CMS Guidance on the Continuum of Crisis Services

SHO 25-004: Best Practices for Implementing the Continuum of Crisis Services Under Medicaid and CHIP (September 5, 2025) - Section 5124 of the CAA, 2023 directs CMS and SAMHSA to issue guidance to states on options for supporting the full continuum of crisis services in their Medicaid and CHIP programs. The guidance highlights the federal authorities and flexibilities available to states to support a range of crisis services, including 988 crisis hotlines, crisis call centers, mobile crisis teams, and crisis stabilization services.  It also describes options for coordinating and financing crisis response services through managed care programs and for coordinating Medicaid and CHIP funding with other payors and sources of federal funding.

SMD 24-001: Administrative Claiming for Behavioral Health Professionals (February 26, 2024) - Provides guidance to states on leveraging Medicaid funding to support the recruitment and retention of behavioral health professionals, including expanded claiming options for administrative costs.

SHO 23-001: Coverage and Payment of Interprofessional Consultation (January 5, 2023) - Clarifies Medicaid and CHIP policies regarding interprofessional consultations, enabling greater flexibility for providers to collaborate and improve access to specialized care.