Beginning January 1st, 2023, LEA’s are able to bill for individual and group counseling provided by Credentialed School Counselors. California Education Code 49600 has been updated to include provisions for direct services, allowing the role of school counselors in mental and behavioral health. Specifically, it clarifies that school counselors are mental health professionals,
A recent California Association of School Counselors article by Loretta Whitson, Ed.D. discusses the changes and potential billing opportunities for LEA’s. Practi-Cal has also informed our clients of this new policy change and are working with our clients to identify potential service and billing opportunities. You can read the article here.