Behavioral health clinics across the United States now have an exciting opportunity to expand their services and improve community access to mental health and substance use treatment. On Friday, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced the availability of $200 million in expansion grants for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs).
This significant investment marks a new chapter in the nation’s efforts to strengthen mental health and addiction treatment resources. The grants aim to increase both access to and the quality of comprehensive behavioral health care services by supporting the expansion of CCBHCs in communities where they are most needed.
What Are CCBHCs?
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) represent a groundbreaking model of integrated behavioral health care that has gained widespread support from both providers and policymakers. Established under the Excellence in Mental Health Act, CCBHCs are designed to deliver high-quality, person-centered care for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.
CCBHCs must offer a comprehensive range of services, including:
- 24/7 Crisis Services
- Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Use Services
- Primary Care Screening and Monitoring
- Care Coordination Across Health Care Systems
- Community-Based Mental Health Care for Veterans
- Peer Support and Family Support Services
- Targeted Case Management
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services
- Screening, Assessment, and Diagnosis
These clinics are required to provide care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay and must use evidence-based practices to support recovery.
The Impact of CCBHCs
Since their introduction, CCBHCs have been recognized as a critical solution for addressing the growing behavioral health crisis in the United States. Many individuals seeking care for mental health or substance use challenges face long wait times, fragmented care, or difficulty accessing services due to financial or geographical barriers. CCBHCs seek to eliminate these barriers by offering integrated, coordinated services under one roof.
One of the most notable features of the CCBHC model is its focus on crisis services. CCBHCs provide 24/7 access to crisis care, allowing them to stabilize individuals in need and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations or incarcerations. Additionally, these clinics play a vital role in addressing co-occurring disorders, such as those involving both mental health and substance use.
A New Opportunity: $200 Million in Expansion Grants
SAMHSA’s newly announced funding opportunity reflects the growing national momentum behind the CCBHC model. The $200 million available in 2020 represents a $50 million increase from the previous year, signaling continued bipartisan support in Congress for expanding access to mental health care.
According to SAMHSA, the primary purpose of the grants is to increase access to and improve the quality of community mental and substance use disorder treatment services through the expansion of CCBHCs. The goal is to strengthen community-based care and address local needs, particularly in underserved and high-need areas.
Key Highlights of the Grant Opportunity:
- Eligibility:
Both existing CCBHCs and other community-based behavioral health providers that can meet the CCBHC certification criteria within four months of funding are eligible to apply. - Exclusions:
Clinics that received CCBHC expansion grants in fiscal year 2019 are not eligible to apply for this round of funding. - Funding Amount:
SAMHSA plans to award up to 98 grants, with each recipient eligible to receive up to $2 million per year for two years. - Application Deadline:
Applications are due by March 10. - Program Requirements:
Grant recipients must either currently meet or demonstrate their ability to meet the full CCBHC certification requirements shortly after receiving the award.
Why This Matters for Behavioral Health Providers
For behavioral health providers, this grant program offers more than just financial support—it provides an opportunity to reshape how care is delivered at the community level.
According to the National Council for Behavioral Health, which has been a leading advocate for CCBHCs, this expansion represents another milestone for the behavioral health sector. William Glanz, a writer for the National Council, noted that “Congress heeded our call and appropriated $200 million for expansion grants this year, a $50 million increase from 2019.” He added that this decision reflects the growing support among lawmakers for this transformative model of care.
CCBHCs in the demonstration model receive enhanced Medicaid reimbursement rates in exchange for meeting rigorous care standards. These standards include delivering integrated, wraparound services and maintaining 24/7 crisis response capabilities. Even behavioral health providers who are not currently designated as CCBHCs can now apply for the grant if they can meet certification requirements within four months—an accessible entry point for many organizations.
Building Momentum for a National Behavioral Health Strategy
This funding announcement comes at a time when demand for behavioral health services continues to rise across the country. With the prevalence of mental health conditions and substance use disorders increasing, there is an urgent need for scalable, sustainable solutions that bring high-quality care to every community.
The CCBHC model has already shown promise in reducing emergency room visits, improving patient outcomes, and increasing access to services for historically underserved populations. By expanding this model further, policymakers and providers hope to continue reversing the trends of untreated mental health and substance use disorders.
Beyond just individual clinics, the grant opportunity represents a broader shift toward a national behavioral health strategy—one that prioritizes community-based services, crisis prevention, and coordinated care.
Next Steps for Interested Clinics
For behavioral health organizations interested in applying for the grant, the process requires careful planning. Applicants must be prepared to:
- Demonstrate their capacity to meet CCBHC criteria
- Outline a comprehensive plan for providing the required services
- Provide detailed budget proposals for how grant funds will be allocated
- Submit all required application materials by the March 10 deadline
Many behavioral health providers are now assessing their readiness and determining whether this opportunity aligns with their organizational goals and capabilities.
Conclusion: A Step Forward for Community Behavioral Health
SAMHSA’s $200 million funding opportunity for CCBHC expansion is a landmark moment for behavioral health care in the U.S. It signals a strong commitment to addressing the gaps in mental health and addiction treatment services—especially at the community level.
By empowering local providers to deliver high-quality, integrated care through the CCBHC model, this initiative has the potential to transform lives, improve health outcomes, and reduce costs associated with untreated behavioral health conditions.
For clinics ready to rise to the challenge, these grants represent both a financial boost and a chance to make a lasting difference in the communities they serve.
Behavioral health providers interested in applying should begin preparing immediately to take advantage of this transformative opportunity. The March 10 deadline is approaching quickly, and with up to $2 million per year at stake, these grants could be a game-changer for organizations ready to lead the way in community-based care.
