Frequently Asked Questions - Psychology Benefits
- Who can still receive psychology services that Medi-Cal will pay for after June 30, 2009?
- I am receiving counseling by a psychologist for a mental illness, before I reach 21 years of age; will I be able to continue to receive counseling when I turn 21?
- I am receiving counseling by a psychologist for a mental illness, and it is expected to continue; will I be able to receive counseling after June 30, 2009?
- Who or where can I receive counseling if I cannot see a psychologist?
- I am currently pregnant; how long can I receive counseling after my baby is born?
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1. Who can still receive psychology services that Medi-Cal will pay for after June 30, 2009?
Answer: Starting July 1, 2009, only the following persons can receive service from a psychologist:
a. Pregnant women will receive the optional benefit if it is part of their pregnancy-related care or for services to treat a condition that may cause problems in pregnancy.
b. Children or young adults who are 20 years old and younger and receive full scope Medi-Cal.
c. People who live in a licensed nursing home such as a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), Intermediate Care Facility (ICF), ICF for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF-DD) and Sub Acute Facility.
d. Patients receiving federally-required psychology services in a Rural Health Center or Federally Qualified Health Center.
2. I am receiving counseling by a psychologist for a mental illness, before I reach 21 years of age; will I be able to continue to receive counseling when I turn 21?
Answer: Yes. You may continue to receive and complete the counseling or psychotherapy services after you reach 21 years of age. Your doctor or psychologist must order how long you will receive the treatment. Orders for “lifetime” treatment will not be accepted.
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3. I am receiving counseling by a psychologist for a mental illness, and it is expected to continue; will I be able to receive counseling after June 30, 2009?
Answer: Yes. You may continue to receive and complete the counseling or psychotherapy services after June 30, 2009. Your doctor or psychologist must order how long you will receive the treatment. Orders for “lifetime” treatment will not be accepted.
4. Who or where can I receive counseling if I cannot see a psychologist?
Answer: You can receive counseling or psychotherapy from a psychiatrist (medical doctor with special training to treat mental illness) or from the county mental health plan. For more information on the services offered at the county mental health plan, contact your local county welfare office or you can visit this website: http://www.dmh.ca.gov/docs/CMHDA.pdf for the list of county mental health plans.
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5. I am currently pregnant; how long I can I receive counseling after my baby is born?
Answer: If you develop depression or other mental/emotion problems during or after pregnancy, you can continue to receive counseling or psychotherapy for up to 60 days after your baby is born. You can also receive the same benefit if your baby is aborted, miscarried, still-born, or dies after delivery.