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The Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS) recently published an updated version of the Medi-Cal Specialty Mental Health Billing Manual which includes new instructions for how to bill for MFT Trainee services . This new guidance from the Department effectively prohibits students from providing and billing for psychotherapy current procedural terminology (CPT) codes, effective July 1, 2023. Historically, MFT Trainees have been able to provide and be reimbursed for psychotherapy services under the Medi-Cal Specialty Mental Health program. Allowing MFT Trainees to see patients as long as they are being appropriately supervised has been established in California Code of Regulations Section 1840.344 and expressly stated in the DHCS Information Notice 17-040. CAMFT, along with several mental health organizations, are very concerned about this issue and have written a letter to the DHCS strongly urging the Department to clarify and confirm that MFT Trainees are able to continue to provide and be reimbursed for Specialty Mental Health psychotherapy services as set forth in law and in the DHCS Information Notice. CAMFT will keep members apprised of its efforts to advocate on this important issue.
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