Downriver Guidance Clinic

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) are nonprofit organizations or local government units that provide comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder services to vulnerable populations. Established by the Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Act, CCBHCs are designed to meet the complex needs of individuals by offering a broad range of services, including 24/7 crisis care, evidence-based practices, and integration with physical health care. These clinics focus on accessibility, ensuring timely care regardless of ability to pay, and specialize in treating individuals with serious mental illnesses, addictions, and co-occurring health conditions.

CCBHCs deliver services such as mobile crisis teams, immediate risk assessments, and care coordination with local healthcare providers and law enforcement. They emphasize a recovery-oriented approach, integrating peer and family support into care plans. Additionally, CCBHCs offer specialized services for veterans and active-duty military personnel.

Since 2018, Congress has funded expansion grants for CCBHCs to increase access to these vital services. While these grants help expand service offerings, they do not cover the long-term sustainability of CCBHCs. Efforts to extend the model through Medicaid 1115 waivers and federal legislation are ongoing. The CCBHC model also addresses financing barriers by providing enhanced Medicaid rates that support expanded access, workforce development, addiction care, and innovative care coordination technologies. This approach aims to improve overall behavioral health outcomes by fostering a more comprehensive and accessible care system.