Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH)/Mental Hygiene Administration (MHA) pay for behavioral health services. These services must be authorized. This means that your provider needs to get approval from ValueOptions^® of Maryland before giving you certain services. Maryland’s Public Mental Health System has defined these services. For each of the following, medical necessity must be found for first stay requests. It is also needed for ongoing stay requests.

• Inpatient Psychiatric Care
• Psychiatric day treatment (partial hospitalization)
• Residential Treatment
• Respite
• Outpatient mental health clinic
• Individual mental health practitioner services
• Psychiatric Rehabilitation
• Residential Rehabilitation
• Mobile Treatment Services
• Supported Living Services
• Supported Employment and vocational services
• Case Management Services
• Residential Crisis Services

Here is how it works:

1. ValueOptions^® of Maryland or your local Core Service Agency (CSA) can help you find a provider.
   
   
2. The provider you select will request authorization for services for you.
   
   
3. ValueOptions^® of Maryland staff confirms that the request is based on your goals and needs. Our staff will also confirm that you were involved in the decision. We also ensure that the services requested meets medical necessity.
   
   
4. In most cases, ValueOptions^® of Maryland authorizes the services to be provided.  
   
   
5. If not, ValueOptions^® of Maryland will work with you and your provider to find a service that better meets your goals and needs. 
   
   
6. You and/or your provider can ask questions or complain. You and/or your provider can also file an appeal if your needs are not met. The goal is not to deny service, but to work together to find the best fit with your care.