By Steven Sheard, MA, BCPA; Melody Crossway
2025 was another year of expansion for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) within the Medicaid Demonstration Program, with 14 states plus D.C. added to include $15 million in planning grants. In 2026, the program will add another ten states to the Medicaid Demonstration, to make it available in a total of 30 states, with over 500 clinics nationwide in January 2026.
The model for CCBHCs is to predominantly serve individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) or Substance Use Disorder (SUD), combining primary care into behavioral health locations. Mobile crisis response and partnerships with 988 crisis lifelines are also incorporated. The emphasis is to expand access to timely, coordinated and comprehensive mental health and substance use care to millions of people across the country
The Care Coordination aspect of CCBHCs is a cornerstone of its service model, ensuring that individuals with SMI or SUD receive integrated care across various health domains. The linking of behavioral health services with primary care enables collaboration with external agencies such as emergency departments, psychiatric hospitals, methadone clinics, and EMS.
CCBHC Program Strengths
This integrated approach empowers better communication between providers, promotes continuity of care, and supports the management of chronic physical conditions in high-risk populations. Through robust care coordination, CCBHCs enhance access to essential services, improve patient outcomes, and foster partnerships with crisis lifelines and community organizations, ultimately leading to more efficient and effective care delivery.
By integrating primary care with behavioral health needs, chronic physical conditions can be addressed. This patient-centered approach includes proper health promotion and prevention for long term positive results.
CCBHCs are expected to improve accountability, standardize processes, elevate outcomes, reduce risk and strengthen payer and referral confidence as any other behavioral health organization.
CCBHC CARF Accreditation
When the initiation of CCBHCs took place, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) was expected to evaluate the project and prepare annual reports to Congress. Now, an increased focus exists for independent accreditation to meet rigorous SAMHSA standards for staffing, access, and care. CCBHCs can and have sought CARF accreditation and The Joint Commission accreditation, with the first CARF accreditation in December 2023.
The CCBHC standards provide specific guidance regarding staff competency and training, which improves care for mental health and substance use disorders. Plus, the program is working towards a steadier Medicaid funding plan that could be used across the country to help more people and reduce hospital stays.
CCBHC Statistics
At the start of last year, states that implemented the CCBHC model saw a 33% increase in the number of people they helped. In addition, more than 80% of CCBHCs worked in partnership with 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline call centers, and 80% of clinics delivered mobile crisis response, greatly expanding access for underserved communities, particularly in rural areas.
Lastly, 98% of CCBHCs are actively engaged in partnership with criminal justice agencies to improve interactions with people who have mental health needs.
To find out where CCBHCs are located, and whether it is a CCBHC-E grantee, clinic participating in its states’ Medicaid demonstration, or part of independent CCBHC programs run by its state, go to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing website.
PowderHorn CARF Consultant
PowderHorn Consulting is well-versed in the CARF survey process and can assist a CCBHC facility with its CARF accreditation.
PowderHorn Consulting wants to be a part of the evolving comprehensive care by offering accreditation consulting to these facilities. Fill out the contact form on our website or call (614) 908-2789.
