Why Does This Matter?
Throughout the process of becoming a fully licensed clinical social worker. A MSW graduate has to undergo 2 years or 4,000 hours of supervised clinical work in which they practice under a fully licensed clinical masters level social worker (LMSW) including weekly supervision and consultation. This allows them to narrow in their skills as well as engage in training and reflective supervision to continue their career as competent, adequate, and well trained Masters Level Social Workers.
Here at Mitten Mental Health we prioritize and value the importance of growing the career of social work and bring on MSW interns as well as Limited License Masters Social Workers. Deepening a commitment to the profession and field for social work, keeping our seasoned clinicians connected to the next generation for clinicians - encouraging learning and growth for both.
Blue Cross making this change removes the ability for LLMSW's to treat clients with these plans.
The Basic Outline & Action Steps
We recently learned that beginning March 1, 2027, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plans to stop reimbursing therapy services provided by Limited License professionals, including LLMSWs (Limited Licensed Master's Social Workers), LLPCs (Limited Licensed Professional Counselors), LMFTs, and Temporary Licensed Psychologists.
Currently, LLMSW's can see BCBS clients as long as their supervisor signs off on their notes, and they are having at least an hour of weekly supervision.
For those unfamiliar with the process, these professionals have already earned their master's degrees and provide therapy under ongoing supervision. Again, they must complete 4,000 supervised clinical hours before becoming fully licensed and eligible to sit for their licensing exams. This stage of professional development is critical to building the future mental health workforce.
This change could have significant consequences:
-
Fewer mental health professionals entering and remaining in the field.
-
Reduced opportunities for clinicians to gain the supervised experience required for full licensure.
-
Greater difficulty for counseling practices to hire and retain developing clinicians.
-
Longer wait times and fewer therapy options for individuals and families with BCBS insurance.
As you may know, navigating insurance requirements has become increasingly difficult for both providers and clients. Changes like this only add more barriers to accessing mental health care.
If you, or a loved one, currently receive services from an LLMSW, LLPC, LMFT, or Temporary Licensed Psychologist this change may directly impact you.
Please consider sharing this information with:
Mental health care is already difficult enough to access. We need policies that expand access to care, not reduce it.
[Date]
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
600 E. Lafayette Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48226
Dear Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Leadership,
I am writing as a Blue Cross Blue Shield member and mental health patient (or family member of a patient) to express concern regarding changes that may affect coverage for services provided by LLMSWs and LLPCs.
Mental health treatment depends on trust, continuity, and consistent access to care. Many patients have established therapeutic relationships with limited-license clinicians who work under professional supervision and provide high-quality care.
If reimbursement for these services is reduced or eliminated, patients may be forced to change providers, experience delays in treatment, or lose access to care altogether. In many areas of Michigan, finding a new mental health provider can already involve long wait times.
My own experience has shown the importance of timely and accessible mental health services. Policies that reduce the availability of qualified clinicians may create additional barriers for individuals seeking help.
I respectfully ask Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to reconsider this policy and prioritize patient access to behavioral health care.
Thank you for your attention to this issue.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[City, Michigan]
[Optional Member Information]
A Letter for BCBS
A Letter for HR Departments, Elected Officials, Representatives, etc.
Help BCBSM PPO Clients Understand and Advocate Against Change
I obtained your email address directly from the State of Michigan.
BCBSM announced in June 2026 that it would no longer cover services when treatment is provided by Counselors, Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Psychologists who have graduated and are working toward independent licensure via “incident-to” billing in private practice settings.
I’m writing to share a video that:
-
Describes what is occurring with BCBSM PPO clients and the upcoming restrictions on working with you if you work in a private practice setting.
-
Clearly identifies that there are other avenues BCBSM PPO could take to address the “problem” it has created.
-
Shows BCBSM PPO subscribers (and others) 6 advocacy steps that they need to take immediately to block this change.
-
Identifies that BCBSM treating PPO subscribers the same as HMO is a breach of contract.
You can access the video at https://youtu.be/-2cs6xW85eg
You can also get to the video at https://www.youtube.com/ and search for "Advocate to keep your current BCBSM PPO Counselor".
I respectfully ask and urge you to support Limited Licensed experience and treatment. Encoura Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to reconsider this policy and prioritize patient access to behavioral health care.
Thank you for your attention to this issue.
Sincerely,
[Name]
[City, Michigan]
[Optional Member Information]
Watch this video to understand:
-
What is occurring with BCBSM PPO clients and the upcoming restrictions on working with you if you work in a private practice setting.
-
Clearly identifies that there are other avenues BCBSM PPO could take to address the “problem” it has created.
-
Shows BCBSM PPO subscribers (and others) 6 advocacy steps that they need to take immediately to block this change.
-
Identifies that BCBSM treating PPO subscribers the same as HMO is a breach of contract.
More Than The Nuts & Bolts
Detailed Information
