The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model is quickly becoming a national standard for delivering high-quality, integrated mental health and substance use care. Designed to serve individuals with complex behavioral health needs, this model provides enhanced funding in exchange for offering a robust range of services—everything from 24/7 crisis care to outpatient treatment and care coordination. But beyond improving access to care and outcomes, CCBHCs are uniquely positioned to thrive under value-based payment models. The alignment between CCBHC and Value-Based Care has proven to be a game-changer for behavioral health providers.
A Proven Model With Lasting Impact
Since its creation as a Medicaid demonstration program in 2014, the CCBHC model has shown its ability to reduce hospitalizations, lower system costs, and increase workforce retention. As healthcare continues to shift from fee-for-service to outcome-based reimbursement, more providers are recognizing the strategic value of embracing the CCBHC and Value-Based Care connection. According to Heidi Arthur, Principal at Health Management Associates (HMA), “CCBHC funds can really help organizations put those building blocks into place for value-based payment success in the future.” The model’s demonstrated savings and improved outcomes make it an ideal foundation for providers looking to engage in alternative payment models.
Accessing CCBHC Through Medicaid Or Grants
While some states participate in the official Medicaid demonstration, others access CCBHC status through grant funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). These grants—though capped and time-limited—offer critical infrastructure support for clinics to evolve their service delivery. Whether funded through Medicaid or SAMHSA, clinics using the CCBHC model are collecting data, tracking outcomes, and delivering coordinated care—making them perfect candidates for value-based contracts. This synergy between CCBHC and Value-Based Care is what’s driving growing interest from payers and policymakers alike.
Building Capacity For Long-Term Sustainability
Kristan McIntosh, a senior consultant at HMA, reinforced this perspective during a recent webinar. “We see the CCBHC model as very much aligned with value-based payment,” she noted. The grants and demonstration programs help providers build lasting capacity to support outcome-driven care. For behavioral health organizations that have long struggled under inadequate fee-for-service rates, the transition to a CCBHC and Value-Based Care approach opens the door to sustainability and growth.
Industry Momentum Around Value-Based Care
The broader healthcare industry is already moving in this direction. A survey from the Health Care Payment Learning and Action Network (LAN) revealed that 91% of payers expect activity around alternative payment models to increase. Arthur added, “Alternate payment methodologies really are the wave of the future,” pointing out that Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payers are increasingly adopting value-based reimbursement as the norm. For CCBHCs, this shift creates a clear opportunity: those that embrace the principles of CCBHC and Value-Based Care early are likely to lead the charge in shaping the future of behavioral health.
CCBHC Adoption Continues To Grow
Currently, over 430 CCBHCs are operating in 42 states, Washington D.C., and Guam. With expanded grant funding from SAMHSA and growing payer interest, more clinics are joining the movement. Arthur highlighted that nearly 43% of existing CCBHCs are already negotiating alternative payment models with private payers. This signals a turning point for behavioral health providers ready to combine the structure of CCBHC and Value-Based Care into their long-term strategy.
A Model That Builds Payer Confidence
For newer clinics entering the program, the value of participating in this model goes beyond funding. It provides the credibility, infrastructure, and outcome data necessary to make a strong case to payers. As Arthur explained, “Not only can you speak to what your organization is able to do, but you can also say, ‘Here’s a model that we’re doing. Here’s what’s been achieved elsewhere.’” This kind of track record strengthens the position of any provider looking to integrate CCBHC and Value-Based Care into their payment and delivery model.
The Future Is Now For Behavioral Health
In short, the connection between CCBHC and Value-Based Care represents more than just a funding opportunity—it’s a blueprint for transforming behavioral health delivery. With proven results, strong support from policymakers, and growing demand from payers, this model is helping providers transition from survival mode to sustainability. For organizations ready to lead in quality, innovation, and outcomes, CCBHC and Value-Based Care are the future—and the future is already here.
