Behavioral Health Respite
If you have at least a high school degree and you’re passionate about supporting youth and families, there’s a place for you in this work. We’re here to help you get started and connect you to opportunities across Ohio
Pathways to Providing Respite
There are three main paths to providing respite under OhioRISE:
Recommended
Path
1. Through an Agency
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Staff are trained in behavioral health and standardized trauma-informed care practices.
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Agencies often assist with credentialing, scheduling, documentation, and compliance.
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Programs follow established policies to support quality and safety.
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Agencies typically handle Medicaid billing directly.
For most providers, partnering with a credentialed agency offers the strongest foundation, including built-in support, training, and administrative infrastructure.
Looking for respite opportunities? Click the link above, and enter “respite” in the search bar to filter current openings.
2. As an Independent Provider
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Individual is responsible for billing, documentation, and meeting training requirements.
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Must complete Medicaid credentialing independently.
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Responsibility for safety planning and emergency protocols rests primarily with the individual.
3. As a Natural Support Provider
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A natural support provider is someone the youth and family already know and trust, such as a relative, neighbor, faith community member, or other supportive adult.
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Natural Support providers work with youth who are enrolled in OhioRISE, offering consistent relationship-based care.
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These individuals can be compensated to provide behavioral health respite, as long as they do not live in the same household as the youth.
For Agencies: Join the OhioRISE Network as a Respite Provider
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Intended for behavioral health agencies with the capacity to manage clinical, administrative, and operational requirements.
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Agencies will work through a defined process that includes eligibility confirmation, training, credentialing, and contracting with Aetna.
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Once approved, agencies are equipped to deliver ongoing, high-quality behavioral health respite services to youth enrolled in OhioRISE.
Technical Assistance
Agencies and individuals interested in providing behavioral health respite can request technical assistance from the Senior Program Coordinator.
Jill Garratt
Senior Program Coordinator, Behavioral Health Services
Eligibility & Access
Behavioral health respite services may be available if a young person:
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Has significant emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs
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Is enrolled in Medicaid
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Receives service coordination through a Family and Children First Council
Know someone who may qualify? Submit a referral to help connect them to behavioral health respite services.