LPCCs are Medi-Cal Providers

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the Department of Health and Human Services has advised the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) that it has approved the California State Plan Amendment (SPA) to add LPCCs and PCI Interns as providers for Medi-Cal Rehabilitative Mental Health and Targeted Case Management services.  The SPA was signed December 18, 2012 and the effective date is July 1, 2012. Those who would like the details can read the SPA here

The announcement was made at the California Mental Health Directors Association's Medi-Cal Policy Committee meeting on January 16, 2013. County agencies and agencies that contract with the counties can start hiring LPCCs and PCCIs as soon as they have their procedures in place.  The processes will be parallel to those currently used for LMFTs, MFTIs, LCSWs and ASWs.  LPCCs and PCCIs can practice within their scope of practice under state law and will have the same requirements and privileges as LMFTs, MFTIs LCSWs and ASWs.  

Although LPCCs and PCCIs are restricted from assessing and treating couples or families, unless they have additional education and training in marriage and family therapy (See LPCC Scope of Practice 4999.20(a)(3), there is no limitation to working with children.

Medi-Cal reimbursement will only be available to private practitioners if they have a contract with their county mental health department, as is true for LCSWs, LMFTs and psychologists.