BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER IN MICHIGAN

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 26
4 min read

PROVIDING STRUCTURED INTERVENTIONS AND STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE INDIVIDUAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES

Behavioral Support Services in Michigan aim to help individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, or behavioral challenges develop positive coping strategies, reduce maladaptive behaviors, and enhance social skills. These services are funded through Michigan Medicaid, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, and Community Mental Health (CMH) Programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

Role: Regulates Medicaid-funded behavioral support services through HCBS waivers and CMH programs

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight for waiver-funded behavioral interventions

Agency: Community Mental Health (CMH) Authorities

Role: Coordinate and oversee behavioral support services for individuals with mental health needs

Agency: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

Role: Licenses behavioral health providers and enforces compliance with state regulations

2. BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SERVICE OVERVIEW

Behavioral Support Services involve structured interventions provided by trained professionals to address problematic behaviors, teach new skills, and support emotional well-being.

Core Services Include:

Behavioral Assessment and Functional Analysis: Identify triggers, functions, and patterns of challenging behaviors
Behavioral Support Planning: Develop individualized strategies to reduce negative behaviors and promote positive alternatives
Therapeutic Interventions: Implement strategies based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or other evidence-based practices
Crisis Intervention and De-escalation: Train caregivers and staff on how to manage behavioral crises safely
Skill-Building Activities: Teach coping strategies, communication skills, and self-regulation techniques
Caregiver Training: Equip families and direct support staff with practical techniques and behavior management tools

Services must be outlined in an Individual Support Plan (ISP) or Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) and tailored to each person’s unique needs.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
Obtain IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI
Obtain a Behavioral Health Services License (if applicable)
Secure general liability and professional malpractice insurance
Hire or contract licensed mental health professionals (e.g., BCBA, LPC, LCSW)
Develop a Behavioral Support Policy & Procedure Manual
Ensure HIPAA-compliant data management and client confidentiality

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Apply for Behavioral Health Licensure

Submit your application through the LARA Licensing Portal:

https://www.michigan.gov/lara

Step 2: Enroll with Michigan Medicaid

Complete the process via the CHAMPS system:

https://milogintp.michigan.gov/

Step 3: Credentialing with CMH Authorities

Work with local CMHs to become an approved behavioral support provider

Step 4: Contract and Collaborate with Waiver Programs

Coordinate with MDHHS and CMH programs for referrals and service authorization

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or DBA registration
IRS EIN and NPI confirmations
Proof of liability and professional insurance
Behavioral Support Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Assessment and intervention planning templates
- Behavior tracking logs and progress monitoring forms
- Incident reporting and crisis management protocols
- Client consent and confidentiality agreements
- Staff training logs and credential verification
- Billing logs and audit-ready documentation

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Requirements: Master’s degree in ABA or related field; BCBA certification; experience in behavior modification

Role: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Requirements: State licensure and experience in mental health interventions

Role: Behavioral Technician / Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; experience with ABA or behavioral support; background checks required

Role: Program Supervisor / Behavioral Specialist

Requirements: Experience managing behavioral interventions and staff supervision

Mandatory Training Topics:

Crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and positive behavior supports
Trauma-informed care and mental health awareness
Abuse, neglect, and mandatory reporting
HIPAA and client confidentiality
Person-centered planning and documentation practices

7. MEDICAID & HCBS WAIVER PROGRAMS COVERING BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT

Behavioral support services are reimbursable under:

Habilitation Supports Waiver (HSW) (for individuals with developmental disabilities)
MI Choice Waiver Program (for elderly and adults with physical disabilities)
Children’s Waiver Program (CWP) (for children with severe disabilities)
Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) Waiver (for youth with significant mental health needs)
Community Mental Health (CMH) Services Program (for behavioral health support)

Services must be:

Medically necessary and included in the ISP/BIP
Delivered by credentialed professionals
Billed according to Medicaid and waiver-specific guidelines

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration and Insurance Setup

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: LARA Licensing and Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Staff Hiring and Credential Verification

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Program Launch and Client Onboarding

Timeline: Ongoing based on referrals and service authorizations

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Michigan Medicaid Provider Enrollment (CHAMPS)

https://milogintp.michigan.gov/

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

https://www.michigan.gov/lara

Community Mental Health (CMH) Services Locator

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MICHIGAN BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT PROVIDER

WCG supports behavioral health agencies, mental health professionals, and community organizations in launching licensed, Medicaid-approved behavioral support services across Michigan.

Scope of Work: