BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDER IN ARKANSAS
- Fatumata Kaba
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDER IN ARKANSASSUPPORTING MENTAL WELLNESS AND POSITIVE BEHAVIOR THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED, PERSON-CENTERED INTERVENTIONS
Behavioral Health Services in Arkansas helps individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, or co-occurring behavioral challenges manage their emotional and behavioral well-being. Services are delivered under Arkansas Medicaid, including the Community and Employment Supports (CES) Waiver, and focus on promoting independence, safety, and inclusion through therapeutic and behavioral support.
1. GOVERNING AGENCIES
Agency: Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) – Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS)
Role: Approves and monitors CES Waiver providers delivering behavioral health and support services
Agency: Arkansas Department of Human Services – Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services (DAABHS)
Role: Regulates mental health facilities and providers delivering outpatient behavioral health services
Agency: Arkansas Medicaid / Division of Medical Services (DMS)
Role: Handles Medicaid enrollment and payment for behavioral health services
Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Ensures services meet federal Medicaid and HCBS waiver guidelines
2. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICE OVERVIEW
Behavioral Health Services under the CES Waiver support individuals in developing skills to manage their emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Services are customized to meet the goals outlined in each individual’s person-centered plan and may include therapy, coaching, and positive behavior interventions.
Approved providers may deliver:
Functional behavior assessments (FBAs)
Behavior support planning and implementation
Individual and group therapy (if licensed)
Crisis intervention and safety planning
Caregiver training in behavior strategies
Monitoring and documentation of progress and behavior outcomes
3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites:
Register your business with the Arkansas Secretary of State
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Apply through the DDS CES Waiver Provider Application
Complete Medicaid provider enrollment
If providing therapy, obtain licensure from the Arkansas Psychology Board, Social Work Licensing Board, or Counseling Board
Hire qualified behavior analysts, therapists, or mental health professionals
Maintain general and professional liability insurance
4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Step 1: Medicaid Enrollment
Apply via the Arkansas Medicaid Provider Portal
Choose appropriate provider type (e.g., Behavioral Health Services, CES Waiver Provider)
Submit license, W-9, EFT info, and required documentation
Step 2: DDS CES Waiver Provider Application
Submit sample behavior plans, training outlines, and crisis protocols
Include staff licensure or credentials and documentation policies
Step 3: Approval and Service Coordination
Begin receiving referrals from DDS support coordinators once approved
Coordinate with families, schools, and interdisciplinary teams as needed
5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Licensure or credentialing (e.g., BCBA, LPC, LCSW, Psychologist)
Medicaid and CES Waiver provider approval
Policy & procedure manual including:
Behavior assessment tools and planning templates
Behavior support implementation and training guides
Client rights, consent forms, and privacy policies
Crisis prevention and de-escalation protocols
Daily documentation, incident reports, and session notes
Staff supervision, CEUs, and credential tracking
Billing documentation and service tracking logs
6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
Role: Behavior Analyst / Clinical Supervisor
Requirements: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Licensed Psychologist, LCSW, LPC, or LMFT with experience in developmental disability services
Role: Behavior Technician / Direct Support Staff
Requirements:
High school diploma or GED
Completion of behavior support training
CPR/First Aid and crisis management training
Background check and registry clearance
Training Requirements for All Staff:
Positive behavior support techniques
Person-centered planning and communication strategies
Documentation, HIPAA, and ethics
Annual safety and emergency response updates
7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES
Behavioral Health Services are available under:
Community and Employment Supports (CES) Waiver
Regular Medicaid Behavioral Health Programs
Children’s Behavioral Health and Early Intervention Programs
Approved providers may deliver:
Behavior intervention and caregiver support
Skills training in emotion regulation and social interaction
Community-based or in-home behavior support
Crisis response and therapeutic coaching
Therapy services (if licensed and authorized)
8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH
Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 1–2 weeks
Phase: Medicaid Enrollment & CES Waiver Provider Application
Timeline: 45–90 days
Phase: Licensing (if applicable)Timeline: 30–60 days
Phase: Staff Hiring and Credentialing
Timeline: 30–45 days
9. CONTACT INFORMATION
Arkansas Department of Human Services – Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS)
Phone: (501) 683-5687
Arkansas Department of Human Services – Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services
Phone: (501) 686-9164
Arkansas Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
Website: https://portal.mmis.arkansas.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — ARKANSAS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDER
We help mental health professionals and support organizations launch Medicaid-compliant Behavioral Health Services under Arkansas’s CES Waiver and outpatient behavioral health system.
Scope of Work:
Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)
CES Waiver and Medicaid provider enrollment support
Policy & procedure manual for behavior plans, therapy, and documentation
Templates for assessments, service logs, and crisis protocols
Website, domain, and email setup
Staff credentialing trackers and supervision logs
Client intake packet, consent forms, and behavior plans
Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools
Referral networking with DDS, school districts, and families
Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.
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