CBD and Autism: Evaluating the Evidence for Cannabidiol in Treating ASD Symptoms

As the conversation around alternative therapies continues to grow, one topic generating increased interest among behavioral health providers and parents alike is the use of CBD (cannabidiol) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Early studies and anecdotal reports suggest that CBD may help reduce certain behavioral symptoms in children with ASD — including anxiety, aggression, and sleep disturbances.

While the research is still emerging, many clinicians are receiving questions about CBD from curious families. And for those considering incorporating it into care plans or exploring referrals to CBD-based trials, understanding the clinical, legal, and billing implications is critical.

As a medical billing company that supports behavioral health and pediatric practices, we’re here to help you make sense of how innovations like CBD fit into a medically sound — and financially sustainable — treatment model.

The Growing Interest in CBD for Autism

CBD, the non-psychoactive component of cannabis, has been studied for its potential calming and anti-inflammatory effects. In the context of ASD, researchers are particularly interested in how CBD might affect:

• Emotional regulation

• Social engagement

• Aggressive behaviors

• Hyperactivity

• Sleep difficulties

• Sensory processing

A recent study out of Israel, for example, showed promising results in improving behavior and communication in children treated with CBD-enriched cannabis oil. In the U.S., clinical trials are expanding, but most use remains off-label and patient-directed.

What Medical Professionals Should Know

If your practice treats pediatric behavioral health or developmental conditions, you’ve likely fielded questions from families considering or already using CBD products. While you may not directly prescribe or recommend CBD, it’s important to:

• Stay informed about current research and state laws

• Be prepared to discuss risks, interactions, and limitations

• Understand how CBD use may impact other treatment plans or medications

• Document conversations and patient-reported outcomes

Billing Considerations: What’s Billable, What’s Not

CBD itself is not billable through insurance — but your professional services surrounding it can be, if documented appropriately.

Here are key billing insights:

1. Consultations About CBD

If you’re evaluating a patient’s current use of CBD, discussing safety, side effects, or how it might interact with their behavioral health care plan, you can often use standard E/M codes (e.g., 99213, 99214) or psychotherapy codes if counseling is involved.

Just be sure to document:

• Why the discussion was clinically necessary

• What was discussed (benefits, risks, alternatives)

• How it affects the current treatment plan

2. Treatment Planning

When CBD is part of the patient’s home regimen and you’re adapting the treatment plan accordingly — for example, modifying behavior therapy strategies or adjusting communication goals — this can be incorporated into your ongoing sessions and billed accordingly.

3. Multidisciplinary Collaboration

If you're coordinating care with other professionals (neurologists, integrative medicine providers, pediatricians) around CBD use, time spent on care coordination may be billable depending on payer policies — especially in integrated models or if you're participating in behavioral health integration (BHI).

4. Out-of-Pocket Considerations

Some families may seek evaluations or ongoing support around CBD use that falls outside of covered services. We recommend clear cash-pay policies, good faith estimates (when applicable), and documentation that separates medical services from product advice or retail sales.

Legal and Ethical Notes

Laws around CBD vary by state, especially when it comes to use in pediatric populations. Make sure you’re aware of:

• Your state’s medical cannabis regulations

• Legal age and parental consent requirements

• Whether your licensure permits you to advise, recommend, or prescribe CBD

Even if you're not recommending CBD, documenting patient-reported use and addressing it in care planning is both ethically and clinically appropriate.

Supporting Whole-Family Decision-Making

Whether or not CBD is part of your treatment philosophy, your role as a trusted provider means parents will turn to you for information and guidance. Your billing and documentation practices should reflect that — offering clear, compliant, and billable support for these increasingly common conversations.

We’re here to help you do just that.

Need help navigating billing for emerging therapies and alternative care discussions? Contact us today for expert support tailored to your behavioral health practice.