Who pays for services provided by LMFTs?
LMFTs are authorized providers of psychotherapy in most insurance plans and in the federal government’s CHAMPUS program. LMFTs are specifically named in California’s “freedom of choice” laws (California Insurance Code) giving patients the right to choose the mental health practitioner of their choice. LMFTs are also granted provider status with most managed care companies’ including HMOs, PPOs, EAPs, etc., and are generally not restricted based upon the location therapy occurs, e.g. outpatient vs. inpatient. Of course, as with other disciplines, managed care companies do not accept all within a profession, only that number that they choose to affiliate. LMFTs are covered providers in California’s Victims of Crime Program, and are also reimbursed under California’s Workers Compensation laws. LMFTs are credentialed by and diagnose and treat mental disorders in a variety of state-licensed hospitals and the state’s correctional treatment centers.
