> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.thrizer.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Become a TRICARE West-certified provider > Choose the right TRICARE West certification application, submit your non-network provider packet, and understand participation requirements. If you provide care to TRICARE beneficiaries in the West Region, you need TRICARE certification to be an authorized provider. TriWest handles the West Region's certification process. **If you have not signed a network agreement with TriWest, use its non-network provider application.** Certification and joining the network are separate processes. See [TriWest's certification and credentialing guidance](https://tricare.triwest.com/en/provider/intro-to-tricare/certification-and-credentialing/). ## Choose the right certification application 1. Open [TriWest's Non-Network Provider Applications](https://tricare.triwest.com/en/provider/resources/non-network-provider-applications/). 2. Under **Individual Provider Applications**, select the form for your provider type: * [Certified Marriage and Family Therapist](https://tricare.triwest.com/globalassets/tricare/provider/nonnetworkproviderapplications/t5-west_lmft.pdf) * [Clinical Psychologist](https://tricare.triwest.com/globalassets/tricare/provider/nonnetworkproviderapplications/t5-west_clinical_psychologist.pdf) * [Clinical Social Worker](https://tricare.triwest.com/globalassets/tricare/provider/nonnetworkproviderapplications/t5-west_clinical_social_worker.pdf) * [Mental Health Counselor (SMHC/TCMHC)](https://tricare.triwest.com/globalassets/tricare/provider/nonnetworkproviderapplications/t5-west_mental_health_counselor_10.31.24.pdf) 3. Complete the application and include the supporting documents and signatures it requires. The mental health counselor form distinguishes **Supervised Mental Health Counselors (SMHCs)**, who require physician oversight, from **TRICARE Certified Mental Health Counselors (TCMHCs)**, who qualify as independent providers. Review the requirements for the category you are applying for. For other provider types, use the matching application on TriWest's application list. ## Prepare and submit your packet Have your individual NPI, practice TIN, physical and billing addresses, group information if applicable, and the licensing, education, and clinical-experience information requested by your form ready. The forms above require a separate application for each NPI if you have more than one. Include each applicable group practice location and follow the form's signature-authorization instructions. Your information should match how claims will be filed. The four applications linked above currently direct completed packets to either: * **Fax:** 877-989-0066 * **Mail:** TRICARE West Provider Data Management, PO Box 202169, Florence, SC 29502-2169 Check the submission instructions on the form you download and keep a copy of your packet and submission confirmation. ## Participation agreements The [non-network marriage and family therapist packet](https://tricare.triwest.com/globalassets/tricare/provider/nonnetworkproviderapplications/t5-west_lmft.pdf) requires the enclosed participation agreement, plus copies of state licensure, proof of education, and documentation of supervised clinical experience. Read the agreement before signing. It requires accepting the TRICARE allowable charge as payment in full, with applicable deductibles and cost-shares, and prohibits balance billing above that amount. It also includes restrictions on billing beneficiaries for non-covered care. A participation agreement can apply even when you are **non-network**. Follow your provider type's requirements and ask TriWest about any payment or billing terms you do not understand. ## Follow up on your application Contact [TRICARE West](https://tricare.triwest.com/en/contact-tricare-west/) at **888-874-9378**, select **Provider**, and ask about your certification application. Have your NPI, TIN, and submission details available. Ask TriWest to confirm whether your application is complete, whether certification is approved, and its effective date. Keep that confirmation; a submission receipt alone is not approval. ## Network certification and credentialing If you have signed a network agreement, follow the **Network Providers** section of [TriWest's certification and credentialing page](https://tricare.triwest.com/en/provider/intro-to-tricare/certification-and-credentialing/). That route calls for the certification application, required documentation, and provider roster, with its own submission instructions. TriWest also lists separate credentialing instructions. Use the route that matches your relationship with TriWest. ## What this means for Thrizer Certification does not determine a particular client's coverage, claim approval, or reimbursement amount. Those decisions remain with TRICARE. If an approval or payer request affects a claim through Thrizer, contact Thrizer support through your signed-in account and include the approval or correspondence. Review the proposed request summary before sending it. If that option is unavailable, use **Help → Message Us**. For the other region, see [TRICARE East provider certification](/help/claims/tricare-east-provider-certification). Return to [provider registration](/help/claims/provider-registration) for other payer guides.