The short answer
Apply for a free individual (Type 1) NPI through CMS's NPPES website and choose the taxonomy code that matches your license. Then create a CAQH ProView profile, which many insurers use for credentialing, upload your documents, authorize payers to view it, and re-attest regularly.
How do you get an NPI?
Apply online through NPPES, the federal system run by CMS. It's free. You'll create an account, enter your personal and practice information, and choose a taxonomy code. An NPI is yours for life and follows you across jobs and states.
Type 1 or Type 2?
- Type 1 is for individual providers. Every therapist who bills needs one.
- Type 2 is for organizations, such as a group practice or a PLLC that bills under its own name.
A solo therapist with an LLC or PLLC may need both. A contractor billing under someone else's organization usually needs only Type 1.
Which taxonomy code should you choose?
The one matching your license and specialty. Common ones for therapists:
| License | Common taxonomy code |
|---|---|
| Professional counselor (LPC and similar) | 101YP2500X |
| Mental health counselor (LMHC and similar) | 101YM0800X |
| Marriage and family therapist | 106H00000X |
| Clinical social worker | 1041C0700X |
| Clinical psychologist | 103TC0700X |
Confirm against the current code set when you apply, and keep it consistent with what you tell payers.
How do you set up CAQH?
CAQH ProView is a database many commercial insurers use to collect credentialing information.
- Register, or accept an invitation from a payer.
- Fill in education, licenses, work history, practice locations, and malpractice.
- Upload documents: license, malpractice face sheet, and others the system asks for.
- Authorize the payers you're applying to so they can see your profile.
- Attest that the information is accurate.
- Re-attest on schedule, and update it whenever something changes.
A lapsed attestation can stall credentialing or recredentialing, so set reminders.
Keep your NPPES record current
Update your address, taxonomy, and other details within 30 days of a change, as NPPES requires. Payers and referral sources look you up there.
How ValorWell handles this
ValorWell handles credentialing administration for its care pathways. You'll need your own individual NPI, which ValorWell uses in credentialing and billing along with your license and malpractice information. ValorWell does the processing and follow-up with credentialing entities.
Important limits
- Your NPI data is public. Use a practice address you're comfortable sharing.
- Taxonomy codes matter. A mismatch with your license can cause claim problems.
- CAQH isn't used for everything. CHAMPVA doesn't use it, and VA Community Care credentialing runs through Optum, TriWest, or VA.