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

Start by calling:

 External Authorization Department at 833-392-0064 
Let them know you are already seeing a therapist at The Center for Early Childhood Connections and you are requesting authorization for an in-network external provider. Let them know you have a recommendation letter from your licensed therapist describing the care you have been recommended. .

What to expect:

 This first call is usually an intake or screening call. You will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment. That follow-up appointment is when they decide if they will give you an authorization. Even if Kaiser doesn’t specifically tell you that. It is the conversation where the authorization decision gets made.

2. Prepare for the follow up call

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. Key Things to Say:

 "My child is already receiving care at The Center for Early Childhood Connections. We have an established relationship with our provider and I am requesting authorization to continue that treatment." 

"The care being recommended is relationship-based and involves caregiver participation. I have a recommendation letter from our provider that outlines why this level of care is needed."

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

It is common for Kaiser to first offer services within their own system, including individual therapy or group-based support. If this happens, you can respond in a clear and respectful way: 

“No Thank You. I’m specifically requesting services with The Center for Early Childhood Connections, which is an in-network external provider.”

“The recommendation includes weekly caregiver-involved / dyadic / family-based therapy. Is that what you are offering?”

“My in-network external provider recommended this care can you please tell me why you are disagreeing with their recommendation?”

If Kaiser offers a group, you can ask:
“Would a group provide the same individualized, caregiver-involved support that was recommended?”

 
IF YOU ARE TOLD NO OR REDIRECTED

Ask for a written notice of the decision. You can say: “I would like this decision documented in writing.” This is your right and often prompts a supervisor to get involved.

IF YOUR PROVIDER IS NOT FOUND IN KAISER'S SYSTEM

This has happened before. Ask for a referral to Amanda Campbell LMFT, Director at CECC. The authorization will cover your provider as well.

STILL NOT MOVING? CONTACT THE STATE.

The California Department of Managed Health Care has a free help line for Kaiser members. A call takes about five minutes and gets state attention on your case.  DMHC Help Center: 1-888-466-2219

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.