Navigating the landscape of Medicare and Medicaid credentialing is a primary hurdle for modern behavioral health practices. With recent updates in 2025 and 2026, the process has shifted toward a "digital-first" model, emphasizing precision and automated compliance. For therapists, counselors, and psychiatric providers, understanding these requirements is the difference between a thriving practice and months of unpaid claims. 1. The Foundation: Medicare Credentialing for Behav