OUR PLEDGE TO YOU

w do I know if this is a good opportunity for ME?

This opportunity is great for someone who:

• has a full-time job & wants some contract work on the side, or
• wants to be 100% independent as a full-time contracted therapist, or
• is already in a private practice and wants to contract elsewhere too, or
• is unhappy where they work now and wants to try something new.

What are you looking for?

1. Therapists to see cases for counseling.
2. PSR Specialists to see cases for PSR services (see our homepage for details).
3. Case Managers to see cases for case management services.

* We love Telehealth... and we realized that gas is approx. $4.59 per gallon... but... in order to contract with us and receive cases (unless the case specifically asks for Telehealth services), you must be willing to do in-person sessions (in-home, in-school, in-a-local-setting), at least 1 time per month. The rest of the time you can do telehealth, but we ask that at least 1 time per month, you see the client in-person.

-- If you are willing to to ALL in-person sessions (not telehealth), you will have your pick of clients, since there are A LOT of clients and potential clients who need to be seen in-person!

-- If you joining us and bringing-in your own, self-referred cases, then you can do whatever method you want.

-- This may not apply 100% to Case Managers, since your duties are different.

What are the requirements?

1. Must be someone who has self-discipline, can follow deadlines, and is responsible.
2. Must have a Masters Degree in Counseling or Psychology (for Case Managers see below) - PSR Specialists must have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology or related field, and work experience with the mental health population.
3. For Therapists - Must be a Registered Intern or in the process of becoming one* in the next 90 days after joining us, or be Florida licensed (LMHC, LCSW, LMFT)
4. Must have access to a cell phone, computer, and if doing telehealth, a private space to see your clients remotely.

What if I have my Masters but I'm not a Registered Intern yet?

* If you are not yet a RI, you can get the info here at the Florida Board of Mental Health Counseling. 

What if my Masters is not in counseling or psychology?

Then we ask that you go through the Register Intern registration with the State of Florida FIRST. If your Masters is not in counseling, you may be asked to take more courses, and such thing cannot be completed in 90 days. Therefore, it is imperative that you FIRST find out IF you can become a Register Intern, so that you don't waste your time.

Do you provide Supervision?

We do not provide supervision for licensure (for your hours). We have a few qualified supervisors, but they are all full and cannot accept any cases. If you need to have a Qualified Supervisor to become a registered intern, we recommend looking in psychology today, or emailing the Board to see if they have a list of people.

What if I am a Case Manager, any special requirements?

You must have a Bachelor's degree in any field, plus at least 1 year of experience working with the mental health population - which MUST be documented in your resume and WILL be checked-upon to verify it.

Can I self-refer cases and build my own caseload?

@ For Therapists - You may either wait for cases to be assigned to you, OR you can self-refer. As a matter of fact, we have a lot of clinicians that did just this. And in the process, they get to build their own type of caseload that they like. Or you can choose a combination of both options (self-referrals and assignments).

@ For Case Managers - Currently, we get TCM-referrals in the Orange/Seminole area. If you are applying in the Orange/Seminole area, we might be able to get you clients, although it is never a guarantee. If you are a TCM wanting to work with us outside of Orange/Seminole (meaning, anywhere else in the state of Florida), we welcome you! But in order to build a caseload, please note that you will need to self-market your services in your local community and self-refer clients. Maybe you are working at another agency and you want to switch things up. Or you are good or have lots of community contacts that can give you referrals; this can be a great opportunity!
 

What if I choose self-referrals... can you give me some guidance?

We will provide you with business cards and marketing brochures, and if you need more, we will provide you with the templates to print business cards, brochures, rack cards, on your own too. Some clinicians already have community contacts who can refer clients to them, if you don't, you can always approach daycares, retirement homes, schools, community centers (like YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, etc.), and doctor's offices. Some therapists found success in advertising on psychology today as well.

How many cases will I be assigned?

That's not an easy answer. Although we get referrals each week, the number of referrals may vary greatly. If you are only interested in us assigning you cases, then it takes time to build a full time caseload, please remember that. After your HR process is done, you get to tell our Office Managers how many cases you want. Then we will work towards getting you to that number.

Am I required to have a specific number of cases?

No. We have staff with 1 case per week. Others with 45 cases per week. Case Managers have caps that are required by Medicaid.
 

Can I do this if I have another full time job?

Yes. We have 70% of our clinicians who do this part-time, 30% full-time.

Can I do this if I only want to work weekends?

Yes. You would just tell client you are available weekends.

Is there a specific therapy modality I have to use?

No.

What about scheduling clients, how does that work?

You keep your own schedule of when you work, meaning you arrange the session times with your clients. It is between you and the client.

Do my Registered Intern hours count?

Yes. Registered Interns are allowed to provide services anywhere (school, community, homes) without a licensed person in the same setting, this is per the FL Board and AHCA, only to apply to Community Mental Health Agencies. (This would not apply to private practices). I have been doing this since 1998, and no Registered Intern has ever said that their hours did not count towards their licensure.

• Hours - Two (2) years of post-master’s supervised experience under the supervision of a licensed supervisor. These hours must be documented on the Verification of Clinical Experience Form. The supervision experience must have consisted of: At least 100 hours of supervision in no less than 100 weeks; 1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy with clients; and, 1 hour of supervision every two weeks.

I don't want to work with adults.

That's fine. When you come on board, we'll ask you what type of clients you prefer to work with, if any, so that we know.

What about previous staff, what do they say about you?

You can look in Indeed or below for some reviews.

Can you tell me more about the company?
Our Central Division (Orange, Osceola, Seminole) was started in 2010, serving Central Florida areas. Our goal has always been to form a great agency for clinicians and case managers to practice the profession we love. We provide individual and family therapy in homes and in schools. We also have two psychiatric APRNs who operate from our Maitland office. Throughout the years, we have serviced 5000+ clients, and helped many families along the way in the Central Florida area. 

Our Coastal Division (Everywhere else) was started in 2015, serving Southern and Northern Florida areas as a small group of 3 counselors. In the recent years, we've decided to expand and open our doors to additional mental health counselors who want to help Medicaid clients and work independently without the ever-expanding rules and regulations of large agencies. We also provide individual and family therapy in homes and in schools.
 

Am I an employee or independent contractor?

As a practitioner in our agency or company, you will be an independent contractor, but even though you will have no "Clinical Supervisor", you can always count on help and feedback when you need it. You are never alone out there in the field. You make your own hours. You make your own schedule. You control how many cases you carry, etc. 

You are not an "employee" (this not a full time "employment" position or vacancy)... it is 1099 Independent Contractor position; it is like being independent, without the overhead and billing and other nightmares. This opportunity is perfect if you want to complement your income while having a full time job.... or if you want to build a case load and do this full time... your choice.

90% of the therapists that contract with us, do this on a part time basis while having other full time jobs. This is an amazing opportunity to make some extra income while doing what you love!

What about micromanaging?

We will not micromanage you. But we will expect you to write a Medicaid compliant note, follow documentation guidelines, contact your clients when supposed to, etc. 

What are the expectations as far as communicating with Lukas Co?

Communication with us and the clients is a MUST. For example, being assigned a client and not contacting them for 3 weeks is completely unacceptable and unprofessional.  

When we assign you a new client, you MUST contact them within 48 hours, no exceptions (put yourself in the client's shoes -you would not like for someone to wait 7, 14, 20 days to reach out to you for services! - - We take this very seriously, and we have let-go several counselors in the past for failure to do this). 

What are the expectations as far as documentation?

You can see what our progress note looks like 1st paragraph of this page. Same expectations go for writing a progress note. If you write one that is 1 sentence long, or you continue to ignore our Medicaid standards, those are things we cannot tolerate. (if you tend to behave that way, please do not apply).

What are the general expectations?

1. Perform counseling sessions in-home, in-school (as allowed), or via Telehealth (or TCM sessions for case managers - or intakes for licensed intake specialists).
2. Submit documentation (e.g. progress notes etc..) on a timely manner.
3. Complete all notes in a Medicaid-compliant manner according to our simple instructions.
4. Maintain regular communication with our office.
5. Keep track of deadlines (we suggest you keep everything organized on a spreadsheet so you know when everything is due, we can give you a template)

Can I do just telehealth?

Our code model is based on home-therapy, meaning going to client's homes and schools. With Telehealth rules relaxed, we can also use this method (not sure when or how long the rules will stay like this). If you are not comfortable with home visits, we help you through it and give you suggestions. But this is something you have to decide yourself.

• Some therapists get creative. For example... they bring their own patio chairs, umbrella in their cars, to sit with the client outside the home/apartment. Some use a community setting (a private table at a local restaurant, park etc). Always use caution and common sense, and lately you should use masks and hand sanitizers when seeing clients.

Telehealth may be used if both you and the client agree to. We prefer you use Doxy.me since it is free to use and HIPAA compliant.

What if I have clinical questions?

If you live in Central Florida, you can touch base with Jacy who is our Clinical Director in that area. If you live in Northern Florida, you can touch base with Molly who is our Clinical Director in that area. Everywhere else you can reach Max. If you are a Registered Intern, you can (and you SHOULD) also consult your Supervisor for licensure and discuss clinical topics with him/her (with an appropriate Release of Information signed by the client of course).

Do I need liability insurance?

You must have professional liability insurance (if you don't currently have any, we recommend www.cphins.com as a possibility) within 30 days of signing your contract.

What about background checks?

If you are already cleared by AHCA as far as background checks, we'll be able to look it up in their system, otherwise you might have to be fingerprinted for clearance. You must pass a Level-2 background check. If you have experience in the field, we might be able to look up your screening in ACHA's portal. But if you are new to the field, or your prints are about to expire, you will need to get those done before seeing clients. If you have to get fingerprinted, you'll have to pay for the $45.00 prints - but remember, you'll be able to use those for any employment while they're valid (not just for us).

Do I have to do the Local Background Check Form if I already have a Level-2

Yes! They are completely different things. 

What if my Level-2 was for something else other than Medicaid?

We don't know if that will count. When you submit your HR paperwork and we look you up, Medicaid will tell us if you are eligible or not.

What if my Sheriff's office takes a long time in getting my local background check form back to me.... can I still complete the rest?

Yes, just click on the form where it says No, that you don't have the form yet, and that you will email it to Max later on (see the application). 

What if I live in Alabama, or somewhere outside of Florida?

Then please wait to apply until you reside in FL. Even though we use telehealth, we cannot contract with you if you reside out of state. Please know that lying about this will not only cause termination of your contract with us, but also possible criminal charges from the State and Federal government.

Okay. What about payments?

Medicaid Rates

For a 60 min Therapy session (therapists):

@ Counselors - Registered Intern - $36.00
@ Counselors - Licensed - $38.00

+$3.00 add to the rate, if 

     - the case is self-referred by you,*

     - the case is an OCPS (Orange County Schools Case),* or

     - the case is seen IN-PERSON (not telehealth) (Starting in 2022)*.   

    * not applicable to Clinical Managers or other therapists who have been grandfathered-in who have higher rates.

For 60 min TCM session (Case Managers):

@ Case Managers - $25.00

+$2.00 add to the rate, if self referring cases - not applicable to Clinical Managers or other therapists who have been grandfathered-in who have higher rates.

We also pay a flat rate for other non-frequent services (biopsychosocials; CFARS, Treatment Reviews) - 50% of Insurance Payment.

When do I Get Paid?

Your note (or claim) must pass these 4 requirements in order to be payable to you. In order to be payable, your note: 

• (a) must be Medicaid-compliant (e.g. did you follow our instructions on how to write a progress note that Medicaid will find acceptable?).

• (b) must have an online verification form completed (this lets the client or parent "verify" that you held the session, and it covers everyone in case there's ever a dispute).

• (c) must have an updated consent form and treatment plan review form on file for that client (an expired consent = not billable; an expired treatment plan = not billable; that's why you MUST keep up with these deadlines).

• (d) has to be paid by the insurance company* (therefore it is important that you keep up with authorization dates, how many units you have left, if the client is active that month, etc., so that you don't give the insurance company an excuse not to pay the claim). * Most insurance companies pay claims within 7-15 days on average (this of course, can vary, depending if there is an issue with the claim). Please note - even though our official policy is that you get paid when the claim is paid by the insurance, if you do work/see 15 clients per week, then for most of your notes (pending rare exceptions) that policy is waived, and you will get paid a bit faster even before the insurance pays us.

How can I track everything?

Every Wednesday, we pull a report with all the notes (or claims) that were paid by the insurance company during the past week. Then, we match those notes or claims to the clinician, so we know who to pay. We also verify that points (a), (b), and (c) above are met. 

The report we send each week will have:

• Notes to be paid this week
• Notes pending
• Notes already paid
• Your caseload
• Your deadlines for each case
• A list of your past payments

How Much Money can I Earn?

Nobody got into this industry to make money, however, it is important to know about compensation.

Let's pretend your rate is $36.00, and you have 20 clients (5 of them are self-referred). This is merely an example, you can manipulate the numbers to fit your own situation.

$36.00 x 15 sessions = $540.00 per week +

$39.00 x   5 sessions = $195.00 per week = Total $735.00 per week

Of course, not all notes/claims will be paid by the insurance company at the same time (e.g. your weekly checks will always vary), but this will give you an idea.

First

Download the following 2 documents (they're on 1 file called "Affidavit & Local"), print them, and sign/complete them.

(1) Affidavit of Good Moral Character - Have it notarized at your bank (probably free) or UPS Store (approx $8)

(2) Local Background Check (or Records Search) - Take this form - download below -, to the Sheriff's office in the county where you live, and have them run a local check on you. This usually involves $5-10 in cash, beware. - With COVID-19, some Sheriff's offices require doing it online, please check in your county - if that's the case, you MAY send-in all of the other documents below, and THEN email us the local background screen (simply attach a blank document in the form below).

When you have both completed, scan them to your computer. You will need to upload them later on. If you don't know how to scan something back into your computer, we suggest you download an app on your smartphone that lets you scan to PDF. There are many options.

Then...

We need you to gather the following documents: 

@ IF YOU ARE LICENSED - If you have an NPI, get an NPI printout from this site: https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/ (see PDF below for more info). See page 4 or 5 if you've never had one before, you will be required to have one eventually, so you might as well get one now.

@ For Therapists - College diploma (with conferred degree) or transcripts

@ For Case Managers - College diploma (with conferred degree) AND transcripts

@ For Licensed or Registered Intern Therapists - License (LMHC, LMFT, LCSW, Reg interns) - copy of license (okay) OR printout from the Board's site (preferred).

@ For Registered Interns - You will need the phone number, email, and name of your Qualified Supervisor when you fill out the forms. If you don't yet have one, that's okay, leave blank, but make sure you get one within 90 days.

@ Any specialty Certifications, if applicable (TCM, CAP, CANS, play therapy, sex therapy, etc.)

@ Copy of driver’s license (current & valid)

@ Proof of auto insurance (current & valid)

@ Proof of professional liability insurance (now or within 30 days of hire date) - some options are www.cphins.com or www.hpso.com

@ FARS and CFARS certificates (if you do not have FARS/CFARS numbers, please take the trainings here: http://outcomes.fmhi.usf.edu/ and submit your certificates) - WE NEED BOTH!

@ Two (2) reference letters or forms. Please note these must be forms or letters of recommendations, not simply emails of references. There is a PDF below to download in case you need one.

@ If you are planning on having cases in Orange/Osceola/Seminole - Training Certificates for DCF General Information courses. These you must turn in within 30 days of starting! Certificates are only valid for one year and all contractors are required to renew every July. If you have certificates from another employer, we will accept them if they were completed AFTER July 1st. 

http://www.myflfamilies.com/general-information/dcf-training

• Service Delivery for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing - Modules 1-3
• HIPAA
• Security Awareness

http://www3.fl-dcf.org/RCAAN/

• Identifying and Reporting Abuse and Neglect