Community Treatment Aide

Definition?
Community Treatment Aide (CTA) services are available to provide assistance to individuals requiring therapeutic interventions in conjunction with outpatient therapy occurring a minimum of twice weekly.    

The primary goal of CTA is to supplement outpatient mental health therapy.  Assistance in the attainment of identified goals in the client's treatment plan is the CTA's primary responsibility as well as maintaining the client in the least restrictive environment.  

The CTA facilitates team interaction between household members, alternative placement staff and/or educational professionals.  The ultimate goal of stability is enhanced by a linkage to community resources.  

For clients referred with Medicaid Managed Care, the service provision can not last longer than 90-days. 

How do I access services?  
Therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists can complete a referral form for CTA services and submit it to the Visinet, Inc. CTA Coordinator.  The supervising practitioner of a Master's level therapist must endorse the services; in addition, the master treatment plan must acknowledge a request for this level of care.  

Nebraska Health and Human Services (NHHS)/Integrated Care Coordination (ICCU) case managers are encouraged to refer for CTA services through the client's therapist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional.  However, Visinet, Inc. can assist in the referral process by the completion of a referral form or calling the CTA coordinator. 

What are the Criteria?
Individuals under the age of nineteen (19) qualify for this level of care; in rare occasions adults with Medicaid Managed Care can be approved.      

The client referred must be involved with a mental health therapist a minimum of twice weekly. 

Payment?
CTA services are funded through Nebraska Medicaid, Medicaid Managed Care, ICCU, Region funding and in some instances Child Welfare Funds can be accessed.  

Preauthorization is required and will be sought by the CTA Coordinator as long as a completed referral form containing the Mental Status Examination and a Master Treatment Plan indicating the need for CTA services is provided. 

Who do I call?
Contact the Community Treatment Aide Coordinator in the Omaha office at (402) 898-8881 and in Lincoln, Grand Island and Hastings at (402) 464-8866.