Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) can enroll directly in Medicare Part B and bill independently for mental health services. LCSWs were among the earliest non-physician mental health providers to gain independent Medicare status, and the scope of covered services has expanded in recent years.
Enrollment requirements
- Master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Two years (3,400 hours) of post-master’s supervised clinical experience
- State licensure at the independent practice level for clinical social work
- Type 1 NPI (individual)
- Enrollment via CMS-855I or PECOS
Covered services
Medicare Part B covers the following when provided by an enrolled LCSW:
- Individual psychotherapy (90832, 90834, 90837)
- Group psychotherapy (90853)
- Family psychotherapy (90846, 90847)
- Crisis psychotherapy (90839, 90840)
- Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation (90791)
LCSWs cannot bill for psychological or neuropsychological testing — those remain limited to licensed psychologists and physicians.
No physician supervision required
LCSWs have full independent Medicare billing authority. A physician referral is not required for Original Medicare coverage. Medicare Advantage plans vary — some require authorization or referral for mental health services regardless of provider type.
Key applications
- CMS-855I — individual enrollment
- CMS-855R — reassignment to group (if applicable)
Ask Mae if you have questions about LCSW-specific documentation, scope of covered services, or group practice enrollment.