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Learn how your child can be admitted into our CLIP programs.
Our goal is to make the process of admission as easy as possible. Here’s our 3-step process below.
Contact the CLIP Liaison in your county (BH-ASO/MCO), whom will start the process for screening.
The CLIP Liaison will work with you and your family on next steps needed to complete a CLIP Application/screening.
If the local committee determines eligibility is met your child’s application and supplemental materials are sent to the CLIP Administration for determination of medical necessity by the State Certification team.
Voluntary Applications:
Voluntary applicants or their guardian(s) must be residents of the state of Washington. Applicants must be legal residents of Washington State. This criterion is met if one of the following is true: (a) Applicant is in the custody of the state of Washington or (b) Applicant is in the custody of his/her legal guardian who is a Washington State resident.
In addition, voluntary applicants must have a severe psychiatric illness that warrants intensive services in an inpatient setting.I
Involuntary Commitment (ITA):
Under Washington State’s juvenile mental health services law (RCW 71.34), adolescents aged 13-18 may be committed for up to 180 days of involuntary inpatient psychiatric treatment. Under this 180-day restrictive court order, the adolescent becomes eligible for admission to a CLIP Program. The adolescent’s name is placed on the statewide waiting list as of the date of the 180-day Restrictive ITA order.
In accordance with the CLIP/BHO/MCO Agreements, the BHO or MCO must review any voluntary CLIP application. (cite code)
Voluntary applicants or their legal guardian(s) must be residents of the state of Washington. Applicants must be legal residents of Washington State. This criterion is met if one of the following is true: (a) Applicant is in the custody of the state of Washington or (b) Applicant is in the custody of his/her legal guardian who is a Washington State resident.
In addition, voluntary applicants must have a severe psychiatric illness that warrants intensive services in an inpatient setting.
The BHO/MCO refers children to the CLIP Administration only after consideration and approval of the application at the local level. Application requirements are comprehensive and include records that document the child’s inpatient and outpatient treatment, any out-of- home placements, school history and any other services the child may have received.
The CLIP Administration compiles a written summary that is submitted to the CLIP Certification Team for review. Based on the materials provided, the CLIP Certification Team determines whether an individual applicant meets Medicaid medical necessity criteria. If the CLIP Certification Team approves the application, the child’s name is placed on the statewide waiting list until a bed becomes available at the most appropriate CLIP Program.
Under Washington State’s juvenile mental health services law (RCW 71.34), adolescents aged 13-18 may be committed for up to 180 days of involuntary inpatient psychiatric treatment. Under this 180-day restrictive court order, the adolescent becomes eligible for admission to a CLIP Program. The adolescent’s name is placed on the statewide waiting list as of the date of the 180-day Restrictive ITA order.
The CLIP Administration’s Placement Team is legally authorized to assign committed adolescents to the CLIP Programs. The assignment is based on preferences expressed by family members, community team members and by professionals directly involved in the adolescent’s care. The location of the adolescent’s supports and the availability of beds within the CLIP Programs also influence the assignment. Once admitted to a CLIP Program, the adolescent may agree at any time to remain as a voluntary patient.
Find your local BHO/MCO who will help get you started with the referral process.
A CLIP admission is not available as a crisis service. Nor are children admitted to a CLIP Program solely because they need a safely live. A stay in a CLIP Program is a treatment episode that is planned in a collaborative way based upon the strengths and needs of the individual child and his/her family.