BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDER IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 27
4 min read

PROMOTING MENTAL WELL-BEING AND RESILIENCE THROUGH INTEGRATED CARE

Behavioral Health Services in New Hampshire provide therapeutic support and interventions for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, or behavioral issues. These services focus on improving emotional well-being, managing behavioral symptoms, and promoting community integration. Behavioral Health Services are authorized under New Hampshire Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Behavioral Health Services and manages provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (BEAS)

Role: Ensures quality standards, service delivery, and compliance for Behavioral Health Services under HCBS waiver programs.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight, ensuring Medicaid-funded Behavioral Health Services meet HCBS quality, person-centered planning, and participant protection standards.

2. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES OVERVIEW

Behavioral Health Services support individuals by addressing mental health concerns, managing behavioral challenges, and fostering skills for daily living.

Approved providers may deliver:

Individual and Group Therapy: Therapeutic sessions focusing on emotional regulation, coping strategies, and social skills.
Behavioral Intervention Planning: Developing personalized plans to address maladaptive behaviors.
Psychiatric Support: Assessment and management of mental health conditions by licensed practitioners.
Crisis Intervention: Immediate support during behavioral or mental health emergencies.
Skill Building: Teaching communication, problem-solving, and self-regulation techniques.
Family and Caregiver Support: Training and guidance on managing behavioral challenges at home.
Case Management: Coordinating care across mental health, healthcare, and community resources.
Peer Support Services: Utilizing trained peers to offer social and emotional support.

All services are delivered according to the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to address the participant’s mental health and behavioral needs.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business entity with the New Hampshire Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Behavioral Health provider via the New Hampshire Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal.
Obtain licensure from the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice if applicable.
Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.
Develop policies for behavioral assessment, crisis intervention, and therapeutic care.
Ensure licensed practitioners and direct care staff meet background checks, health screenings, and continuing education requirements.

4. NEW HAMPSHIRE PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the New Hampshire Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for Behavioral Health Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, professional licenses, insurance certificates, and policy manuals.

Program Readiness Review:

DHHS and BEAS evaluate provider readiness, including therapeutic protocols, crisis management plans, and staff qualifications.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Behavioral Health Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (New Hampshire Secretary of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Professional licenses (e.g., Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC))
Proof of general and professional liability insurance
Behavioral Health Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning protocols
- Crisis management, de-escalation techniques, and safety planning
- Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records
- Documentation standards for therapy tracking and Medicaid billing
- HIPAA compliance, patient rights, and grievance handling
- Safety protocols for therapeutic settings and patient interactions
- Quality assurance and compliance monitoring