Transdiagnostic CBT Medicaid Redesign Training

May 08, 2026

We are sharing the opportunity below with the full understanding that we do not (until we have a budget) have the actual expected implementation date for “redesign” and we believe there is still room for negotiation on exactly what the new services will look like!
Given the budgets approved in both chambers, the actual implementation is almost certain to be July 2027. 

We encourage participation in the training offered below – while the time commitment is costly, there is no fee for the training itself and the skills-set is no doubt valuable!

 

The Department of Medical Assistances Services (DMAS) and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) are currently working toward a planned redesign of the behavioral health system.  Specifically,  Item 288, XX  requires DMAS to replace Mental Health Skill Building (MHSB) and Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) with evidence-based and trauma informed services.  This project is called BH Redesign and more details can be found here. 

 

DMAS, in collaboration with DBHDS, developed a new service (Community Psychiatric Support and Treatment (CPST)) to replace MHSS and PSR. CPST (draft policies) requires providers to be trained and certified in the use of specific evidence-based programs.  

 

All licensed mental health professionals (LMHPs) who will supervise CPST and LMHPs/LMHP-types (definitions can be found here), complete assessments, and develop Individual Services Plans (ISPs) for adults are required to complete a training and credentialing process.  The DMAS deadline for all LMHPs/LMHP-types to be trained has not yet been established.  A grace period will be provided within DMAS policy to accommodate for the time it will take for providers to be trained and credentialed. The training required is in some form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), including but not limited to CBT, CBT-psychosis, dialectical behavior therapy, transdiagnostic CBT, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). To meet the requirement, the training experience must meet certain standards, including minimum number of training hours (at least 24 hours), minimum number of hours of post-training case consultation (at least 12 hours), and minimum number of case reviews completed by a model expert (at least one case review).  Clinicians who believe they may already meet these criteria are encouraged to submit materials to CEP-Va here 

 

As part of this initiative, we are excited to offer an opportunity for LMHPs and LMHP-types to be trained in a transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy (T-CBT) approach; if completed, the training will meet the state requirements for LMHP supervisors of CPST for adults.  

  

To participate in the training, clinicians must meet the following criteria: 

  

  1. DBHDS Licensed Agency Support and role within the organization: Selected LMHPs and LMHP-types must be chosen by the provider organization, and the organization will be required to provide a rank order of LMHP/LMHP-types if they submit multiple applications.  Those identified by the provider shall be one of the following:
  2. LMHPs who will supervise CPST service and unlicensed staff providing CPST.  The LMHPs may also spend time completing assessments and developing ISPs within the CPST service or
  3. LMHP-types who will complete assessments and develop ISPs within the CPST service.

 

  1. Licensure:
  2. Must hold a current, active, and unrestricted LMHP license or
  3. Be registered with the Department of Health Professions (DHP) for board approved, license-eligible supervision.

 

  1. Service Delivery:
  2. Participating LMHPs/LMHP-types shall be actively providing or supervising Medicaid reimbursed Mental Health Skill Building (H0046) or Psychosocial Rehabilitation (H2017 services at an appropriately licensed DBHDS agency or
  3. Be willing to provide such services for the duration of the training process.

 

  1. Funding:
  2. Agency is currently and accurately enrolled with DMAS to provide MHSB or PSR or
  3. Intends to become enrolled with DMAS to provide CPST and intends to pursue a CPST license from DBHDS within the next 12 calendar months.

 

  1. Commitment: The LMHP/LMHP-type commits to complete the full T-CBT training sequence including:
  2. A 32- hour live synchronous virtual training workshop;
  3. Participation in 12 follow-up consultation calls over a 6-month period;
  4. Submission of required documentation (e.g., outcome data for case, checklist of completed training activities) for fidelity and feedback purposes.

 

We have partnered with the Center for Evidence-based Partnerships (CEP-Va) to coordinate the training events. This is a unique opportunity to join a growing network of Virginia clinicians dedicated to delivering high-impact, measurement-informed care. Participants will receive access to tools, consultation support, and continuing education credits upon completion of training and participation requirements. Participants who complete all the training and consultation requirements will be eligible to attain the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy certification. 

 

T-CBT Training Dates: 

  • July 13-16, 2026
  • August 10-13, 2026 
  • September 21-24, 2026
  • October 19-22, 2026
  • November 6-9, 2026
  • December 14-17, 2026
  • January 11-14, 2027
  • February 8-11, 2027

 

The application is designed to be completed by a leader at the provider company. That leader will identify and rank-order the clinicians they would like to participate in the training. Each agency will complete only ONE application. Application is here;  https://vcupsych.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_41qyV6xOElGWGUK 

 

Applications are due by May 30, 2026. 

 

DBHDS is sponsoring 200 training slots across eight different training dates. Applications for these slots will be reviewed by DBHDS and the Center for Evidence-based Partnerships. For more details about the training, please contact Marie Petrone at CEP-Va (PetroneM@vcu.edu) 

 

Thank you for your continued commitment to improving behavioral health outcomes for Virginians. We look forward to your participation in this exciting initiative. 

 

 

Meredith Nusbaum, LPC, LSATP
Director, Mental Health Wellness and Recovery Supports

Division of Community Behavioral Health
Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
Cell: 804-402-6290

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