The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the addition of 10 states to the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program.

• Why it’s important: The program provides states with sustainable funding that expands access to comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder (MH/SUD) treatment and recovery support services.

Reminder: CCBHCs must meet federal standards for timely access and scope of services.

• They are required to provide 24/7 crisis care, timely outpatient services, and access to a comprehensive range of services with care coordination.
• Clinics must incorporate evidence-based practices informed by community needs assessments and serve anyone seeking MH/SUD care, regardless of ability to pay, residence, or age.

The bigger picture: There are more than 500 CCBHCs operating in 46 states, DC, and Puerto Rico. This includes CCBHCs supported through Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) expansion grants, state Medicaid programs, and the CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration.

• 31 states now support CCBHCs through their Medicaid programs or the Demonstration, which is important because it provides ongoing funding beyond time-limited grants.

Public support: A National Council for Mental Wellbeing poll, conducted before the announcement of the new Demonstration states, found that 75% of voters support expanding federal and state funding so more people can access high-quality MH/SUD care through CCBHCs, including majorities across the political spectrum.