Insights on Implementation of the CCBHC Model for Integrated Care

Background/Objectives: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has

been promoting the implementation of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model

through state and provider grants. This presentation will describe implementation experiences across six

community-based programs in Massachusetts, Ohio and Michigan and highlight challenges, solutions

and successes.

Methods: Four evaluators working with six community-based organizations funded by SAMHSA to

implement the CCBHC model studied the implementation of the CCBHC model in these settings using

Participant Observation at key planning meetings, focus groups and interviews with staff and clients,

and secondary data analysis of tracking reports, logs, reports to the funder, and aggregate data from the

programs’ electronic health record systems to monitor and assess implementation.

Results: The CCBHC sites, with varying degrees of addiction and medication treatment services at the

start, expanded access to these services, and improved integration of addiction, mental health and

primary care services. Initially, sites worked with external partners to cover the range of required CCBHC

services, but over time increased their own capacity for addiction treatment, including increased

prescribing for buprenorphine. Sites worked to reduce wait times and provide on-demand services, but

workforce shortages continue to challenge their staffing models. Sites also provided services through

the COVID-19 pandemic and, with grant support, were able to pivot quickly and effectively to provide

tele-behavioral health services.

Conclusions: CCBHC funding from SAMHSA supports community-based organizations in improving their

addiction treatment and mental health services and has supported care coordination with external

partners to connect clients to needed behavioral health, physical health and social services. SAMHSA,

Medicaid and other third-party payer funding must be sufficient to attract and retain quality staff who

are representative of the community.