Statement from National Council on Announcement of 15 States Receiving Grants for CCBHC Demonstration
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 16, 2023) — National Council for Mental Wellbeing President and CEO Chuck Ingoglia today released the following statement in response to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) announcement of 15 new states chosen to receive planning grants to establish Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs).
“Today’s planning grants put us one step closer to ensuring equitable access to comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment services nationwide,” said Ingoglia. “Each state receiving a grant now has an opportunity to develop new models of mental health care that feature 24/7 crisis services, substance use care and reduced wait times.
“CCBHCs lower barriers to accessing care by allowing clinics to grow their services, which translates to quicker access, increased care and treatment and expanded partnerships with schools, hospitals and law enforcement. CCBHCs also provide a blueprint to effectively address the behavioral health workforce shortage and provides communities the resources needed to meet increased demand for mental health and substance use services.
“We are grateful to the bipartisan leadership that made this ongoing nationwide expansion a reality. We also recognize that the expansion will take time to implement, and for the dozens of states that now look to take advantage of the next round of planning grant funding, the National Council stands by as a resource. We look forward to continuing to support and promote every state’s ability to transform how people access mental health and substance use care through CCBHCs.”
Background of CCBHC Program Expansion
- The CCBHC model was originally set up in eight states through a Medicaid demonstration that launched in 2017 (two states were added in 2020).
- The planning grants will help establish critical new payment systems that give clinics the flexibility to be reimbursed for the true costs of expanding access in their communities.
- Out of the 15 new states selected to receive CCBHC planning grants, 10 will be chosen to join the CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration program starting in July 2024.
- As soon as 2024, nearly half the country (~20 states) will have established the CCBHC model.
- Every two years after 2024 (through 2032), 10 additional states will be selected by the Department of Health and Human Services to join the demonstration.
CCBHC Resources
About The National Council
Founded in 1969, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing is a membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of over 3,400 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 10 million children, adults and families they serve. We advocate for policies to ensure equitable access to high-quality services. We build the capacity of mental health and substance use treatment organizations. And we promote greater understanding of mental wellbeing as a core component of comprehensive health and health care. Through our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program, we have trained more than 3 million people in the U.S. to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
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