Changes were recently made to a Washington state regulation regarding coverage and reimbursement for employee mental health services. The amendment expands the types of qualified providers for mental health services, with a focus on incorporating master’s level therapists (MLTs) to address a shortage of mental health providers.
The original regulation limited mental health services to providers such as psychiatrists, doctoral level psychologists, psychiatric advanced registered nurse practitioners, and others according to department policy. The amendment adds MLTs, which include licensed independent clinical social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, and licensed mental health counselors.
The rule will become effective on January 1, 2024.
