Prairie State Wire

Illinois has been selected as one of ten states to participate in the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program, aimed at expanding and improving access to coordinated mental health care and substance use services, according to an announcement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) this week.

"This announcement builds on the substantial progress my administration has made to ensure that mental and behavioral health services are available statewide," said Governor JB Pritzker. "And now, thanks to our partners at the federal level, 19 organizations will be able to treat people in crisis, regardless of their ability to pay."

The CCBHC Demonstration Program provides reimbursement through Medicaid for the full cost of services that CCBHCs provide, with higher rates than community mental health centers previously received for Medicaid customers. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) anticipates that this program will bring an additional $150 million into Illinois' behavioral health system.

Illinois has been a leader in encouraging the development of CCBHCs. These clinics were created to strengthen mental health and substance use treatment across the country through comprehensive community outpatient behavioral health treatment. Their services must meet federal standards and serve anyone who requests care for their mental health or substance use condition, regardless of age, ability to pay, or location. This model has proven effective in significantly increasing access to behavioral health care, including crisis care.

CCBHCs provide access to a range of services and care coordination while incorporating evidence-based practices based on a community needs assessment. This includes crisis services available 24/7 and routine outpatient care within 10 business days.

"We are thrilled that our federal partners have chosen Illinois to participate in the CCBHC Demonstration Program," said HFS Director Elizabeth Whitehorn. "Behavioral health care faces major capacity challenges across the nation, and this program recognizes that we must find a way to serve individuals in crisis."

"SAMHSA's award designating Illinois as a CCBHC demonstration state will make behavioral health treatment more accessible," said Illinois Chief Behavioral Health Officer David T. Jones. "We are immensely thankful to the Biden Administration for providing Illinois with an opportunity to expand comprehensive integrated behavioral and primary healthcare services."

The 19 Illinois-based awardee organizations include:

- Trilogy Inc., Chicago

- Lutheran Social Services of IL, Chicago

- Human Resources Development Institute, Chicago

- The Thresholds, Chicago

- The Thresholds, Woodstock

- Rosecrance Incorporated, Champaign

- Rosecrance Incorporated, Rockford

- Heritage Behavioral Health Center, Decatur

- Preferred Family Healthcare Inc., Quincy

- Transitions of Western IL Inc., Quincy

- Centerstone of Illinois Inc., Alton

- Chestnut Health Systems Inc., Granite City

- Chestnut Health Systems Inc., Belleville

- Ecker Center for Behavioral Health, Elgin

- Link & Option Center Inc., South Holland

- Bridgeway Inc., Galesburg

- Robert Young Center Moline

- Robert Young Center Rock Island

- Sinnissippi Centers Inc Dixon

"Illinois' inclusion in the CCBHC demonstration program marks a significant step toward improved access," said Anne Tyree from Centerstone Regional CEO.

"We are thrilled that Illinois has been awarded CCBHC demonstration status," said Dr. David Gomel from Rosecrance Behavioral Health.

Mark Schmitz from Transitions of Western Illinois noted that participation represents significant effort towards meeting rigorous certification standards required by the program.

Dr. Twin Green from Link & Option Center highlighted its importance for underserved areas.

"In keeping with our commitment LSSI is proud," added Mark A Stutrud from LSSI President CEO

Illinois joins Alabama Indiana Iowa Kansas Maine New Hampshire New Mexico Rhode Island Vermont Michigan Missouri Kentucky Nevada New Jersey New York Oklahoma Oregon already part program

For those struggling or in crisis help is available by calling texting 988 via chat at 988lifeline.org For support visit FindSupport.gov Locate providers FindTreatment.gov call 800662HELP4357