The landscape of behavioral health and substance use treatment is changing rapidly, and so are the billing requirements that support it. Providers are facing a growing number of regulatory changes, coding updates, and documentation requirements. Staying on top of these developments is essential, not just for compliance, but also for securing timely reimbursements and delivering uninterrupted care.

Integrity Billing understands the important connection between clinical excellence and operational efficiency. As a trusted billing company for behavioral health facilities, we stay on top of the latest trends and regulatory updates that shape this industry. Today we share with you some of the latest developments that are shaping behavioral health billing, ensuring your organization stays informed and ahead of the curve.

Expanded CPT and ICD-10 Codes

The American Medical Association (AMA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have introduced significant updates to the CPT and ICD-10 codes for 2025. There are new and refined psychotherapy codes like 90834 (45 minutes) and 90837 (60 minutes), demanding more precise session documentation and approach descriptions.

There are also new digital health codes such as 989X1 (digital behavioral health interventions, initial setup) and 989X2 for (monthly monitoring for digital interventions). This reflects a growing use of digital mental health tools. There is even a new code (90868) for ultra-brief therapy sessions lasting 15 minutes and a new code (G0560) for 20-minute intervals for crisis planning (e.g., suicidal ideation, overdose risk), filling previous billing gaps.

Telehealth Expansion

Telehealth has transformed behavioral health care, surging during the pandemic and maintaining its rank ever since. In the fourth quarter of 2022, nearly two-thirds of all telehealth visits were for behavioral health reasons. Even Medicare now covers almost all behavioral health care through telehealth so that patients can receive care in their homes.

There are two major effects that are happening in telehealth billing. The first is that providers can see more homebound or rural patients and bill the same rates as office visits. Medicare now reimburses for teletherapy (CPT 90834-90838) and psychiatry services under the same rules as in-person care, but without the previous geographic restrictions. Second, physicians must use the correct telehealth codes and document where and if consent was received.

Collaborative Care Models

Collaborative care is receiving renewed emphasis in 2025, with a stronger push toward truly integrated treatment between behavioral health professionals and primary care providers. Updated collaborative care codes, such as 99484 and 99492–99494, now reflect a broader, more inclusive range of care team members.

At the same time, Measurement-Based Care (MBC) is gaining traction as a standard of best practice. By leveraging patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), real-time digital dashboards, and even AI-driven analytics, providers can track clinical progress more accurately and make data-informed treatment decisions that align with value-based care goals.

Mental Health Parity Rule on Pause

The enforcement of the Mental Health Parity rule is currently on hold under the present administration. Originally introduced to strengthen the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), the rule was designed to ensure that private insurers offer equitable coverage for mental health and substance use services, comparable to physical health benefits.

Now, however, the regulation is under reconsideration, raising the possibility of significant modifications or even rescission. As the policy landscape continues to shift, providers will need to monitor developments closely to stay compliant and protect patient access to critical behavioral health care.

HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 Modernization

2025 brings long-anticipated updates to 42 CFR Part 2, the federal regulation that governs the confidentiality of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment records. These changes are designed to better align with HIPAA, streamline care coordination, and reduce administrative burdens for both providers and billing teams.

Under the revised rule, patients can now provide a single, broad consent for the disclosure of their SUD treatment records to covered entities and business associates for purposes of treatment, payment, and healthcare operations. This is a significant departure from the previous requirement of obtaining consent for each individual disclosure, which often created barriers to timely care and billing.

Stay Ahead of the Curve with Integrity Billing

Behavioral health billing in 2025 is being reshaped with new codes, streamlined privacy rules, and value-driven care models. At Integrity Billing, we not only help you navigate changing regulations and documentation demands but also stay ahead of the curve. Our end-to-end expertise ensures you capture every billing opportunity while staying in compliance. Contact us today to learn more about our billing services and the advantages of partnering with our team.