Many people in the U.S. struggle to access mental health and substance use care. In response, the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model was created to improve access to evidence-based, person-centered, and integrated care. Beginning in 2017, CCBHC Medicaid demonstrations have included time-limited enhanced federal funding for states, encouraging state participation in this model. Yet, with initial CCBHC demonstrations ending in 2023, states are now considering how to sustain these programs, or begin participating in the demonstration through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022.

This brief, authored by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) and funded by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, draws on interviews with current and former Medicaid leaders to explore how two other programs providing states with temporary enhanced federal funding — ACA Primary Care Fee Bump and Medicaid Health Homes — may offer potential lessons for how states can plan for CCBHC sustainability. The brief highlights four key themes: (1) defining how CCBHCs advance state priorities; (2) engaging stakeholders to build support; (3) using data to measure program impact; and (4) aligning CCBHCs with value-based payment efforts.

Related Webinar

Sustaining Statewide Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Programs

This webinar, cohosted by CHCS and the National Council, highlighted findings from the brief and featured first-hand perspectives from state leaders in Kansas and Missouri on designing effective strategies to build and maintain CCBHC programs. Learn more