Dyadic Services as a Medi-Cal Benefit
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) added dyadic services as a benefit effective January 1, 2023. Dyadic services are available to Medi-Cal members in fee-for-service (FFS) and through managed care plans (MCPs).
Dyadic services are a family and caregiver focused model of care intended to address developmental and behavioral health conditions of children and includes services provided to parent(s)/caregiver(s) (known as a “dyad"). Dyadic services help improve access to preventive care for children and rates of immunization completion. They also address coordination of care, child social-emotional health and safety, developmentally appropriate parenting, and maternal mental health. Dyadic services include the following:
- Behavioral health (DBH) visits
- Access to community supports services
- Psychoeducational services
- Family training and counseling for child development
Children (Medi-Cal members under age 21) and their parent(s)/caregiver(s) are eligible for DBH visits when delivered according to the Bright Futures/American Academy of Pediatrics periodicity schedule for behavioral/social/emotional screening assessment, and when medically necessary. Dyadic services are integrated physical and behavioral health screenings and services for children under 21 years old and their parent(s)/caregiver(s).
Dyadic services are available to non-Medi-Cal eligible parent(s)/caregiver(s) of children (Medi-Cal members under age 21) so long as the dyadic service is for the direct benefit of the child. Parent(s)/caregiver(s) can receive specific assessment, screening, counseling, and brief intervention services, including family training and counseling.
For Medi-Cal FFS members, questions regarding Medi-Cal's dyadic services benefit should be directed to their treating health care provider. Medi-Cal MCP members should talk to their treating health care provider or MCP to assist them in determining if dyadic services are appropriate. Members of Medi-Cal's MCP include a point of contact for general information that can be found at Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plan Directory.
Resources
