CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICES PROVIDER IN NEBRASKA

Fatumata Kaba
Aug 8
4 min read

ENSURING SAFETY AND STABILITY THROUGH IMMEDIATE SUPPORT AND DE-ESCALATION

Crisis Intervention Services in Nebraska provide rapid, supportive responses to individuals experiencing a behavioral, emotional, or situational crisis. These services aim to stabilize the situation, ensure safety, and connect individuals with ongoing support. Crisis Intervention Services are authorized under the Nebraska Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

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

Agency: Nebraska Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) Division

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

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

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

2. CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Crisis Intervention Services are designed to de-escalate situations of behavioral or emotional distress and provide immediate safety and stabilization.

Approved providers may deliver:

Crisis Assessment: Rapid evaluation of the situation, risk factors, and participant needs.
De-Escalation Techniques: Using communication and therapeutic approaches to reduce stress and agitation.
Crisis Counseling: Immediate emotional support and short-term counseling.
Safety Planning: Developing a plan to maintain safety during and after the crisis.
Emergency Stabilization: Managing acute symptoms or risky behaviors.
Referral and Follow-Up: Connecting individuals to long-term care, therapy, or community resources.
Family Support: Guiding family members on coping strategies and safety protocols.

All crisis interventions are guided by the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and tailored to the specific needs of the individual.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business entity with the Nebraska Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Crisis Intervention provider via the Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal.
Obtain licensure as a behavioral health provider from DHHS if applicable.
Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.
Develop comprehensive policies for crisis response, de-escalation, and emergency protocols.
Ensure staff meet background checks, health screenings, and specialized crisis training requirements.

4. NEBRASKA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for Crisis Intervention Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

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

Program Readiness Review:

DHHS evaluates provider readiness, including crisis response protocols, safety measures, and staff qualifications.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

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

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Nebraska Secretary of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Behavioral Health Provider License (if applicable)
Proof of general and professional liability insurance
Crisis Intervention Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Crisis assessment, intervention, and de-escalation protocols
- Safety planning and risk management procedures
- Emergency response guidelines and crisis stabilization practices
- Staff credentialing, background checks, and training documentation
- HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling
- Billing, documentation, and audit readiness procedures
- Referral and follow-up care coordination practices

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Crisis Intervention Program Director

Requirements: Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or behavioral health; licensure as a mental health practitioner (LMHP) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW); supervisory experience preferred.

Role: Crisis Intervention Specialists

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, or psychology; certification in crisis response or mental health support; background clearance.

Role: Licensed Mental Health Practitioners (LMHP)

Requirements: State licensure, experience in crisis counseling and behavioral interventions; background clearance.

All staff must complete:

De-escalation techniques and safety protocol training
Crisis assessment and intervention strategy education
HIPAA compliance and participant rights training
Annual competency evaluations and continuing education
Specialized training in trauma-informed care and mental health first aid

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Crisis Intervention Services are available under the following Nebraska Medicaid Waivers:

Aged and Disabled (AD) Waiver
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver
Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver
Children with Disabilities Waiver
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver

Services may include:

Immediate crisis assessment and stabilization
De-escalation and safety management
Short-term counseling and emotional support
Development of crisis and safety plans
Follow-up support and referral to ongoing care
Family guidance and support during crises

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: Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Crisis Intervention Service Launch

Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/

Nebraska Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) Division

Website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Medicaid.aspx

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

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

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — NEBRASKA CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG supports agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Crisis Intervention Services in Nebraska, offering:

Scope of Work:

Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and behavioral health licensing support
Policy manual development for crisis response, safety planning, and de-escalation
Staff credentialing, training program templates, and risk management guidance
Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management
Branding, website development, and community outreach strategies
Quality assurance systems for crisis response and safety monitoring
Collaboration with mental health professionals and community safety networks