3420 COUNSELING

3420.1 Counseling services are individual, group, or family face-to-face services for symptom and behavior management; development, restoration, or enhancement of adaptive behaviors and skills; and enhancement or maintenance of daily living skills. Adaptive behaviors and skills, and daily living skills include those skills necessary to access community resources and support systems, interpersonal skills, and restoration or enhancement of the family unit and/or support of the family. Mental health support and consultation services provided to consumer's families are reimbursable only when such services and supports are directed exclusively to the well-being and benefit of the consumer.

3420.2 No annual limit on units of service shall apply to the provision of counseling services.

3420.3 3420.3 Counseling shall not be billed:

(a) On the same day as:

(1) IDT;

(2) CBI;

(3) ACT;

(4) TF-CBT;

(5) TST; or

(b) During a Rehabilitation Day Services encounter.

3420.4 Counseling shall be provided:

(a) At the MHRS provider's service site;

(b) By telemedicine pursuant to 29 DCMR § 910;

(c) In natural settings, including the consumer's home or community setting; or

(d) A residential facility of sixteen (16) beds or less unless otherwise stated by the Department.

3420.5 The following are qualified practitioners of Counseling:

(a) Psychiatrists;

(b) Psychologists;

(c) Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers (LICSWs);

(d) APRNs;

(e) Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs); and

(f) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs).

3420.6 The following may deliver Counseling under the supervision of a Qualified Practitioner pursuant to § 3420.5:

(a) Licensed Independent Social Workers (LISWs);

(b) Licensed Graduate Social Workers (LGSWs);

(c) Licensed Graduate Professional Counselors (LGPCs); and

(d) Psychology Associates.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 48 DCR 10297 (November 9, 2001); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 51 DCR 9308 (October 1, 2004); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 52 DCR 5682 (June 17, 2005); as amended by Notice of Emergency and Proposed Rulemaking published at 58 DCR 1482 (February 18, 2011)[EXPIRED]; as amended by Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 58 DCR 3476, 3479 (April 22, 2011); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 67 DCR 10674 (September 4, 2020); as amended by Final Rulemaking 68 DCR 012400 (November 26, 2021); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 72 DCR 008497 (August 1, 2025).