Innovation is at the forefront of solving the nation’s ongoing mental health and substance use crises. And one model that allows for flexibility and tailored care is the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). These clinics receive funding at rates that enable them to expand access to comprehensive mental health and substance use care. They offer 24/7 services to anyone who walks in the door, regardless of their ability to pay. Let’s explore the CCBHC model, its impact, and how it can shape the future of community behavioral health care in America.

What is a CCBHC?

CCBHCs are community-based clinics that have the capacity to expand their services and customize mental health and substance use care according to the unique needs of their communities. They receive funding that allows them to provide comprehensive care and offer round-the-clock services to individuals, ensuring that everyone can access the care they need.

Expanding Access to Care

In the face of a national mental health crisis, rising overdose death rates, and a shortage of behavioral health professionals, the CCBHC model has proven to be transformative. It has effectively reduced barriers to accessing care and empowered clinics to expand services, reduce wait times, and improve staff recruitment and retention.

Here are some notable statistics that showcase the impact of CCBHCs:

• Over 2 million people are currently being served across all active CCBHCs and grantees.
• Becoming a CCBHC has resulted in the creation of 27 new staff positions.
• 82% of CCBHCs offer at least one type of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), compared to 56% nationwide.

The outcomes of care received at CCBHCs are remarkable:

• Individuals experience a 72% reduction in hospitalization rates.
• Homelessness decreases by 40.7%.
• Time spent in jails decreases by 60.3%

These numbers demonstrate the effectiveness of the CCBHC model in improving the overall well-being of individuals and communities.

Maximizing CCBHCs’ Success

To fully realize the promise of the CCBHC model, it is crucial for clinics, policymakers, partner organizations, and the private sector to leverage its potential. A comprehensive vision paper titled “CCBHCs: A Vision for the Future of Community Behavioral Health Care” outlines how CCBHCs can be maximized to reshape access to mental health and substance use treatment and care in America. This paper serves as a guide for stakeholders to understand the model’s potential and work towards its implementation.

You can download the vision paper to gain a deeper understanding of the strategies and possibilities for leveraging CCBHCs effectively.

Ensuring Access for All

Despite the proven success of the CCBHC model, there are still many communities across the country that lack access to a CCBHC. Expanding the program and codifying the model into law is essential to ensure that more people can access high-quality care in their communities.

Advocacy plays a crucial role in achieving this goal. By making your voice heard and advocating for the expansion of CCBHCs, you can contribute to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their location, has access to comprehensive mental health and substance use care.

Join the movement to advocate for high-quality and accessible mental health and substance use care in every community. Let’s work together to make a difference.

Conclusion

The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) model has emerged as a transformative solution to the nation’s mental health and substance use crises. By expanding access to comprehensive care and tailoring services to meet the unique needs of communities, CCBHCs have proven to be effective in reducing barriers to care, improving outcomes, and reshaping the future of community behavioral health care.

Through advocacy and a commitment to innovation, we can ensure that CCBHCs become a reality in every community. By doing so, we will create a more inclusive and accessible mental health and substance use care system for all. Let’s embrace the vision of CCBHCs and work towards a brighter future for behavioral health in America.