Michigan licensed clinical social workers are regulated by the Michigan Board of Social Work under LARA and are important providers in Michigan's behavioral health system, which includes both the physical health MCO-managed behavioral health tier and the PIHP/CMH system for seriously mentally ill individuals. Michigan LCSWs credentialing for the general commercial market apply to BCBS MI, Aetna, and Priority Health through their standard behavioral health credentialing processes. For Michigan Medicaid behavioral health, the PIHP structure means that LCSWs serving seriously mentally ill patients must credential with the regional CMH entity (Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network, Community Mental Health for Central Michigan, etc.) rather than standard MCOs. BCBS MI's behavioral health panel for LCSWs is active statewide. Priority Health has an open LCSW behavioral health panel in West Michigan, driven by documented behavioral health shortages. Detroit's large Medicaid population and significant rates of trauma, depression, and anxiety create strong LCSW demand in Wayne County's CMH network and commercial MCOs. Michigan's rural communities face LCSW shortages that create telehealth panel opportunities across all major Michigan payers.
Michigan Medical Board
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Requirements in Michigan
Estimated Timeline
Top Payers for Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Michigan LCSWs bill Medicaid independently without physician supervision?
Yes. Michigan Medicaid allows licensed clinical social workers to provide and bill for behavioral health services independently within their licensed scope of practice. The LCSW must be enrolled through MDHHS and credentialed with the patient's MCO (for standard Medicaid) or the regional CMH/PIHP (for seriously mentally ill Medicaid). No physician supervision is required for independent LCSW Medicaid billing in Michigan.
How does Michigan's DWIHN (Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network) credential LCSWs?
DWIHN is the regional PIHP for Wayne County (Detroit metro) serving Medicaid members with serious mental illness, I/DD, and SUD. LCSWs must credential directly with DWIHN to provide services to this population. DWIHN has its own credentialing application and network enrollment process separate from commercial and standard Medicaid MCO credentialing.
Are Michigan telehealth LCSW services covered by commercial payers and Medicaid?
Yes. Michigan commercial payers (BCBS MI, Aetna, Priority Health) cover telehealth behavioral health services including LCSW sessions under Michigan's telehealth parity law. Michigan Medicaid MCOs and the PIHP network also cover telehealth LCSW services. LCSWs must use correct telehealth billing codes and ensure their credentialing application includes telehealth service authorization.
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.