CCBHC & Managed Care Collaboration: A Guidebook for State and Managed Care Leaders

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) have been transforming access to mental health and substance use care since 2017, but realizing the full potential of this model requires deeper collaboration between state agencies and Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs).

CCBHC & Managed Care Collaboration: A Guidebook for State and Managed Care Leaders, published by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, offers practical, field-tested recommendations drawn from states, health plans, clinics and people with lived experience. The guidebook walks leaders through six essential lessons:

1. Embrace leadership — States and MCOs must actively own their roles in shaping CCBHC success.
2. Engage early and often — Bring all stakeholders, including people with lived experience, to the table from the start.
3. Build shared understanding — Train staff on how CCBHCs change day-to-day operations, especially around the prospective payment system.
4. Clarify roles — Reduce duplication and confusion with clear accountability across care coordination, billing, and oversight.
5. Invest in data — Prioritize data quality, sharing and governance to drive continuous improvement.
6. Address uncompensated care — Use targeted policy levers to protect clinic financial stability.

When states and health plans work in concert, CCBHCs can deliver the seamless, high-quality behavioral health care communities deserve.