PROMOTING WELL-BEING THROUGH MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AND COUNSELING

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 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

10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business formation (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• MDHHS provider application and compliance guidance
• Policy & Procedure Manual development
• Recruitment of licensed mental health professionals
• Medicaid enrollment and billing setup
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Client admission packet
• Marketing and advertising materials
• Operational training
• Compliance and regulatory support
• Quality assurance programs
• Marketing and client acquisition strategies

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MICHIGAN COUNSELING & MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER

We support new providers through every step of launching Counseling and Mental Health services under Michigan’s HCBS waiver programs.

To get started, click the link to request portal access