Frequently Asked Questions
Question:What is the Department of Family and Protective Services' (DFPS) expectations of residential providers for children who may need therapy as it relates to the Texas Service System?
Answer:
DFPS expects contract providers to use qualified licensed therapists for children needing individual, group, and family therapy. These expectations are contained within the Service System standards and in other DFPS communications to providers. Service System corrective action plans only pertains to how the provider will deliver these services to children. Plans by individuals to obtain a license to provide therapy which may take months or years does not constitute a corrective action plan for this issue.
Providers may bill Medicaid for therapeutic activities for children eligible for this benefit and who need Moderate, Specialized or Intense services. The current definition used by DFPS for qualified therapists are listed below for your reference.
- Psychiatrist (MD)
- Licensed Psychologist
- Registered Nurse (RN) (primary service requires RN)
- Licensed Master's Social Worker
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Licensed Professional Counselor - Temporary (LPC-T)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (primary diagnosis is substance abuse)
- Occupational Therapist (primary service requires an OT)