Therapeutic Behavioral Services

Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS) are reimbursable as a Medi-Cal service under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) program. TBS is a short-term intensive intervention that may be included as one component of a comprehensive mental health service plan. TBS provides one-to-one support for children who are experiencing a life crisis or when a life crisis is imminent, who need additional support to transition from a higher to lower level placement or to prevent movement to a higher level of care.

To qualify for TBS, children must meet the following criteria:

Have full-scope Medi-Cal;
Be under the age of 21 years;
Meet both medical necessity and service need criteria;
Have target behaviors or symptoms which are not responding to other mental health services alone, which jeopardize current placement, and which can be expected to respond to short-term intensive intervention;

Be an included member of the class: (One of the following)

Being considered for RCL 12 or above placement;
In an RCL 12 or above placement;
One psychiatric hospitalization in the preceding 24 months;
Previously received TBS while Class member.

The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health is contracting with existing community based and residential mental health providers to offer TBS as a specialty mental health service.

To access TBS for children not currently receiving mental health services, refer the child and caretaker to one of the providers on the attached list, or to the D.M.H. 24-hour Access Referral Line (1-800-854-7771), or to any community mental health clinic. The mental health service provider will complete an assessment to determine the client’s mental health service needs, including TBS. It is expected that the provider and referral source (caretaker, D.C.F.S., client as appropriate, etc.) will collaborate throughout this process.

If TBS is recommended based on the assessment, the service will be provided as part of a comprehensive mental health service plan, either directly or in collaboration with another mental health provider that offers TBS. When contacting any mental health provider for services, be sure to state that referral is for comprehensive mental health services, which may include TBS.

To access TBS for children currently receiving mental health services, refer to the child’s primary clinician. An interdisciplinary team will assess the need for additional supportive services and provide TBS, either directly or in collaboration with another provider, as a part of the comprehensive service plan.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Fitzgerald, efitzgerald@lacdmh.org, at (213) 738-3029. Or fax at (213) 738-6521