Behavioral Health Services in Montana focus on providing mental health and support services for individuals facing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. These services aim to enhance well-being, develop coping strategies, and foster community integration. Behavioral Health Services are available under Montana’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid and HCBS Waiver programs, including behavioral health services

Agency: Montana Board of Behavioral Health

Role: Regulates licensure and compliance for behavioral health professionals

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures waiver compliance

2. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICE OVERVIEW

Behavioral Health Services focus on therapeutic support, crisis intervention, and skill development. Services are tailored according to the Individual Service Plan (ISP) or Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and may include:

• Individual and group therapy
• Crisis intervention and stabilization
• Behavioral support and skill building
• Substance use counseling and recovery support
• Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
• Family and caregiver support

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Montana Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Enroll as a Medicaid provider with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
• Obtain licensure from the Montana Board of Behavioral Health
• Maintain liability insurance and staff qualification documentation

4. MEDICAID PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Pre-Application Contact

• Contact the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services to understand behavioral health provider requirements

Step 2: Application Submission

• Submit business registration, behavioral health license, liability insurance, and service descriptions

Step 3: License Verification

• Obtain and verify the Behavioral Health License

Step 4: Approval and Medicaid Number Assignment

• Once approved, receive a Medicaid provider number and authorization to deliver services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business Name Registration
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Behavioral Health License
• Liability insurance certificate

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Client intake and assessment protocols
• Crisis response and safety planning
• Therapeutic intervention strategies
• Documentation and progress tracking
• Staff training and clinical supervision records

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Behavioral Health Program Manager

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

Role: Behavioral Health Specialist

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or social work
• State licensure and certification
• Background check and TB clearance

Training Requirements:

• Crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
• Therapeutic approaches (CBT, DBT, etc.)
• Client rights and confidentiality
• Documentation and client interaction best practices

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Behavioral Health Services in Montana are available through:

• Big Sky Waiver (BSW)
• Community First Choice/Personal Assistance Services (CFC/PAS)
• Medicaid Home Health Services

Approved providers may deliver:

• Therapeutic and mental health support
• Crisis management and stabilization
• Behavioral coaching and skill development

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Medicaid Provider Enrollment

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Training

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Program Setup and Community Networking

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)

Website: https://dphhs.mt.gov

Montana Board of Behavioral Health

Website: https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/behavioral-health

10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration and licensing assistance
• Medicaid provider enrollment
• Policy & procedure manual for behavioral health operations
• Templates for client care plans, crisis response protocols, and therapy logs
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Staff credentialing and training documentation
• Client intake packet and mental health assessment forms
• Risk management and client safety protocols
• Referral networking with healthcare providers and community organizations