Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has announced that 19 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) are now providing mental health care and substance use treatment services as part of a federal Medicaid Demonstration Program. This initiative aims to enhance access to behavioral health care, including crisis care, for individuals facing challenges in obtaining necessary services.

"Thanks to the close collaboration with the participating providers and our sister agency, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), enhanced behavioral health services are now available to individuals at 19 locations across Illinois," stated HFS Director Elizabeth Whitehorn. She emphasized the importance of access to high-quality behavioral health services for individuals in crisis who have struggled to find the help they need.

Illinois is one of ten states selected for this federal program, which seeks to expand and improve access to coordinated services. The CCBHC Demonstration Program provides Medicaid reimbursement for the full cost of services offered by CCBHCs at higher rates than those previously received by community mental health centers. Participating clinics must adhere to federal standards and serve anyone seeking care for mental health or substance use issues, regardless of age, ability to pay, or location.

"The extensive collaboration between HFS, other state departments, the trade associations and Illinois' behavioral health providers to implement the CCBHC as a model of care is phenomenal," said Chief Behavioral Health Officer David T. Jones. He noted that the CCBHCs will enhance capacity for quality mental health and substance use disorder services across 19 locations in Illinois.

CCBHCs offer a variety of services, including care coordination and evidence-based practices tailored to community needs assessments. They provide crisis services available around the clock and are required to offer routine outpatient care within ten business days.

The 19 participating CCBHCs include Trilogy Inc., Lutheran Social Services of IL, Human Resources Development Institute, Thresholds in Chicago and Woodstock, Rosecrance Incorporated in Champaign and Rockford, Heritage Behavioral Health Center in Decatur, Preferred Family Healthcare in Quincy, Transitions of Western IL in Quincy, Centerstone of Illinois in Alton, Chestnut Health Systems in Granite City and Belleville, Ecker Center for Behavioral Health in Elgin, Link & Option Center in South Holland, Bridgeway in Galesburg, Robert Young Center in Moline and Rock Island, and Sinnissippi Centers in Dixon.

Mark Ishaug from Thresholds expressed excitement about launching two CCBHC locations under the state pilot program. "Our CCBHCs in McHenry County and Chicago's Ravenswood community are critical community resources that allow us to broaden both the populations we serve and the types of services we offer," he said.

Mary Garrison from Heritage Behavioral Health Center highlighted their mission's alignment with this model: "Providing vital whole person care focusing on mental health, substance use, and primary care is essential."

Stacie Kemp from Sinnissippi Centers also shared enthusiasm about participating: "We are proud to participate in Year 1 of the Demonstration Project."

Alongside Illinois, states such as Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine New Hampshire New Mexico Rhode Island Vermont have joined this four-year federal program this year while Michigan Missouri Kentucky Nevada New Jersey New York Oklahoma Oregon were already partaking earlier

For those struggling or experiencing crises help can be accessed by calling texting 988 visiting chat site at 988lifeline.org To learn more about support options visit FindSupport.gov Treatment provider information available through FindTreatment.gov or call helpline number 800-662-HELP (4357)