New Medicaid-Covered Service!

FCT is now available for certain children enrolled in a PASSE (Provider-Led Arkansas Shared Savings Entity).

What is Family Centered Treatment® (FCT)?

Family Centered Treatment® (FCT) is an intensive, evidence-based trauma treatment model that delivers in-home services to at-risk children, adolescents, and their families. FCT helps prevent out-of-home placements, stabilize families, and support reunification by addressing unhealthy family patterns and trauma.

• FCT is a proven alternative to residential care, hospitalization, and correctional facility placement.
• The approach centers on supporting healing and development for all members of the family.
• All FCT providers must be licensed and complete a rigorous, competency-based training program administered by the Family Centered Treatment Foundation.

Who is Eligible for FCT?

Eligibility Checklist:

• Children ages 4–18 with a confirmed mental health diagnosis
• Enrolled in a PASSE
• Behavioral/emotional needs putting the child at risk of out-of-home placement, or child is returning to the home from  out-of-home placement
• Family system issues have not been able to be addressed at outpatient level

Referrals:
Referrals can be made by outpatient/inpatient behavioral health providers, PASSE Care Coordinators, child welfare, juvenile justice, or other agencies.

FCT Goals and Objectives

1. Whole Family Engagement: Empowering the caregiver and strengthening family’s problem-solving skills and communication.
2. Family Stability: Preserve or develop family placement and reunification by shifting or stabilizing family functioning.
3. Address Maladaptive Behaviors: Practice new interactions and learn the underlying function of behaviors.
4. Sustain Change: Discover and use intrinsic strengths, incorporating generational, cultural, and systemic influences of trauma.

Expected Outcomes

1. Reduced trauma and psychiatric symptoms
2. Improved family functioning and engagement
3. Increased permanency and natural supports
4. Fewer crisis episodes and out-of-home placements

Services Included in the FCT Model

• Family-based trauma services
• Youth and family skills training
• Behavioral interventions
• Analysis and replacement of maladaptive behaviors
• Relationship/attachment building
• Active coaching for positive change
• Empowering families to set and achieve their own goals
• 24/7 crisis intervention

Intensive Case Management Includes:

• Psychoeducation for families and caregivers
• Initial and ongoing assessment and progress reporting
• Service planning and linkage to supports
• Case consultation and coordination across agencies
• Collaboration with PASSE Care Coordinators and other stakeholders

Referral & Authorization Process

1. Referrals can be made directly to a licensed provider of FCT services.  Referrals can be made by any outpatient behavioral health provider, Psychiatric Residential Treatment Provider, Juvenile Probation Officer/Juvenile Court, child welfare, acute hospital provider, or  PASSE Care Coordinator.
2. Licensed FCT agencies must submit Prior Authorizations to PASSE.
3. Services begin upon PASSE approval and are reviewed initially and periodically for medical necessity.

Provider Information

• Provider agencies must be certified by DHS as an Intensive or Enhanced Community Support System Provider and an enrolled Medicaid provider.
• Provider agencies must be licensed by the FCT Foundation.
• All staff providing FCT services must maintain required certification and recertification through the FCT Foundation
• For the most current provider information, contact agencies directly or consult your PASSE Care Coordinator.

Relevant Billing Codes and Rates for Family Centered Treatment Service

FCT has been designed to primarily be an all-inclusive service with a monthly rate. The monthly rate will begin on the first day of FCT services. Providers bill this service based on a rolling 30-day time period. A monthly unit will consist of no less than 10 direct documented service hours per each 30-day time period. 

Billing Codes:

• H0037 U4, V1 Monthly
• H0037 U4, V2  Daily/Encounter **
  • **Daily/Encounter billing may be utilized for two purposes:
    • 1. During the up to 45-day transition period as a member is preparing for discharge from a residential setting. Daily/Encounter billing during this transition period may only take place on days when the member is on a therapeutic home visit and an FCT service is provided in the member’s home.
    • 2. During the time frame, which may occur when there is an authorization in place, but the family discharges prior to the end of the authorization period. Daily/Encounter billing only takes place on a day when FCT services are provided to the family and is inclusive of all service hours provided during the day the service is billed and is not an hourly rate.

Contact & Resources

For more information, eligibility, or to make a referral, contact your PASSE Care Coordinator or a licensed FCT provider.

Process For New Providers Interested In Providing FCT Services

1. Contact Bridget Akins for basic information.
2. Refer to FCT website
3. Refer to the Community Support System Provider Certification Manual
4. Refer to the Home and Community-Based Services Provider Manual
5. Refer to the Counseling and Crisis Services Provider Manual
6. Refer to the FCT In Lieu of Service Definition
7. DHS will make email introductions to the FCT Foundation.