BEHAVIORAL SERVICES PROVIDER IN CONNECTICUT

SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS WITH CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS THROUGH EVIDENCE-BASED INTERVENTIONS THAT PROMOTE STABILITY, INDEPENDENCE, AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Behavioral Services in Connecticut focus on assessing, managing, and reducing behaviors that interfere with learning, social participation, or independent living. These services are funded through Connecticut Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, including the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Waivers, and are aligned with individualized goals in the Individual Plan (IP).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Role: Oversees behavioral services for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities under DDS HCBS Waivers

Agency: Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)

Role: Administers Medicaid and waiver funding, monitors provider reimbursement, and enforces HCBS compliance

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure behavioral services under Medicaid meet clinical and person-centered standards

2. BEHAVIORAL SERVICE OVERVIEW

Behavioral Services address behaviors that place individuals or others at risk or interfere with participation in daily activities. Services may include assessment, planning, staff and caregiver training, and ongoing support based on a Behavior Support Plan (BSP).

Approved providers may deliver:

• Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs)

• Behavior Support Plan (BSP) development and implementation

• Crisis intervention strategies and safety planning

• Skill replacement strategies and positive behavior supports

• Caregiver and staff training on behavior management

• Monitoring and revision of intervention plans

• Documentation of behavioral data and progress

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Connecticut Secretary of the State

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

• Apply as a Qualified Provider with DDS for Behavioral Services

• Employ licensed and credentialed professionals (e.g., Board Certified Behavior Analysts - BCBA, Licensed Clinical Social Workers - LCSW, Psychologists)

• Carry liability insurance and ensure documentation aligns with HIPAA and HCBS standards

• For intensive services, demonstrate clinical oversight and behavior data systems

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Apply to DDS as a Qualified Behavioral Services Provider

• Submit resumes, licenses, program descriptions, and behavior support protocols

Step 2: Complete Provider Review and Approval

• Participate in DDS service orientation and provider onboarding

Step 3: Receive Service Authorizations

• Begin service delivery upon referral and inclusion in the participant’s Individual Plan (IP)

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or proof of business registration

• IRS EIN Letter

• NPI confirmation

• DDS Qualified Provider Approval

• Licensure and certification for all behavioral clinicians

• Policy & procedure manual including:

  • FBA and BSP development templates

  • Data tracking forms and graphing sheets

  • Emergency intervention protocols

  • Client rights, consent forms, and confidentiality policies

  • Clinical supervision logs and peer review processes

  • Documentation of staff and caregiver training sessions

  • Incident reporting procedures and behavioral outcomes reviews

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Behavior Clinician (e.g., BCBA, LCSW, Psychologist)

Requirements:

• Active Connecticut license or certification

• Experience in intellectual/developmental disabilities and behavioral analysis

• CPR/First Aid certification (recommended)

Role: Behavioral Technician / Support Staff

Requirements:

• High school diploma or higher

• Trained and supervised by licensed clinician

• Background check, TB clearance, and incident documentation training

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• Positive behavior supports and person-centered planning

• Functional assessment methodology and BSP implementation

• HIPAA, abuse prevention, and emergency response

• Annual CEUs or in-service training updates

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Behavioral Services are reimbursed under:

• DDS Individual and Family Support (IFS) Waiver

• DDS Comprehensive Waiver

• ABI Waivers (if behavior is linked to acquired injury)

• Medicaid State Plan Services (for outpatient therapy)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Behavior assessments and ongoing service monitoring

• BSP implementation and revision

• Crisis support (non-restrictive interventions only)

• Staff/family training and data-driven evaluations

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: DDS Behavioral Provider Application

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Staff Credentialing and Clinical Supervision Setup

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Service Referrals and Implementation

Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Email: ddsct.co@ct.gov

Website: https://portal.ct.gov/dds

Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)

Email: dss.ctmedical@ct.gov

Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DSS

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — CONNECTICUT BEHAVIORAL SERVICES PROVIDER

We help clinicians and agencies launch compliant, person-centered Behavioral Services under Connecticut’s Medicaid and DDS waiver programs.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Scope of Work:

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)

• DDS Behavioral Provider application and approval support

• Policy & procedure manual for FBA, BSP, and documentation standards

• Templates for behavior logs, training forms, and data tracking tools

• Website, domain, and email setup

• Staff credentialing trackers and supervision documentation

• Client intake packet, consent forms, and behavior support protocols

• Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools

• Referral networking with case managers, schools, and behavioral health teams

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.