Therapist offering emotional support to a teenage patient during a mental health counseling session in a clinic.

If you’re stepping into mental health care — whether as a psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, counselor, or running a group practice — one of the first (and most important) hurdles you’ll face is credentialing.

It’s the gate you must walk through to get recognized by insurance companies, join their networks, and start seeing clients who want to use their insurance benefits.

Without credentialing, you may find yourself limited to self-pay patients, which can make it more challenging to grow your practice and reach those who need your help the most.

Credentialing is proof to insurers that you’re qualified, trustworthy, and ready to deliver care. 

It can feel overwhelming at first.

With all the forms, verifications, and back-and-forth, but once you understand the process, it’s entirely manageable.

In this guide, you will learn what credentialing is, why it matters, who needs it, how it works, and how to avoid common mistakes.

What is Mental Health Credentialing?

Mental health credentialing is the process of obtaining verification and approval from insurance companies (or payers) to become an in-network provider.

It involves an official background check, verification of your qualifications, and enrollment into a payer’s network.

It ensures that you:

  • Meet the payer’s standards
  • Hold valid licenses and certifications
  • Have a clean, professional, and malpractice-free history
  • Are authorized to provide care under their reimbursement policies

Once credentialed, your services are covered (fully or partially) by the insurance plans you’re enrolled with, making you more accessible to clients and significantly increasing your referral base.

Why Mental Health Providers Must Be In-Network

If you’re a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or running a behavioral health practice, you might wonder:

Do I need to be in-network with insurance companies?

Here’s why the answer is almost always yes — or at least, why it’s worth serious consideration.

Most Clients Want to Use Insurance

The primary objective of providers is to maximize revenue collection. Many clients can’t afford out-of-pocket rates.

According to the APA, about 70–75% of people prefer providers who accept their insurance.
If you’re not in-network, you could lose a big share of potential clients right from the start.

As a result, you lose money. However, credentialing mitigates this risk of revenue loss. 

You Build Trust Faster

Being listed on insurance panels (like UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna, or Blue Cross Blue Shield) signals legitimacy.

Clients often search their insurance provider directories to find a counselor or psychiatrist.

When they see you there, it reassures them you’re qualified and vetted.

You Get More Referrals

Doctors, hospitals, and even schools often refer patients to in-network providers. 

Because it’s easier and more affordable for patients.

If you’re in-network, you open yourself up to those steady referral streams.

You Stay Competitive

Mental health is a competitive field.

If others in your area are in-network and you’re not, they’re likely to fill their schedules faster.

Being in-network keeps you competitive and increases your visibility.

You Support Your Community

By accepting insurance, you make mental health care more accessible to a broader range of people.
You’re not just running a business — you’re helping close the gap in mental health access.

Who Needs Credentialing in Mental Health?

If you plan to bill insurance, you will need to undergo credentialing.

The mental health providers who usually go through credentialing include: 

  • Psychiatrists (MDs/DOs)
  • Psychologists (PhDs, PsyDs)
  • Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)
  • Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFTs)
  • Behavioral health group practices
  • Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs)
  • Substance abuse & addiction counselors (CADC, LCDC)
  • Community mental health centers

Even if you’re joining a group practice, sometimes you still need to be credentialed individually.

How Does the Credentialing Process Work?

Here’s the step-by-step credentialing process:

Preparation

Before you apply, get organized. Make sure your license is current and in good standing.

Gather all the key documents you’ll need:

  • NPI (National Provider Identifier)
  • CAQH profile (we’ll cover this next — it’s critical)
  • State licenses and certifications
  • Malpractice insurance certificate
  • Education transcripts and diplomas
  • Updated work history and professional references

CAQH Profile

Most insurers rely on the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH) to verify your credentials.

  • Create or log in to your CAQH account at proview.caqh.org.
  • Upload your documents and complete your profile.
  • Verify the accuracy of the information and ensure it remains up to date every few months.

This profile serves as your digital resume for insurance payers — they’ll review it every time.

Application Submission

Next, you or your credentialing specialist will apply to the insurance companies you want to join.
Some ordinary payers include:

  • Aetna
  • Anthem / Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • UnitedHealthcare / Optum
  • Medicare and Medicaid (if you qualify)

Each payer has its own forms and processes, so stay organized and track your applications accordingly.

Verification

Here’s where the payers take over.

They review and verify your credentials — education, license, malpractice history, and work experience.

This step can take anywhere from 45 to 120 days, depending on the payer and your state.

Don’t hesitate to follow up every couple of weeks to check on your status.

Contracting

Once they verify your information, the payer will send you a contract.

This includes your reimbursement rates, billing policies, and your responsibilities as a provider.

Take your time here — read the contract carefully before signing.

You can sometimes negotiate rates or terms, especially if you have experience or a niche specialty.

Panel Approval

After you sign and return the contract, you’re officially in-network!

The payer will send you:

  • A welcome letter
  • Your provider ID number
  • Instructions for submitting claims

You’re now listed in their directory, and clients can start finding you through their insurance plans.

How Long Does Mental Health Credentialing Take?

One of the most common questions mental health providers ask is:

How long will it take to get credentialed?”

Here’s what you can realistically expect:

Average Timelines for Mental Health Credentialing

  • Individual providers (such as therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists): approximately 60–90 days.
  • Group practices or clinics: typically longer, ranging from 90 to 120 days, as multiple providers and a group entity are being verified.

These timelines can vary depending on the payer, your state, and your level of preparedness.

What Can Delay the Process?

Several common issues can slow things down for the medical credentialing process:

  • Incomplete or inaccurate applications
  • Outdated or unattested CAQH profile
  • Malpractice claims or licensing problems
  • Payer panel closure (when the insurer isn’t accepting new providers in your specialty or area)

For example:

If your CAQH profile hasn’t been updated or attested in months, the payer may put your application on hold. 

Alternatively, if a panel is already full for LCSWs in your city, you may need to wait until it reopens.

It’s crucial to plan ahead and not wait until you’re ready to see patients to start the process.

Tips for Group Practices and Behavioral Health Clinics

If you’re credentialing a group practice, the process involves both the individual providers and the entity itself.

  • Ensure the group has its Tax ID and NPI-2 (the organization’s NPI).
  • List all providers accurately in the group roster.
  • Some payers require the group contract first, then credential individual members.

This is particularly important for mental health agencies, clinics, and multi-provider therapy practices.

DIY vs. Hiring a Credentialing Service

Some providers handle credentialing themselves, while others hire medical credentialing experts.
Here’s a quick comparison:

FactorDIYCredentialing Service
Time CommitmentHighLow
Risk of ErrorsHigherLower
CostJust your time$300–$500 per payer (on average)
Knowledge NeededA lotHandled for you

If you’re a solo provider and very organized, you can do it yourself. However, if you’re managing a busy practice, outsourcing can often save time and avoid costly mistakes.

Best Practices for Successful Credentialing

Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you get credentialed faster and with fewer hiccups:

Keep Your CAQH Profile Updated

Your CAQH profile is the backbone of the process.

Log in regularly to update your information and attest to its accuracy every 90 days (or sooner if anything changes).

Even one outdated document can hold up your application.

Start Early

Don’t wait until you’re ready to see patients.

Begin credentialing 3–6 months before opening your practice or joining a group.

This gives you time to handle delays and still launch on schedule.

Follow Up Regularly

Insurance companies handle thousands of applications.

Check in with them every 2–3 weeks to ensure your application is progressing.

A quick phone call or email can keep you on their radar and catch any missing pieces early.

Stay Organized

Keep a folder (digital and/or physical) with all your documents, emails, and submission receipts.

This makes it easy to resend any information and track your progress.

Review Contracts Carefully

When you receive a contract, take the time to review it carefully.

Read the details — especially reimbursement rates, billing requirements, and termination clauses.

If the rates seem low, you can sometimes negotiate better terms, especially if you bring experience or a niche specialty.

Consider working with a specialist or service

 if you’re short on time or managing multiple payers. 

Outsource to credentialing experts or services.

Their expertise can save you headaches and prevent costly mistakes.

Final Words

Whether you’re a psychologist opening a private practice, a therapist joining a group, or a behavioral health clinic expanding your team, credentialing is a crucial first step.

It can be time-consuming and even confusing.

But it’s worth the effort. Credentialing opens the door to more clients, greater visibility, and sustainable growth. 

Most importantly, it helps make mental health care more accessible to those who need it most.

You don’t have to do it alone.

Let ANR Billing Help You Get Credentialed Faster

Don’t let credentialing slow you down. With ANR Medical Billing’s expert team on your side, you can get credentialed faster, avoid costly mistakes, and focus on building your practice.

At ANR Medical Billing, we specialize in mental health credentialing and contracting for providers just like you — therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and behavioral health practices.

Our team handles all the paperwork, follows up with payers, keeps your CAQH updated, and negotiates contracts — so you can focus on your patients, not the process.

  • Fast, accurate applications
  • Personalized support
  • Experience with all major payers
  • Competitive rates and no hidden fees

Ready to get credentialed the right way?

Talk to Our Credentialing Expert Now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to be credentialed if I only want to accept cash-pay clients?

No — credentialing is only required if you plan to accept insurance. However, keep in mind that most clients prefer to use their insurance, so being in-network can help you grow more quickly.

Can I apply to multiple insurance companies simultaneously?

Yes — and you should! You can submit applications to as many payers as you want, which saves time and increases your reach.

 What happens if my application gets denied?

If you’re denied, the payer typically explains the reason. Often, it’s due to a closed panel or missing documentation. ANR Billing can help you appeal or reapply correctly.

How often do I need to re-credential?

Typically every 2–3 years. You’ll need to update your CAQH and confirm your information with each payer to stay in-network.

Can ANR Billing assist me if I have already initiated the process myself?

Absolutely. Even if you’re midway through, our team can step in, correct errors, follow up with payers, and guide you to completion.

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