What is a CCBHC?-💜
Cara Johnson • January 25, 2025
Finding quality mental health care can feel overwhelming. A Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) makes it easier by removing barriers to services and offering multiple services in one place. This blog will explain what a CCBHC is and how it benefits you or your loved ones.
Keep reading to learn more!
Key Takeaways
- A Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) offers mental health and substance use care to everyone, regardless of insurance or ability to pay for services. It was created under the Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Act.
- People served by CCBHCs like CNS Healthcare also have better health outcomes compared with people who get services through a non-CCBHC provider.
- CCBHCs provide 24-hour crisis response, screenings, therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), primary care check-ups, and family support. Over 80% of them offer MAT for substance use recovery.
- These clinics focus on patient-centered care plans that address both mental and physical health needs. They aim to provide faster access to services, often within 7 business days as compared to the national average wait time of 48 days.
- Being a CCBHC allows us to serve people in the community who might fall through the cracks of the traditional mental health system.
- Special programs help historically underserved groups, such as veterans, children, Native Americans, and the LGBTQIA+ population with targeted mental health care. Services include screening and assessment, case management, medication management, crisis intervention, peer support, and more based on medical necessity.
- To be a CCBHC, providers must meet federal and state rules like offering fast service access, quality checks, and staff training. Partner organizations often help expand services to fill gaps in care.
What Is a CCBHC?
A CCBHC is a specially certified clinic that provides mental health and substance use care. It focuses on offering a wide range of high-quality services to meet community needs.
Definition and purpose

A Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) provides full mental health and substance use services. It serves everyone, no matter their insurance status or diagnosis. Created under the Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Act, this model ensures high-quality care for vulnerable groups.
The purpose is to improve access to comprehensive treatment for serious mental illness, substance use disorders, and emotional disturbances. These clinics also offer enhanced Medicaid reimbursement rates.

This funding helps expand essential services in your community, making care more accessible for Oakland County residents like you.
Core services offered
CCBHCs provide a wide range of care. You can access 24-hour crisis services, like mobile crisis teams and emergency intervention. Risk assessments ensure your safety during these emergencies.
Screening and diagnosis are key parts of their services. They plan personalized treatments with goals, including mental health or substance use care. Outpatient clinics monitor physical health risks while addressing behavioral needs.

Support extends to family counseling, peer groups, and psychiatric rehabilitation. Veterans in rural areas also get specialized mental health care. Case management ensures you receive coordinated help across providers for all aspects of your well-being.
CNS Healthcare as a CCBHC Provider
CNS Healthcare provides vital mental health and substance use services in your community. Their focus is on offering support during crises and ensuring personalized care for patients.
Crisis mental health services, including 24-hour mobile crisis teams, emergency crisis intervention services, and crisis stabilization
You can access crisis mental health services anytime, day or night. 24-hour mobile crisis teams come to you during emergencies. These teams provide fast help for mental health crises, ensuring safety and care right away.
Emergency crisis intervention services handle urgent situations like suicidal thoughts or severe distress. Crisis stabilization offers short-term support in a safe setting, giving you time to recover and plan next steps.

This lifesaving care improves response during overdose and high-risk crises in your community.
Screening, assessment, and diagnosis, including risk assessment
Screening helps find mental health or substance use issues early. Assessments dig deeper to understand specific needs and challenges. This process often includes checking for risk factors, like a history of self-harm or substance abuse.

Accurate diagnosis guides your treatment plan. It ensures you get the right support quickly. CCBHC services in Oakland County follow strict rules for timelines and quality checks, ensuring timely care that fits your situation.
Patient-centered treatment planning or similar processes, including risk assessment and crisis planning
You help shape your own care with patient-centered treatment planning. This process focuses on your needs and goals. It includes creating a detailed plan for managing mental health or substance use challenges.
Risk assessment is key here, identifying any dangers and addressing them early. Crisis planning ensures you have support during tough times, like unexpected emotional distress.
The focus remains on improving access to high-quality care for Oakland County residents like you. With tools such as crisis planning, the system works to keep you safer and healthier long-term.

Effective plans lead to better health outcomes by prioritizing your well-being every step of the way.
Outpatient mental health and substance use services (including medication assisted treatment)
Outpatient mental health and substance use services offer care without long hospital stays. You can get therapy, counseling, or medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT uses medications along with therapy to treat substance use disorders.

This method helps manage cravings and supports recovery. About 80% of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) provide MAT, making them a reliable choice for this service.
These clinics also focus on treating complex mental illnesses tied to substance use. They offer personalized plans based on your needs. If you live in Oakland County, you can access these services close to home through CCBHC programs.
These centers aim to help people at any stage of their journey toward better mental and physical health.
Outpatient clinic primary care screening and monitoring of key health indicators and health risk
You get help tracking your health through primary care screenings. These check-ups monitor key health indicators like blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol levels. They also look for risks such as diabetes or heart disease.

Your care connects with other services, including mental health and substance use support. Coordination between clinics and hospitals ensures smooth care transitions. This approach helps you address both physical health and behavioral healthcare needs effectively.
Targeted case management
Targeted case management helps you navigate mental health care. It connects you to the right services, ensuring you get support for your needs. This could include coordinating with Medicaid Services, social services, or Community Mental Health Services in Oakland County.

Care managers track progress and adjust plans as needed. They work with Human Services, local clinics, and other providers to make sure nothing gets overlooked. Veterans and armed forces members in rural areas also benefit from focused assistance through this service.
Psychiatric rehabilitation services
Psychiatric rehabilitation services help you rebuild your life while managing mental health challenges. These services focus on improving skills, independence, and confidence. They aim to support you in reaching personal goals like finding a job or living independently.
You may receive individualized care through targeted programs at CCBHC clinics. Services can include therapy sessions, coping skill training, or community integration activities. This approach works well for individuals with serious emotional disturbances or developmental disabilities.

Accessing these comprehensive mental health resources can improve quality of life and reduce hospital visits over time.
Peer support and counselor services and family supports
You can access peer support to help manage challenges. Trained peers offer understanding and share experiences. They guide you through mental health or substance use struggles with empathy.

Family supports ensure your loved ones stay involved. Counselors provide tools for better communication and coping at home. This improves relationships while strengthening overall care coordination within the behavioral health system.
Intensive, community-based mental health care for members of the armed forces and veterans, particularly those members and veterans located in rural areas
Mental health care for armed forces members and veterans focuses on strong support where it’s needed most. Many in rural areas face limited access to services. Community-based programs step in to bridge the gap, providing help close to home.

These clinics offer crisis intervention, peer counseling, and substance use treatment. They also screen for physical health risks while supporting mental wellness. This approach improves care quality by integrating both behavioral and physical health care under one roof.
Benefits of CCBHCs
CCBHCs make it easier for people to get mental health and addiction care. They focus on treating the whole person, offering many services in one place.
Improved access to mental health and substance use care
You can now get mental health and substance use care faster than ever. Most CCBHCs provide access to services within a week or less. This is much quicker compared to the national average wait time of 48 days.
These clinics aim to remove barriers like long waits or lack of local providers. They ensure that anyone in need, especially in Oakland County, gets timely help for behavioral health care or substance use disorder services.

Emergency support, screenings, and outpatient treatments are all part of what they offer.
Comprehensive, patient-centered treatment
CCBHCs focus on giving complete care designed to meet your unique needs. They ensure mental health and substance use services work together with other supports like social services, criminal justice systems, and education.
This kind of treatment plan helps address every part of your well-being.
You get access to medication-assisted treatments, therapy sessions, and tools for improving both mental and physical health. Veterans in rural areas also receive special attention through community-based care programs.

These services aim to improve outcomes while reducing challenges like repeat crises or involvement with law enforcement.
Eligibility and Certification
To become a CCBHC, providers must meet certain federal and state requirements. These rules ensure clinics deliver a wide range of mental health and substance use services.
Criteria for becoming a CCBHC
To meet the criteria for becoming a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), strict guidelines exist. You must ensure prompt access to care, meet quality reporting standards, and have adequate staff trained in delivering comprehensive services.

Coordination is key. Work with social services, criminal justice systems, and schools to improve care delivery. Following guidance from entities like the Mental Health Services Administration or your state health department ensures alignment with national standards.
Role of Designated Collaborating Organizations
Designated Collaborating Organizations play a key role in CCBHC services. They help provide services that clinics cannot offer directly. These organizations expand the scope of services available to you, ensuring care covers all your needs.
Through these partnerships, a CCBHC can deliver a comprehensive range of mental health and substance use treatments. This includes crisis intervention, primary care screening, and psychiatric rehabilitation.

Such collaborations ensure no gaps exist in the array of services offered under this care model while maintaining high standards for quality and accessibility.
Conclusion
CCBHCs play a big role in improving mental health care. They offer many services, from crisis response to substance use help. These clinics make it easier for you to get the care you need, no matter your situation.

If you're looking for comprehensive support, CCBHCs could be the answer. Think about how their patient-focused approach can help you or someone you love. Take the first step and learn more today!
FAQs
1. What is a CCBHC?
A CCBHC, or Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, is a specially-designated clinic that provides a comprehensive array of services for mental health and substance use care.
2. How does the CCBHC model work?
The CCBHC model ensures access to high-quality care by offering a variety of services through community mental health centers, supported by planning grants and federal funding.
3. Who oversees the development of CCBHCs?
Organizations like the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and agencies such as Health and Human Services help guide the implementation of this model.
4. What types of services do CCBHCs offer?
CCBHCs provide support for individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health needs, or substance use disorders through coordinated care programs tailored to their community’s needs.
5. Does Michigan have any involvement in CCBHCs?
Yes, the Michigan Department of Health plays an active role in supporting these clinics to expand access to essential behavioral healthcare across the state.
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