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Every day that a claim sits in accounts receivable (AR) represents delayed revenue, added administrative stress, and less financial stability. For behavioral health providers, these long AR cycles not only affect cash flow but also create ripple effects that can limit resources, staffing, and the ability to expand services. With nearly 60 million U.S. adults (or 23.9%) receiving mental health treatment each year, behavioral health providers are not in a position to step back.

September is one of the busiest months of the year for gambling. With football season kicking off, sportsbooks are flooded with bets, and fans everywhere are testing their luck. For behavioral health providers, submitting claims to insurance payers can feel eerily similar. Instead of placing chips on a roulette wheel, you’re sending claims into the system and waiting to see where they land—approved, denied, or stuck in limbo.

The frustration is real.

Out-of-network billing has always been a point of tension between behavioral health providers and insurance companies. Even when services are covered, providers often find themselves reimbursed at rates far below what is reasonable or sustainable. These reduced payments not only jeopardize the financial stability of practices but also make it harder to maintain consistent, high-quality care for clients who desperately need support.

If you run a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment center, you’ve probably wrestled with the in-network vs. out-of-network question more times than you’d like. It can feel a little like deciding between waiting in the “short” line at the DMV (which never really moves) or braving the longer line because at least you know what you’re getting. Either way, it’s complicated.

Every September, National Recovery Month reminds us of the importance of accessible, quality care for those working toward sobriety and mental wellness. For behavioral health professionals, it’s a time to celebrate progress while also recognizing the challenges that stand in the way of treatment. One of the most overlooked barriers isn’t clinical—it’s financial. Denied insurance claims can create a ripple effect that impacts patients and providers.