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BEM 232 23 of 33 DIRECT SUPPORT SERVICES BPB 2026-009 4-1-2026

BRIDGES ELIGIBILITY MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

DHS-839, DSS Counseling Services Referral, in the Bridges appli- cation under the correspondence tab in left navigation. Counseling services cannot begin until the counselor receives the DHS 839 and the signed DHS-1555. The DHS-839 must be completed accurately and signed by a FIM before it is sent to the counselor. The case copy of the referral is stored in Bridges. Upon receipt of the DHS-839 and the DHS-1555, the counselor must contact the referring specialist to discuss the client’s circum- stances and preliminary goals and objectives. Maximum Number of Units The period of eligibility and number of counseling units must be listed. The maximum number of units is 12. An extension above the maximum must be in writing, listing the number of counseling units authorized and the dates that the service is authorized. Extensions must be signed by the referring specialist, the manager and approved by the local office director. Service Delivery Within ten working days of receipt of a written referral from MDHHS, an initial session shall occur between the counselor and the client. This initial session shall assess the client’s circumstances, developmental history, family structure, support system, physical health, employment, emotional and mental status and client’s view on presenting concern. Within ten working days of the initial session with the client, the counselor shall submit a Counseling Services Assessment and Treatment Plan Report, DHS-840, to the referring specialist. The DHS-840 should address: • Record of client sessions kept and unkept appointments. • Phone or other case contacts. • Individual and/or family assessment. • Diagnosis, identification of employment-related barriers. • Identified concerns and client strengths. • Specific objectives and time frames. The objectives listed in the treatment plan should be behaviorally based and measurable. The objectives should reflect interventions and strategies employed to achieve the overall goals of the counseling treatment. For example, a client working toward employment stability may have an overall goal of addressing anger