West Virginia has been selected as one of only 10 states nationwide to participate in the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program, a federal initiative that will help expand access to comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder services across the state.
“This selection represents a significant opportunity for West Virginia to strengthen and expand access to behavioral health services across the state,” said Christina Mullins, Acting Cabinet Secretary for the West Virginia Department of Human Services. “Participation in the CCBHC Demonstration Program will help support a more coordinated, comprehensive, and sustainable behavioral health system for West Virginians, particularly in rural and underserved communities.”
The program was expanded under Section 11001 of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022 and is jointly administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE).
Federal officials recognized West Virginia for completing the foundational work necessary to implement a strong statewide demonstration program, including planning efforts related to clinic certification, service delivery, and payment systems.
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, administered through the West Virginia Department of Human Services’ Bureau for Behavioral Health (BBH) and Bureau for Medical Services (BMS), are designed to provide a comprehensive range of mental health and substance use disorder services regardless of an individual’s ability to pay. The model emphasizes integrated care, crisis response services, care coordination, and evidence-based treatment practices to improve outcomes for individuals and families.
Participation in the demonstration program increases the federal Medicaid match rate for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic services. The enhanced funding structure will help strengthen the sustainability of behavioral health services and support continued investment in community-based mental health and substance use disorder treatment across West Virginia.
Over the next four years, West Virginia will work with federal partners to implement the demonstration program and expand access to comprehensive, community-based behavioral health services for West Virginians.
For more information about CCBHCs or to find a clinic near you, visit: https://bbh.wv.gov/providers-and-partners/west-virginia-certified-community-behavioral-health-clinics-ccbhcs
