CCBHC Extension Grant: What's It All About?

The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration program was created in response to section 223 of the Protecting Access to Medicare Act to develop resources that provide accessible, comprehensive services to individuals who are in crisis or who may be experiencing a serious mental illness (SMI) or substance use disorder (SUD), regardless of their ability to pay or where they live.

Since 2016, organizations in eight CCBHC demonstration states have been tasked to improve the behavioral health of individuals across the nation by providing inclusive community-based mental and SUD services while treating co-occurring disorders, focusing on recovery and wellness and integrating behavioral and physical health.

Due to its success and as part of the next phase of the CCBHC initiative, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced that it is currently accepting applications for CCBHC program expansion grants to help grow the program, increasing access to high-quality health services to local communities.

SAMHSA anticipates awarding up to $2 million each to 25 grant awardees. Recipients must be a CCBHC or a community-based behavioral health clinic that meets CCBHC program requirements and can become certified within four months after being awarded the grant.

In order for an organization to qualify for a CCBHC expansion grant, they must provide services for individuals with SMI or SUD as well as children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbance and individuals with co-occurring disorders.

To learn more and apply, access SAMSHA’s grant application here.