ForwardHealth Enrollment for Behavioral Health Therapists

Last updated: October 9, 2026.

Start with the provider type, not a portal username

ForwardHealth’s Provider Enrollment Information page is the entry point for enrollment resources. Before applying, identify who renders services and who submits claims. Keep individual credentials, organizational billing, and clinic certification as separate decisions.

ForwardHealth Provider Enrollment Information

Individual therapist versus billing organization

The current Licensed Psychotherapist criteria require a Wisconsin DSPS license as a clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or professional counselor, plus an Entity Type 1 NPI and the applicable DHS 105.22 criteria. That category is billing and rendering. Certified Psychotherapist and trainee entries have different requirements.

ForwardHealth enrollment criteria: mental health providers

Independent practitioners can have a group path

ForwardHealth Update 2018-15 expanded independent mental health group enrollment to allow different specialties. It describes groups as billing-only, requires at least two independent mental health providers, and says rendering-only providers do not count toward that minimum. Its independent-provider list includes LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCs, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric APNPs. Check current criteria before applying.

ForwardHealth Update 2018-15: independent mental health providers

Where outpatient mental health certification fits

For outpatient mental health agencies, the criteria describe DHS 35 certification and a billing-only option when that certification requirement is not met; an allowable Medicaid rendering provider must perform the service. This is not permission for an unqualified person to render care.

ForwardHealth enrollment criteria: mental health providers

DHS DQA certification uses a separate portal

DHS directs outpatient mental health clinics applying for DHS 35 certification to the DHS DQA Provider Portal. That certification application is separate from ForwardHealth Medicaid enrollment. Read the program-specific application instructions before starting either submission.

DHS mental health treatment program certification

Build an enrollment worksheet before applying

Our preparation checklist: record the individual credential and NPI; identify the billing organization; choose the exact criteria entry; list any certification evidence; and record the approved enrollment category and effective date when received. Then handle HMO participation as its own workstream.

ForwardHealth Provider Enrollment Information

Related Wisconsin Medicaid guides

• ForwardHealth Provider Portal Login and Account Setup

• BadgerCare Plus HMOs vs ForwardHealth FFS Credentialing

• Verify Wisconsin Medicaid Eligibility in ForwardHealth EVS

• Wisconsin Medicaid Mental Health Claims in ForwardHealth

• Wisconsin Medicaid Telehealth Billing for Mental Health

• Give your biller ForwardHealth clerk access

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every solo therapist need to enroll as a DHS 35 clinic?

Do not assume that. ForwardHealth distinguishes individual mental health practitioners from outpatient mental health agencies; choose the criteria for the actual provider and service.

Does a group billing enrollment replace individual clinician qualifications?

No. Keep the billing entity and allowable rendering practitioner distinct, and verify the relevant enrollment criteria for both.

Where do I apply for outpatient mental health clinic certification?

DHS directs initial DHS 35 clinic certification applications to the DHS DQA Provider Portal, separately from Medicaid enrollment.