COUNSELING AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDER IN MICHIGAN

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 27
3 min read

PROMOTING WELL-BEING THROUGH MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AND COUNSELING

Counseling and Mental Health Services in Michigan are designed to support individuals with mental health needs by providing professional counseling, therapy, and mental health support. These services are authorized under the Michigan Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers and must follow protocols set by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
Role: Oversees provider enrollment, service authorization, and Medicaid compliance.
Agency: Michigan Medicaid Agency
Role: Handles Medicaid provider enrollment and reimbursement for Counseling and Mental Health Services.
Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures compliance with HCBS waiver rules.

2. SERVICE OVERVIEW

Counseling and Mental Health Services provide individuals with access to professional mental health support aimed at improving emotional well-being, coping strategies, and overall mental health. Services are individualized and integrated into the person-centered plan.

Approved providers may deliver:

Individual and group counseling sessions
Family therapy and support
Crisis intervention and management
Psychoeducation and skill-building workshops
Mental health assessments and progress evaluations
Documentation of therapeutic interventions and outcomes

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Maintain a physical counseling office or telehealth setup in Michigan.
Hire licensed mental health professionals (e.g., counselors, psychologists, social workers).
Develop protocols for client intake, mental health assessment, and crisis management.
Establish client safety and confidentiality measures.

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request the Counseling and Mental Health Provider Application Packet from MDHHS.
Submit a business plan outlining therapeutic approaches and client engagement strategies.
Include policies for crisis intervention, mental health assessments, and service documentation.

Background & Credentialing:

Background checks for all staff providing direct mental health services.
Verification of state licenses and professional certifications.
Proof of training in trauma-informed care and crisis response.

Program Readiness Review:

Demonstrate readiness to provide counseling services tailored to the needs of individuals with mental health conditions.
Establish protocols for therapeutic record-keeping and client feedback.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC Certificate.
IRS EIN Letter.
NPI confirmation.
Lease or proof of office location in Michigan.
MDHHS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Client intake and assessment protocols.
- Confidentiality and record-keeping standards.
- Crisis management and intervention procedures.
- Financial tracking and client progress logs.

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Clinical Director

Requirements: Licensed mental health professional with experience in program management.

Role: Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Requirements: State licensure and experience in providing individual and group therapy.

Role: Crisis Intervention Specialist

Requirements: Certification in crisis management and trauma-informed care.

All staff must complete:

MDHHS orientation and HCBS Waiver training.
Annual training on mental health best practices and client interaction.
Confidentiality, ethics, and client rights training.

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Michigan Medicaid Waivers that authorize Counseling and Mental Health Services include:

MI Choice Waiver
Habilitation Supports Waiver
Children’s Waiver Program

Approved providers may deliver:

Individual and group counseling
Crisis intervention services
Psychoeducation and therapeutic skill-building

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 0–1 week

Phase: MDHHS Application Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Hiring and Credentialing of Mental Health Professionals

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 60–90 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) – Division of Behavioral Health Services
Email: bhprovider@michigan.gov
Phone: (517) 335-1980
Website: MDHHS Website
Michigan Medicaid Agency – Waiver Services
Website: Michigan Medicaid