Behavioral Health Treatment (BHT)
Health Plan covers all medically necessary behavioral health treatment (BHT) for eligible beneficiaries under 21 years of age. They may include children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well as children for whom a physical or psychologist determines it is medically necessary. Consistent with state and federal requirements, a physician or a psychologist must recommend BHT services as medically necessary based on whether BHT services will correct or ameliorate any physical and/or behavioral conditions.
BHT Services and evidenced-based and can include:
- Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
- Behavioral Interventions
- Cognitive Behavioral interventions
- Parent/Guardian Training
- Self-Management
- Social Skills
Steps for Referral and Evaluation:
1.) Screening
* The PCP or health care provider completes screening with member and family to validate member has medical necessity for Behavioral Health Treatment services. The provider then makes a referral to Health Plan's behavioral health services department, as appropriate.
2.) Diagnostic evaluation or Direct referral for BHT or ABA
* Health Plan's behavioral health services manages referrals for diagnostic evaluations and referrals for BHT/ABA.
Contact KFHC at 1.800.391.2000 and press option 7.
Services for Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Autism Research Institute
Advocates for the rights of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and operates without funding from special interest groups.
https://autism.org/ - Autism Resources
Website links to various autism resources
www.autism-resources.com/links/ - Autism Society of California
An affiliate of the Autism Society of America, provides information and referrals for services
800.869.7069
autismsocietyca.org - California Autism Foundation
Provides people with autism and other developmental disabilities opportunities for lifetime support, training and assistance to reach their high potential for independence, productivity and fulfillment.
https://www.calautism.org/ - Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention/Autism Information Center
Committed to continuing to provide essential data on ASD, searching for factors that put children at risk for ASD and possible causes, and developing resources that help identify children with ASD as early as possible.
www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism - H.E.A.R.T.S Connection
Provides free support, education, information, and advocacy for families of children and young adults with disabilities and special needs. They help families navigate services, understand their rights, connect with community resources, and build confidence in advocating for their loved ones.
www.heartsconnection.org - Kern Autisms Network, Inc.
Provides education, support, and resources for individuals with autism, their families, and professionals throughout Kern County. They offer support groups, educational workshops, community networking, and an annual autism conference to help families access information and services.
www.kernautism.org - Kern Regional Center
Contracted by the State of California to coordinate lifelong services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
661.327.8531
3200 N. Sillect Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93308
https://kernrc.org/ - State of California Department of Developmental Service
Information, pamphlets and books about autism
916.654.1690
https://www.dds.ca.gov/initiatives/autism/ - Team of Advocates for Special Kids (TASK)
Helps and supports people with disabilities and their families. Offers workshops on basic rights and protection under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act
www.taskca.org
KFHC covers Behavioral Health Treatment (BHT) services under Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Benefit for children under the age of 21 when medically necessary.
Members may be eligible if the following criteria is met:
- Menores de 21 años
- Have a recommendation from a licensed physician, surgeon or psychologist
- Are medically stable
- Do not need for 24-hour medical/nursing monitoring or procedures provided in a hospital or intermediate care facility
Behavioral Health Treatment services teach skills using behavioral observations and reinforcement, or through prompting to teach each step of targeted behavior. BHT services are based on reliable evidence. Treatment may or may not include Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA).
ABA treatment can help:
- Increase language
- Improve attention, focus, social skills and cooperative behaviors
- Decreases problem behaviors
ABA services must be recommended by a Physician, Psychologist or Surgeon. Please contact your child's pediatrician or other treatment providers to request a referral for ABA services. To learn more about ABA services, please call KFHC at 800.391.2000 and press option 7.