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CCBHC legislation will improve mental health and substance use treatment across the country
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 9, 2025) — The National Council for Mental Wellbeing today applauded the introduction of the bipartisan Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act, which will expand access to lifesaving care at Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) across the country.
The CCBHC model has proven to expand the scope of mental health and substance use services in communities throughout the U.S., giving every American the opportunity to receive high-quality mental health and substance use care.
“The Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act will enable more people to access comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder care while helping CCBHCs build a provider workforce and alleviate pressure on our emergency rooms and local law enforcement,” said National Council President and CEO Chuck Ingoglia, MSW. “We applaud Senators John Cornyn, R-Texas; Tina Smith, D-Minn.; Thom Tillis, R-N.C.; and Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., for introducing this bipartisan legislation that will help millions of Americans.”
The Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act’s highlights include:
- Establishing the CCBHC prospective payment system as a sustainable option for states implementing the model under the state Medicaid option. This allows them to expand availability of evidence-based services, increase their workforce and integrate services with other providers in their communities.
- Advancing care integration by enabling CCBHCs to provide additional services, including primary care.
- Establishing CCBHCs as a provider type with prospective payment in Medicare, strengthening their ability to serve older adults.
Over 500 CCBHCs across the nation serve an estimated 3 million people. They are meeting community mental health and substance use challenges with effective, whole-person care solutions. For example, the Michigan-based CCBHC Lifeways offers Healthy for Life, one of several wellness support programs focused on empowering people to make healthy food, nutrition and lifestyle choices. It also provides personal fitness coaching and healthy eating classes.
The CCBHC Demonstration model was originally introduced through bipartisan legislation in eight states in 2017 and — through continued bipartisan support — has expanded to a total of 18 states, with more joining every year. Since 2018, grants have also funded clinics in dozens of states to take on the activities and services of a CCBHC.
For more information, visit the National Council’s CCBHC overview page.
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 3,200 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 15 million children, adults and families they serve. We advocate for policies to ensure 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 4.5 million people in the U.S. to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
