CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Update to the BCBSRI Supervisory Protocol
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI · Psychiatry·Behavioral Health
Effective date
Feb 1, 2023
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
BCBSRI expanded their Supervisory Protocol to allow Mental Health Counselor Associates and Marriage and Family Therapy Associates to provide outpatient therapy services under appropriate licensed supervision. This creates new billing opportunities for behavioral health services provided by supervised associates.
Action Required
Immediately: Behavioral health billing teams should verify current supervisory protocols are on file with BCBSRI by emailing Behavioralhealth@bcbsri.org. Update credentialing records to include Mental Health Counselor Associates and Marriage and Family Therapy Associates under appropriate supervision. Ensure billing system reflects proper supervising provider relationships for outpatient therapy claims.