Needs and Readiness Assessments
During the demonstration planning year, states must conduct community needs assessments to identify particular areas of need for individuals served by each potential CCBHC. Based on these needs assessments, states will determine the minimum set of required services for all CCBHCS in their state; for particular CCBHCs with unique community needs, states may also opt to supplement the minimum set of services with additional evidence-based practices. Needs assessments must also address cultural and linguistic diversity among populations served by the CCBHC to ensure that the CCBHC provides care that is culturally and linguistically competent.
Resources from the National Council
Cultural and Linguistic Competence for CCBHCs: Approaches to Meeting New Requirements
Accreditation
To facilitate the process leading to certification, SAMHSA encourages States involved in CCBHC planning grants to require accreditation of CCBHCs by an appropriate nationally-recognized organization such as the Joint Commission, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), or the Council on Accreditation (COA).
To help you understand how CCBHC criteria align with accreditation standards, below are three useful crosswalks from multiple accreditation agencies:
RESOURCES FROM SAMHSA & CMS
How States Can Conduct a Needs Assessment: This website provides a summary of the needs assessment requirements and outlines the key steps states should take to comply.
CCBHCs and Cultural Competence: This website defines cultural and linguistic competence, summarizes the competency requirements for CCBHCs, and provides links to learn more about ensuring culturally competent services for individuals with limited English proficiency as well as members of the military and veterans.
Webinars
- Assessing Staffing, Programming, and Cultural and Linguistic Competency Needs for Community Behavioral Health Organizations
Consultants

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Mohini Venkatesh at mohiniv@thenationalcouncil.org