BH Manual Update: Provisional Licensed Psychologists and Psychology Interns

Date: 09/21/26

Louisiana Healthcare Connections would like to inform providers of recent updates issued by the Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) to the Louisiana Medicaid School-Based Behavioral Health Services (SBHS) Manual.

Effective with updates published on September 8, 2026, revisions were made to the following sections of the SBHS Manual:

• Section 2.3: Outpatient Services – Outpatient Therapy by Licensed Practitioners
• Appendix E-5: Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) – Child Parent Psychotherapy
• Appendix E-6: Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) – Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
• Appendix E-7: Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) – PPT and YPT
• Appendix E-8: Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) – Triple P Positive Parenting Program
• Appendix E-9: Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) – Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Appendix E-10: Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
• Appendix E-11: Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) – Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

What Changed?

The updated manual adds the following provider types to the list of allowable rendering providers for applicable services:

• Provisional Licensed Psychologists (PLPs)
• Psychology Interns

These provider types may render covered services when all applicable supervision and program requirements are met. However, Provisional Licensed Psychologists and Psychology Interns may not bill Medicaid independently.

Fee Schedule Update

Associated fee schedule updates reflecting these changes will become effective October 1, 2026.

Providers are encouraged to review the updated SBHS Manual sections and ensure compliance with all applicable billing and supervision requirements.

For questions regarding these updates, please contact your  Provider Relations Representative or call 1-866-595-8133..