CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICES PROVIDER IN NORTH CAROLINA

PROVIDING IMMEDIATE AND EFFECTIVE SUPPORT DURING MENTAL HEALTH OR BEHAVIORAL CRISES

Crisis Intervention Services in North Carolina assist individuals experiencing mental health or behavioral crises by offering immediate, short-term support to stabilize the situation and ensure safety. These services are critical for preventing escalation, addressing acute needs, and linking individuals to ongoing support. Crisis Intervention Services are authorized under North Carolina Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)

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

Agency: North Carolina Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid)

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

Agency: North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services (DMH/DD/SAS)

Role: Provides oversight for crisis intervention services targeting individuals with mental health or developmental disabilities.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

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

2. CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Crisis Intervention Services aim to de-escalate situations involving mental health emergencies, behavioral disruptions, or acute stress, offering support to individuals and their families.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Mobile Crisis Response: Providing on-site support during behavioral or mental health emergencies.

• Crisis Assessment: Evaluating the immediate needs and risk factors involved in the crisis.

• De-escalation Techniques: Utilizing calming strategies to reduce agitation or aggression.

• Safety Planning: Developing short-term safety measures to stabilize the situation.

• Supportive Counseling: Offering emotional support and coping strategies during the crisis.

• Linkage to Ongoing Support: Connecting individuals with follow-up mental health services or community resources.

• Crisis Stabilization: Temporary support in a safe environment to prevent hospitalization.

• Family Support and Education: Guiding family members on managing crisis situations effectively.

• 24/7 Crisis Hotline: Providing immediate telephonic assistance and guidance.

• Documentation: Maintaining accurate records of crisis incidents, interventions, and outcomes.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

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

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

• Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Crisis Intervention provider via the NCTracks Provider Portal.

• Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.

• Develop policies for crisis response, de-escalation techniques, and safety protocols.

• Ensure staff complete required background checks, health screenings, and training in crisis intervention practices.

4. NORTH CAROLINA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Complete the Provider Enrollment Application via the NCTracks Portal for Crisis Intervention Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, crisis response policies, and staff training documentation.

Program Readiness Review:

• NCDHHS and DMH/DD/SAS evaluate provider readiness, including 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 (North Carolina Secretary of State)

• IRS EIN confirmation

• NPI confirmation

• Proof of general and professional liability insurance

• Crisis Intervention Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Crisis response, de-escalation, and safety planning protocols

  • Mobile crisis response and hotline management procedures

  • Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records

  • Documentation standards for crisis tracking and Medicaid billing

  • HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling

  • Safety, incident reporting, and emergency response guidelines

  • Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Crisis Program Director

Requirements: Master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field; state licensure (LCSW, LMHC, or LPC); experience in crisis management and supervision.

Role: Crisis Counselors

Requirements: Master’s degree in mental health counseling, social work, or psychology; state licensure or certification in crisis intervention; background clearance.

Role: Mobile Crisis Responders

Requirements: Training in mental health crisis response, de-escalation techniques, and community safety protocols.

Role: Hotline Operators

Requirements: Experience in mental health support, crisis management, and telephonic intervention.

All staff must complete:

• Training in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and mental health first aid

• HIPAA compliance and participant rights education

• Annual competency evaluations and ongoing professional development

• Safety, emergency response, and client interaction training

• Documentation and record-keeping best practices

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Crisis Intervention Services are available under the following North Carolina Medicaid Waivers:

• Innovations Waiver

• Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA)

• Community Alternatives Program for Children (CAP/C)

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) 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 Carolina 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

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)

Website: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/

NCTracks Provider Enrollment Portal

Website: https://www.nctracks.nc.gov/

North Carolina Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid)Website: https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/

North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services (DMH/DD/SAS)

Website: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mhddsas

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

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

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

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

Scope of Work:

• Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing assistance

• Policy manual development for crisis management and safety compliance

• 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 crisis intervention and compliance monitoring

• Collaboration with healthcare providers, mental health agencies, and community organizations

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.