National Council for Mental Wellbeing Marks World Suicide Prevention Day, Highlighting Crucial Role of CCBHCs in Crisis Response

Washington, D.C. (Sept. 10, 2025) — The National Council for Mental Wellbeing is recognizing Sept. 10 as World Suicide Prevention Day, along with the month of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month emphasizing the important role of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) in responding to crisis situations.

The National Council is also stressing the urgent need to further establish and expand the CCBHC model to serve more people who currently lack access to high-quality, comprehensive care.

“CCBHCs are central to our goal of preventing suicide in every community they serve,” National Council President and CEO Chuck Ingoglia said. “We know lives are saved when people have reliable, around-the-clock access to mental health and substance use care. CCBHCs stand ready 24/7 to deliver high-quality crisis care that helps people find the hope and healing they need, both during and after an emergency.”

September is also National Recovery Month, celebrating the fact that people can and do recover from substance use disorder (SUD). The observance also promotes the kinds of evidence-based treatment and recovery practices used at CCBHCs. According to 2024 data, nearly 9 in 10 CCBHCs offer at least one form of medication-assisted treatment — considered the most effective approach for SUD treatment — compared to only 64% of facilities nationwide.

CCBHCs offer care to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay, in rural, suburban and urban communities. They expand access for children and youth, veterans and people with co-occurring disorders. These clinics, found in 40% of U.S. counties, employ the latest evidence-based practices, provide peer support specialists and other services, and reduce wait times.

Over the past decade, CCBHCs have seen widespread bipartisan support. They already provide care to an estimated 3 million people with mental health and substance use needs and support those in crisis, through compassion and collaboration:

• More than 80% of CCBHCs are working in partnership with 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline call centers.
• 80% of clinics deliver mobile crisis response, greatly expanding access for communities with unmet needs, particularly in rural areas.
• 98% of CCBHCs are actively engaged in partnerships with criminal justice agencies to improve interactions with people who have mental health needs.

Learn more about CCBHCs and their impact.