Library: Policy

317:30-5-241.2. Psychotherapy

Revised 7-6-23

(a) Individual psychotherapy.

(1) Definition. Psychotherapy is a treatment for mental illnesses and behavioral disturbances, in which the clinician, through definitive therapeutic communication, attempts to alleviate the emotional disturbances, reverse, or change maladaptive patterns of behavior, and encourage growth and development. Insight oriented, behavior modifying and/or supportive psychotherapy refers to the development of insight of affective understanding, the use of behavior modification techniques, the use of supportive interactions, the use of cognitive discussion of reality, or any combination of these items to provide therapeutic change. Ongoing assessment of the member's status and response to treatment as well as psycho-educational intervention are appropriate components of individual therapy. The therapy must be goal directed, utilizing techniques appropriate to the service plan and the member's developmental and cognitive abilities.

(2) Interactive complexity. Psychotherapy is considered to involve "interactive complexity" when there are communication factors during a visit that complicate delivery of the psychotherapy by the qualified practitioner. Sessions typically involve members who have other individuals legally responsible for their care (i.e., minors or adults with guardians); members who request others to be involved in their care during the session (i.e., adults accompanied by one or more participating family members or interpreter or language translator); or members that require involvement of other third parties (i.e., child welfare, juvenile justice, parole/probation officers, schools, etc.). Psychotherapy should only be reported as involving interactive complexity when at least one (1) of the following communication factors is present:

(A) The need to manage maladaptive communication (i.e., related to high anxiety, high reactivity, repeated questions, or disagreement) among participants that complicate delivery of care.

(B) Caregiver emotions/behavior that interfere with implementation of the service plan.

(C) Evidence/disclosure of a sentinel event and mandated report to a third party (i.e., abuse or neglect with report to state agency) with initiation of discussion of the sentinel event and/or report with patient and other visit participants.

(D) Use of play equipment, physical devices, interpreter, or translator to overcome barriers to therapeutic interaction with a patient who is not fluent in the same language or who has not developed or lost expressive or receptive language skills to use or understand typical language.

(3) Qualified practitioners. Psychotherapy must be provided by an Licensed Behavioral Health Practitioner (LBHP) or licensure candidate in a setting that protects and assures confidentiality.

(4) Documentation requirements. Providers must comply with documentation requirements in Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 317:30-5-248.

(5) Limitations. A maximum of four (4) units per day per member is compensable. A cumulative maximum of eight (8) units of individual psychotherapy and family psychotherapy per week per member is compensable. Except for psychotherapy involving interactive complexity as described in this Section, only the member and the qualified practitioner should be present during the session. Individual psychotherapy is not reimbursable for a child younger than the age of thirty-six (36) months. Limitations exclude outpatient behavioral health services provided in a foster care setting.

(b) Group psychotherapy.

(1) Definition. Group psychotherapy is a method of treating behavioral disorders using the face-to-face psychotherapeutic interaction between the qualified practitioner and two (2) or more individuals to promote positive emotional or behavioral change. The focus of the group must be directly related to the goals and objectives in the individual member's current service plan. This service does not include social or daily living skills development as described under behavioral health rehabilitation services.

(2) Group sizes. Group psychotherapy is limited to a total of eight (8) adult [eighteen (18) and over] individuals except when the individuals are residents of an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) where the maximum group size is six (6). For all children under the age of eighteen (18), the total group size is limited to six (6).

(3) Multi-family and conjoint family therapy. Sessions are limited to a maximum of eight (8) families/units. Billing is allowed once per family unit, though units may be divided amongst family members.

(4) Qualified practitioners. Group psychotherapy must be provided by an LBHP or licensure candidate. Group psychotherapy must take place in a confidential setting limited to the qualified practitioner, an assistant or co-therapist, if desired, and the group psychotherapy participants.

(5) Documentation requirements. Providers must comply with documentation requirements in OAC 317:30-5-248.

(6) Limitations. A maximum of six (6) units per day per member is compensable, not to exceed twelve (12) units per week. Group psychotherapy is not reimbursable for a child younger than the age of thirty-six (36) months. Limitations exclude outpatient behavioral health services provided in a foster care setting.

(1) Definition. Family psychotherapy is a face-to-face psychotherapeutic interaction between a qualified practitioner and the member's family, guardian, and/or support system. It is typically inclusive of the identified member but may be performed if indicated without the member's presence. When the member is an adult, his/her permission must be obtained in writing. Family psychotherapy must be provided for the direct benefit of the SoonerCare member to assist him/her in achieving his/her established treatment goals and objectives and it must take place in a confidential setting. This service may include the evidence-based practice "Family Psychoeducation". For children under the age of thirty-six (36) months, family psychotherapy is focused on the infant/young child and parent (or primary caregiver) interactions and the relationship needs of the infant/young child.

(2) Qualified practitioners. Family psychotherapy must be provided by an LBHP or licensure candidate.

(3) Documentation requirements. Providers must comply with documentation requirements in OAC 317:30-5-248.

(4) Limitations. A maximum of four (4) units per day per member/family unit is compensable. A cumulative maximum of eight (8) units of individual psychotherapy and family psychotherapy per week per member is compensable. Family psychotherapy for a child younger than thirty-six (36) months must be medically necessary and meet established child [zero (0) through thirty-six (36) months of age] criteria as set forth in the Prior Authorization Manual. Limitations exclude outpatient behavioral health services provided in a foster care setting.