Project Overview
To determine if the CCBHC demonstration improves access to, and the quality and outcomes of, ambulatory mental health and substance use services.
To identify factors that facilitate or impede the success of the CCBHC model and assess if the model has an impact on the utilization and costs of services.
RAND Corporation, Advocates for Human Potential
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
Community behavioral health organizations that became CCBHCs provide a comprehensive range of ambulatory mental health and substance use services, as well as primary care screening and monitoring. Medicaid pays a fixed daily or monthly payment to each CCBHC, and states have the option to provide CCBHCs with bonus payment tied to performance on quality measures. The demonstration seeks to test whether providing an enhanced payment rate to CCBHCs that provide a broad array of services improves access to, and the quality and outcomes of care. Mathematica, the RAND Corporation, and Advocates for Human Potential are conducting a mixed-methods evaluation to examine the implementation and outcomes of the demonstration across states. The evaluation includes analysis of Medicaid claims data, CCBHC quality measure and cost reports, surveys of CCBHCs, CCBHC client focus groups, and interviews with state- and CCBHC-level stakeholders.
Evidence & Insights From This Project
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Demonstration Program: Report to Congress, 2025
Section 223 of the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (PAMA; Public Law 113-93) authorized the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration, which allows states to test an innovative and evidence-based strategy for delivering and reimbursing a comprehensive array of services provided in community behavioral health clinics. This annual report to Congress presents findings from the CCBHC demonstration across 18 states participating as of August 2025. The report examines access to community-based behavioral health services, the quality and scope of services provided by CCBHCs, and the demonstration’s impact on federal and state costs. It also offers recommendations concerning continuation of the demonstration.
Learn MoreCertified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Demonstration Program: Report to Congress, 2024
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Demonstration Program: Report to Congress, 2023
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Demonstration Program: Report to Congress, 2022
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Better Data, Better Programs, Better Outcomes
To improve the effectiveness of your state’s behavioral health programs, you need insight into how their performance aligns with state-specific priorities. Our evaluation experts can help you understand what’s working and optimize programs for greater efficiency and impact.
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