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HHS Announces Additional Funding for CCBHCs
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Tuesday announced through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that a new funding opportunity has been authorized for states to develop and transform Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs).
The opportunity, developed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, is being funded through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Nearly $300 million was awarded for new and existing CCBHCs in September. With Tuesday’s announcement, an additional $15 million is being earmarked for CCBHC planning, kicking off an expansion that will extend the program to all 50 states.
“With these additional funds, we’re delivering on President Biden’s commitment to strengthen mental and behavioral health for all Americans, including people living in our nation’s most vulnerable communities,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a news release. “Behavioral health is health. Period. There should be no distinction. This investment will bring us closer to that reality.”
The CCBHC program was created through the passage of the Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Act in 2014, led by Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) and Roy Blunt (R-Missouri). CCBHCs receive reimbursement through Medicaid for the full cost of services they provide at higher, more competitive rates than those community mental health centers currently receive.
CCBHCs are required to meet federal standards for the services they provide, and they are also required to get individuals into care quickly. The CCBHC model requires crisis services that are available 24/7, and the clinics must also provide routine outpatient care within 10 business days after initial contact with individuals. CCBHCs also must serve anyone who requests services, regardless of their ability to pay, place of residence, or age.
“We applaud the work Sens. Stabenow and Blunt have done for over a decade on expanding access to mental health and substance use care and thank them for their partnership,” National Council President and CEO Charles Ingoglia said in a statement emailed to media members. “We’re thrilled that our collaboration not only yielded such a successful and innovative new model for care but shaped the future of mental health and substance use care in America. CCBHCs provide expanded services for millions of people already, and soon will be able to reach millions more.
“The expansion of this program through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is transformative and will help achieve a more comprehensive and integrated mental health and substance use care system for everyone, everywhere. We encourage states to take advantage of this opportunity and apply to join the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Demonstration.”
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