We’re so glad you’re considering support through The Center for Early Childhood Connections (CECC). If you have Kaiser insurance, you can request authorization to work with us as an in-network external provider by following the steps below.

1. Call Kaiser Behavioral Health to start the process

Start by calling:

• Richmond Behavioral Health: 510-307-1591
• Oakland Behavioral Health: 510-752-1075

Let them know you are seeking mental health support and would like to request authorization to work with (Your Providers name) at The Center for Early Childhood Connections (CECC) as an in-network external provider. You can also share that you have already met with your provider and they have provided a recommendation letter describing the care being requested.

What to expect:

This first call is usually an intake or screening call. In most cases, services are not approved during this call. Instead, you will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment with a Kaiser clinician. (You can request that this be via telephone or video.)

2. Attend the assessment and share your full concerns 

At the assessment, you will speak with a clinician. This is the most important step. Share what’s been going on and how it is affecting you, your child, or your family. You should let them know:

• you have already connected with CECC
• CECC has provided a recommendation letter
• the recommended care is relationship-based and involves caregiver participation

This may include support related to:

• trauma or ongoing stress
• a child’s behavior, emotions, or development
• challenges in the parent-child relationship
• family stress or relationship dynamics
• a need for Spanish-speaking or culturally responsive care

3. Request authorization for services with CECC

During or after the assessment, clearly state that you are requesting authorization to work with (Your Providers Name) at The Center for Early Childhood Connections as an in-network external provider. You can explain that CECC specializes in:

• therapy for young children and caregivers
• parent-child / dyadic therapy
• perinatal mental health
• trauma-informed care
• culturally responsive and Spanish-speaking services

If Kaiser recommends in-network care first (including groups)

Kaiser will often start with offering services within their own system, including individual therapy or group-based support. If you don't want to go in that direction here are some ways you can respond. 

• “I understand. I’m specifically requesting services with The Center for Early Childhood Connections, which is an in-network external provider.”
• “The care that was recommended is specialized and relationship-based. Is that exact type of treatment available within Kaiser?”
• “The recommendation includes caregiver-involved / dyadic / family-based therapy. Is that available?”
• “If not, I would like to move forward with authorization for CECC.”
• “I also have a recommendation letter that outlines why this level of care is needed.”

If Kaiser offers a group, you can ask:

• “Would a group provide the same individualized, caregiver-involved support that was recommended?”
• “Is there an option for family-based or parent-child therapy instead?”

If needed, follow up with the External Authorization Department

If you are having difficulty getting a clear answer, or your request is not moving forward, you can contact:

External Authorization Department at 833-392-0064  

We’re here to help

If needed, we are available to speak with Kaiser Behavioral Health to support coordination of care and the authorization process.