Georgia licensed clinical social workers are regulated by the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists, and are important providers in Georgia's community-based behavioral health system, which includes DBHDD-funded community service boards and a rapidly growing private practice sector. Georgia LCSWs can credential independently with commercial payers including Anthem BCBS GA, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare. Georgia Medicaid behavioral health is integrated within the Georgia Families MCO contracts, requiring LCSWs to credential with each MCO—Amerigroup, Peach State, WellCare—to access the Medicaid behavioral health population. Georgia's community service boards (CSBs) provide public behavioral health services and employ many LCSWs under CSB credentialing, distinct from private payer enrollment. Atlanta's LCSW market is competitive, particularly in affluent communities in Buckhead, Decatur, and Sandy Springs, while rural Georgia counties face severe LCSW shortages with active MCO panel recruitment. Telehealth LCSW services have become critical for Georgia's rural communities and are covered by all major Georgia payers.
Georgia Medical Board
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Requirements in Georgia
Estimated Timeline
Top Payers for Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Georgia LCSWs bill Medicaid independently without physician oversight?
Yes. Georgia Medicaid allows licensed clinical social workers to provide and bill for behavioral health services independently. The LCSW must be credentialed with the patient's Georgia Families MCO and practice within the licensed scope of LCSW services under Georgia law. No physician supervision is required for independent LCSW billing in Georgia.
How does Anthem BCBS GA handle LCSW behavioral health credentialing?
Anthem BCBS GA credentials LCSWs through its behavioral health division. In most Georgia markets, Anthem processes behavioral health credentialing directly rather than through a delegated MBHO. LCSWs should apply directly to Anthem's behavioral health provider relations team and complete the Anthem behavioral health credentialing application.
Are Georgia Medicaid MCO LCSW panels accessible in rural South Georgia?
Yes. Amerigroup and Peach State Health Management identify LCSW shortages in South Georgia counties as network adequacy priorities. Panel applications from LCSWs willing to serve rural communities—including through telehealth—are processed with priority and may receive enhanced reimbursement rates under rural access incentive programs.
Reviewed by Arctic Health Team , Credentialing Specialists
Last reviewed: September 2026
Information on this page reflects our experience as of September 2026. Credentialing requirements, payer processes, and state regulations may change. Contact us or check the relevant state medical board and payer websites for the most current requirements. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.