BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDER IN NORTH DAKOTA

SUPPORTING MENTAL WELL-BEING THROUGH THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS AND PERSONALIZED CARE

Behavioral Health Services in North Dakota assist individuals with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, or behavioral difficulties by offering therapeutic interventions, counseling, and support. These services are designed to promote emotional well-being, improve coping skills, and enhance quality of life. Behavioral Health Services are authorized under North Dakota Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: North Dakota Department of Human Services (NDDHS)

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

Agency: North Dakota Behavioral Health Division

Role: Provides guidance on mental health and substance use treatment practices.

Agency: North Dakota Medical Services Division (MSD)

Role: Manages Medicaid waiver services and oversees Medicaid provider participation.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure Medicaid-funded Behavioral Health Services meet quality, safety, and person-centered care standards.

2. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES OVERVIEW

Behavioral Health Services focus on providing comprehensive support to individuals facing mental health challenges, addiction issues, or behavioral difficulties.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Individual Therapy: One-on-one counseling to address emotional and behavioral challenges.

• Group Therapy: Facilitated sessions that encourage peer support and coping skill development.

• Family Counseling: Supporting family dynamics and improving communication.

• Substance Use Treatment: Counseling, relapse prevention, and recovery planning.

• Crisis Intervention: Immediate support during emotional or behavioral crises.

• Case Management: Coordinating services, resources, and support networks.

• Behavioral Modification Plans: Tailoring interventions to reduce maladaptive behaviors.

• Psychiatric Assessment: Evaluating mental health needs and developing treatment plans.

• Medication Management: Monitoring the effectiveness and adherence to prescribed medications.

• Community Support: Assisting with social integration, life skills, and community engagement.

• Documentation: Maintaining accurate records of therapy sessions, progress, and client outcomes.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register the business entity with the North Dakota Secretary of State.

• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).

• Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Behavioral Health provider via the North Dakota Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS).

• Obtain licensure as a Behavioral Health Agency from the North Dakota Department of Health.

• Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.

• Develop policies for therapeutic care, crisis management, and client safety.

• Ensure staff complete required background checks, health screenings, and licensure verifications.

4. NORTH DAKOTA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Complete the Provider Enrollment Application via the North Dakota MMIS for Behavioral Health Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, behavioral health policies, and staff licensure documentation.

Program Readiness Review:

• NDDHS and the Behavioral Health Division evaluate provider readiness, including clinical protocols, safety measures, 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 (North Dakota Secretary of State)

• IRS EIN confirmation

• NPI confirmation

• Proof of general and professional liability insurance

• Behavioral Health Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Clinical care protocols and crisis management guidelines

  • Treatment planning and client safety procedures

  • Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records

  • Documentation standards for care tracking and Medicaid billing

  • HIPAA compliance, patient rights, and grievance handling

  • Infection control, safety, and hygiene practices

  • Emergency response and crisis management protocols

  • Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Behavioral Health Program Director

Requirements: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); Master’s or Doctorate in mental health or psychology; experience in clinical supervision.

Role: Behavioral Health Therapists

Requirements: Licensed Mental Health Professional (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT); experience in therapy and counseling.

Role: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs)Requirements: State licensure; experience in mental health assessment and medication management.

Role: Case Managers

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in social work or human services; experience in care coordination and community support.

All staff must complete:

• Training in therapeutic interventions, crisis response, and client safety

• HIPAA compliance and participant rights education

• Annual competency evaluations and ongoing professional development

• Safety, infection control, and emergency response training

• Documentation and record-keeping best practices

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Behavioral Health Services are available under the following North Dakota Medicaid Waivers:

• Aged and Disabled Waiver

• Technology Dependent Waiver

• Developmental Disabilities Waiver

• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Compliance Preparation

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Program Development

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: North Dakota Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Behavioral Health Service Launch

Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

North Dakota Department of Human Services (NDDHS)

Website: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/

North Dakota Behavioral Health Division

Website: https://www.behavioralhealth.nd.gov/

North Dakota Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS)

Website: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/medicalserv/medicaid/

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov/

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — NORTH DAKOTA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG supports agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Behavioral Health Services in North Dakota, offering:

Scope of Work:

• Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing assistance

• Policy manual development for clinical care and crisis management

• Staff credentialing, training program templates, and compliance documentation

• Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management

• Branding, website development, and client outreach strategies

• Quality assurance systems for behavioral care and compliance monitoring

• Collaboration with healthcare providers, community organizations, and behavioral health networks

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.