Change can be unsettling—especially when it involves something as personal as your mental health care.
Recently, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) announced a change to its PPO reimbursement policy that may affect how some therapy services are covered in private practice settings. Specifically, BCBSM has shared that it will no longer reimburse for services provided by interns and certain prelicensed mental health professionals through "incident-to" billing.
While this update is administrative in nature, we recognize that it has raised questions for both clients and clinicians across Michigan.
At Inspired Healing Therapy, we believe that clear communication and compassionate support are essential during times of change. Whether you're wondering how this may affect your therapy, or you're a clinician navigating what this means for your work, we want you to know that you're not alone.
Understanding the Change
Many private practices have long incorporated graduate interns and limited licensed clinicians into their care teams. These professionals provide therapy while receiving supervision from experienced, independently licensed clinicians as they complete the requirements for full licensure.
This model has allowed practices to expand access to care, reduce wait times, and support the next generation of mental health professionals.
As BCBSM updates its reimbursement policies, some practices may need time to evaluate how these changes affect their services, staffing, and insurance participation.
Every practice—and every client's situation—will be a little different.
What This May Mean for Clients
If you're currently receiving therapy or considering beginning services, it's understandable to have questions.
Depending on your insurance plan and provider, this change may result in:
Changes to which therapists are available through your BCBSM PPO benefits
Longer wait times for some independently licensed providers
Questions about continuity of care if you're currently working with a prelicensed clinician
Conversations with your therapy practice about available options moving forward
If you're affected, know that it's okay to ask questions. Your therapy practice wants to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your care.
One of the most important aspects of therapy is the relationship you've built with your therapist. We understand how meaningful that connection can be, and we know that uncertainty surrounding care can feel stressful.
What This May Mean for Clinicians
This policy change also brings uncertainty for many clinicians throughout Michigan.
Graduate interns, limited licensed professionals, supervisors, and private practice owners may all be working through new questions about billing, scheduling, supervision, and access to care.
For many early-career clinicians, private practice provides valuable opportunities to continue developing clinical skills under supervision while serving their communities. Changes to reimbursement policies may require practices to rethink workflows and explore new ways to continue supporting both clinicians and clients.
As our profession continues to evolve, we remain grateful for the dedication, flexibility, and compassion shown by mental health professionals who continue to prioritize quality care through periods of change.
Supporting Access to Care
At Inspired Healing Therapy, we believe that access to quality mental health care matters.
We also believe that supporting clinicians is one of the ways we support our community. When therapists have opportunities to learn, grow, and provide care within supportive environments, more individuals and families are able to access the services they need.
While insurance policies may change over time, our commitment remains the same: to provide compassionate, ethical, and client-centered care while helping those we serve navigate changes as smoothly as possible.
How We're Here to Help
If you're a current or prospective client and have questions about your insurance benefits, provider availability, or what these changes may mean for your care, we're here to help you understand your options.
If you're a clinician seeking guidance or trying to understand how this policy may affect your professional path, we encourage you to stay connected with your supervisors, practice leadership, and professional organizations as more information becomes available.
No one should have to navigate change alone.
Our hope is that by staying informed, communicating openly, and continuing to support one another, we can ensure that clients receive the care they deserve while also strengthening the community of clinicians who make that care possible.
At Inspired Healing Therapy, we're committed to walking alongside both the individuals seeking support and the professionals providing it—because caring for our community means caring for everyone who is part of it.
FAQ:
Will the BCBSM PPO policy change affect my therapy?
The impact depends on your insurance plan, your provider, and your therapy practice. If you have questions, your provider can help explain what your options are.
Why are clinicians talking about this change?
The updated reimbursement policy may affect how some private practices provide services using graduate interns and prelicensed clinicians, which could influence appointment availability and continuity of care for some clients.
How can Inspired Healing Therapy help?
Our team is committed to helping clients understand their insurance options, communicating openly about any changes that may affect care, and continuing to support both clients and clinicians as the mental health landscape evolves.
