OHP change may require some patients to find new therapists

Coverage change reported by Street Roots

Street Roots reports that the Oregon Health Plan had covered trained but unlicensed mental health associates since 2016. The source says those associates were part of mental health support systems serving Oregon Health Plan members.

According to Street Roots, the issue affects people receiving care through the Oregon Health Plan, including low-income Oregonians who may depend on current therapy relationships and available providers.

What the Oregon Health Authority announced

Street Roots reports that, in early 2025, the Oregon Health Authority announced a change affecting newly graduated therapists serving Oregon Health Plan members. The source says the agency was supported by Gov. Tina Kotek in announcing the change.

According to Street Roots, newly graduated therapists could no longer operate independently in private practice while serving Oregon Health Plan members. The source identifies this restriction as a change from the earlier period in which the plan covered trained but unlicensed mental health associates.

Potential disruption for current patients

Street Roots says the change means many low-income Oregonians may need to find new therapists. The report describes a scramble to rebuild mental health support systems following the coverage-related change.

The source does not describe individual patient experiences, but it directly links the announced restriction on independent private practice to the possibility that Oregon Health Plan members will need to seek another therapist.

What this means for Oregon patients

For Oregon patients who may need to find treatment locally, including mental health services, it may be useful to check provider availability and coverage options. This directory lists 39 published clinics in Oregon.

This is general information, not medical advice.