The world of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) has new status and standards. In December, Acadiana Area Human Services District in Lafayette, Louisiana, was the first organization to receive CARF accreditation as a CCBHC. The CCBHC model seeks to provide coordinated comprehensive services for individuals with physical and behavioral health needs.
In March 2024, CCBHC provider status was permanently codified within the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 as a qualified Medicaid provider type. This permanent status—along with increased funding—all point to the significance of CCBHCs will play in the health care market landscape.
And on July 1, 2024, the Joint Commission’s updated requirements for CCBHCs will be effective. The revisions include a stronger emphasis on trauma-informed crisis care, addressing substance use disorders, and advancing health equity —while allowing CCBHCs more flexibility in how they provide services.
There are now 435 CCBHC programs in 49 states. States with the highest number of CCBHC programs include New York (60), Michigan (24), and Illinois and Florida tied with 23 programs each. This is reflected in the growth of investment in CCBHCs. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced $120 million in funding for certified CCBHCs.
The competition to become a CCBHC is brisk among non-profit mental health provider organizations. Why? According to my colleague Karen Carloni, “Non-profits are vying for the sustainable funding model that CCBHCs offer and the underlying philosophy of care that matches their mission and values. Additionally, in states that have formally adopted the funding model the number of CCBHCs are limited based upon defined catchment areas. Organizations do not want to be left behind.”