Take note of these important new standards! The Joint Commission will launch the new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) standards on July 1, 2023. It’s important to know that both Hospitals and Behavioral Health Care organizations have Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. Therefore, both types of organizations can benefit from accrediting their CCBHC under the Comprehensive Manual for Behavioral Health Care.
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic
A Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) is a type of healthcare facility that provides comprehensive and integrated mental health and substance use disorder services to individuals and families in need. Certified CCBHC organizations must meet specific standards and requirements to ensure that they provide high-quality care. Designed for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, CCBHCs improve access to care, increase care coordination and promote better health outcomes..
Meanwhile, keep an eye on these important dates. The Joint Commission CCBHC standards released on July 1, 2023 are based on the SAMHSA requirements prior to the March 2023 update. These standards will be updated and released July 1, 2024 to align with SAMHSA’s release of their new requirements on that same date.
Finally, be aware of these three CCBHC implementation models!
- CCBHCs funded by the Section 223 CCBHC Demonstration
- CCBHC-Es funded by SAMHSA expansion grants
- CCBHCs funded through state Medicaid programs separate from the Section 223 CCBHC Demonstration
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Required Services
SAMHSA requires CCBHCs to directly provide nine services:
- Crisis Services
- Screening, Assessment, Diagnosis
- *Person- Centered and Family-Centered Treatment Planning
- *Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Use Services
- *Primary Care Screening and Monitoring
- Targeted Case Management
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services
- *Peer Supports and Family/Caregiver Supports
- *Community Care for Uniformed Service Members and Veterans
*This service terminology is the March 2023 updated SAMHSA terminology.
Currently, the CCBHC organization must directly deliver the first 4 services above. The additional services may be delivered by a Designated Collaborating Organization (DCO). Beginning July 1, 2024, the CCBHC organization must directly deliver the majority (51% or more) of encounters across the required services (excluding Crisis Services) rather than through a DCO.
Get compliant with the Joint Commission CCBHC standards now!
Don’t wait to lay your CCBHC foundation. Taking these steps now will allow you to do a simple update July 1, 2024. Plus, be sure to review the Joint Commission Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Pre-Publication Standards.
Additional Resources
- Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Certification Criteria – SAMHSA Update March 2023
- TJC CCBHC Pre-Publication Standards Question Submission
- TJC CCBHC Webinar May 9, 2023 – Joint Commission Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Pre-Publication Standards
Barrins & Associates Consultation
We’ve incorporated Certified Behavioral Health Clinics into our 2023 Mock Survey and Continuous Readiness Consultations. We continue to be your partner in achieving and sustaining Joint Commission Accreditation and regulatory compliance.