferred.

Additional requirements include:

  • Current unencumbered clinical license strongly preferred
  • CPR and CPI Certification within 30 day of employment
  • Previous utilization review experience in a psychiatric healthcare facility preferred.
More about Mesa Springs

Mesa Springs is a behavioral health hospital offering exceptional care to the Fort Worth, TX community.

EEOC Statement

"Mesa Springs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Mesa Springs is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment."

Lifepoint Health is a leader in community-based care and driven by a mission of Making Communities Healthier. Our diversified healthcare delivery network spans 29 states and includes 63 community hospital campuses, 32 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and more than 170 additional sites of care across the healthcare continuum, such as acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers and post-acute care facilities. We believe that success is achieved through talented people. We want to create places where employees want to work, with opportunities to pursue meaningful and satisfying careers that truly make a difference in communities across the country.

#J-18808-Ljbffr