Behavioral Health Respite: Provider Pathways

• Staff are trained in behavioral health and standardized trauma-informed care practices.
• Agencies often assist with credentialing, scheduling, documentation, and compliance.
• Programs follow established policies to support quality and safety.
• Agencies typically handle Medicaid billing directly.

For most providers, partnering with a credentialed agency offers the strongest foundation, including built-in support, training, and administrative infrastructure.

• Individual is responsible for billing, documentation, and meeting training requirements.
• Must complete Medicaid credentialing independently.
• Responsibility for safety planning and emergency protocols rests primarily with the individual.

• A natural support provider is someone the youth and family already know and trust, such as a relative, neighbor, faith community member, or other supportive adult.
• Natural Support providers work with youth who are enrolled in OhioRISE, offering consistent relationship-based care.
• These individuals can be compensated to provide behavioral health respite, as long as they do not live in the same household as the youth.

• Intended for behavioral health agencies with the capacity to manage clinical, administrative, and operational requirements.
• Agencies will work through a defined process that includes eligibility confirmation, training, credentialing, and contracting with Aetna.
• Once approved, agencies are equipped to deliver ongoing, high-quality behavioral health/respite services to youth enrolled in OhioRISE.