Mental Health Counseling

The cost of mental health and substance abuse counseling and treatment plans is allowable. If Medicaid cannot be utilized to pay for the counseling and treatment, Employment First funds are authorized using the appropriate Medicaid rate. In-patient substance abuse treatment can be authorized with Central Office approval.

Counseling Approval Process

1. The counselor or psychologist submits an initial recommendation for therapy based on goals formulated by the customer and the service provider.
2. Based on the established goals, the professional estimates the number of sessions needed to reach those goals.
3. The worker authorizes the appropriate number of ongoing mental health counseling sessions.
4. The service provider submits monthly reports on the progress toward established goals.
5. Continued therapy is be based on the progress or lack of progress toward reaching the goals.

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