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Behavioral Health Utilization Management Jobs in Virginia

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Behavioral Health Utilization Management information

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$21

$41

$68

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

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health utilization management in Virginia is $41.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.12 and $48.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Utilization Management jobs in Virginia? For Behavioral Health Utilization Management jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Utilization Management jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Utilization Management jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Behavioral Health Utilization Management jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Behavioral Health Utilization Management job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Utilization Management job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,192 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Clinical Authorization Specialist (Utilization Review)

Hallmark Youthcare Richmond, Inc.

Henrico, VA โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

As a leading Residential Treatment Center in the Greater Richmond area, Hallmark Youthcare treats adolescents with emotional and behavioral challenges triggered by trauma. Treatment is provided in a warm and friendly environment by a group of well-trained, highly motivated staff that take pride in delivering quality care in a fast-paced environment.
We are seeking a detail-oriented Clinical Authorization Specialist (Utilization Review) to join our healthcare team. The ideal candidate will have experience in prior authorizations, insurance verification, utilization review, and medical necessity determinations. This role is responsible for ensuring that medical services are appropriately authorized, clinically supported, and compliant with payer guidelines before, during, and after patient care.
The Clinical Authorization Specialist serves as a liaison between healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients to facilitate timely approvals while minimizing denials and delays in care.
In addition, this role maintains communication with referral sources (CSA/FAPT/IACCT) to coordinate placement and reimbursement standards for transfers from emergency placements and document submission to Magellan for Medicaid consideration.
Key Responsibilities

  • Master's degree in health services field.
  • Review and process prior authorization requests for medical procedures, diagnostic testing, medications, therapies, and specialty services.
  • Evaluate clinical documentation to determine medical necessity using payer guidelines, evidence-based criteria, and insurance policies.
  • Perform prospective, concurrent, and retrospective utilization reviews.
  • Communicate with physicians, nurses, case managers, and insurance representatives to obtain required clinical documentation.
  • Submit authorization requests and monitor status through payer portals and electronic health record (EHR/EMR) systems.
  • Track authorization approvals, denials, appeals, and expiration dates to ensure continuity of care.
  • Identify incomplete or missing documentation and coordinate with providers to obtain necessary information.
  • Maintain accurate records of all authorization activities, communications, and determinations.
  • Stay current on payer policies, CMS regulations, and utilization management best practices.
  • Assist with appeals and peer-to-peer review coordination when necessary.
  • Meet productivity, turnaround time, quality, and compliance standards.
Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field preferred.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in prior authorization, utilization review, medical insurance, case management, including admissions.
  • Strong understanding of commercial insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and managed care plans.
  • Experience working with electronic medical records (EMR/EHR) and payer authorization portals.
  • Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Benefits:
Set schedule Monday- Friday 9 am- 5pm
Full benefit package available
Matching 401K
Time off accrued each payroll
Free employee meals