What is a CCBHC?
CCBHC stands for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic and describes a model of care that enables clinics to serve more people and expand access to the best treatments for individuals with mental health and substance use challenges. The federal government established the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model to frame the foundation for agencies to improve health outcomes through increased access to quality behavioral health care while integrating mental health, substance use, and physical health services (https://behavioralhealthnews.org/providing-care-afterhours-the-bestself-way/). In fact, as an integrated and sustainably financed model of care, the CCBHC model is one of the most effective strategies to expanding access to mental health and substance use treatment services. Today, 340 CCBHCs are operating in 40 states, plus Washington, D.C. and Guam. A growing number of states are moving to implement the model – similar to other value-based or alternative payment models – independently via a state plan amendment or Medicaid waiver (Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Success Center (thenationalcouncil.org)
Who Can and Cannot Be a CCBHC?
Organizations can become CCBHC’s as long as its components satisfy the criteria outlined by the Department of Health and Human Services. To see if your organization qualifies, read more here.
The Connection to Tobacco Cessation:
CCBHCs are expanding access to mental health and substance use services, including tobacco cessation services like Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) and cessation counseling. Behavioral Health Organizations can learn how to become a CCBHC and how to integrate tobacco cessation services into their existing treatment models. Check out the resources below for guidance on achieving these goals.
News, Research and Reports:
- SAMHSA Awards $250 Million to 100 Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers to Improve Community Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Treatment Services
- Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics and County Governments
- 2021 CCBHC Impact Report: Leading A Bold Shift in Mental Health & Substance Use Care
General Tools and Resources for Integrating Tobacco Cessation Services:
- Association for the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence: Resources for Behavioral Health Providers
- A Patient-Centered Tobacco Cessation Workflow for Healthcare Clinics
- Clinical Tools: Smoking & Tobacco Use (CDC Office on Smoking and Health)
Models & Best Practices – Tobacco Cessation in Behavioral Health Settings:
- Health Systems Change:
- Motivational Interviewing:
- Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT):
- Whole Health Action Management (WHAM):