Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC)

A Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) is a specially-designated clinic that provides a comprehensive range of mental health and substance use services. CCBHCs serve anyone who walks through the door, regardless of diagnosis and insurance status.   

The CCBHC model is a national set of standards for comprehensive behavioral health care that is jointly supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).   

The CCBHC model has been proven to improve community health outcomes, reduce health disparities, and support providers to deliver higher quality, more sustainable services. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make generational change to the behavioral health system in the State.

The RI Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), the RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH), the RI Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and providers are working towards an October 1, 2024 start date for implementing the CCBHC program in Rhode Island.   

The following sites are currently contingently certified for Year 1 of the program, and working towards full readiness for go-live:

91% of Rhode Islanders live in a catchment area covered by these providers. We are working to bring additional CCBHCs online in the following year for 100% coverage.  

Certification is determined by each provider's demonstrated ability to meet all established federal and state program requirements. We are taking a phased approach to ensure the delivery of high-quality services for all. 

CCBHCs will provide:  

  • 24/7 crisis support 
  • Mental health services 
  • Alcohol and drug use treatment  
  • Counseling and therapy  
  • Peer supports  
  • Connection to Veterans’ services 
  • Connection to social services 
  • Screening and assessments  
  • Patient and family centered care planning and coordination 

Starting October 1, 2024, CCBHCs are required to serve anyone who requests care for mental health or substance use, regardless of their ability to pay, place of residence, or age. This includes developmentally appropriate care for children and adolescents.  CCBHCs must meet standards for the range of services they provide and are required to get people into care quickly.