# What is a CCBHC? Definition & Requirements > A CCBHC (Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic) provides nine required mental health and substance use services, paid via cost-based Medicaid PPS rate. Source: https://www.curertech.com/resources/what-is-a-ccbhc Last updated: 2026-07-15 --- # What is a CCBHC? The behavioral health clinic model, explained **A CCBHC (Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic) is a federally designated clinic** — that provides nine required mental health and substance use services to anyone who needs them, regardless of ability to pay. CCBHCs are paid through a cost-based Medicaid rate — the Prospective Payment System (PPS) — and must meet SAMHSA certification criteria across six program areas. Scope of services ## What does a CCBHC do? The nine required services Every CCBHC must offer all nine service types, delivered directly or through a Designated Collaborating Organization (DCO) partner. - **01** ### Crisis services 24/7 mental health crisis care. - **02** ### Screening & diagnosis Assessment, diagnosis, and risk screening. - **03** ### Treatment planning Person-centered plans set with the patient. - **04** ### Mental health & substance use Outpatient mental health and substance use treatment. - **05** ### Primary-care screening Whole-person health screening and monitoring. - **06** ### Targeted case management Connecting patients to the services they need. - **07** ### Psychiatric rehabilitation Skills, recovery, and community support. - **08** ### Peer & family support Peer, counselor, and family support. - **09** ### Care for veterans Community-based care for service members. Certification ## How is a clinic certified as a CCBHC? SAMHSA's certification criteria span six program areas a clinic must meet and maintain. - **01** ### Staffing Needs-based staffing, licensing, and training. - **02** ### Availability & access 24/7 crisis access and a sliding-fee scale. - **03** ### Care coordination Across providers, hospitals, and DCO partners. - **04** ### Scope of services All nine required services. - **05** ### Quality & reporting Required quality measures and improvement. - **06** ### Governance Patient and family representation, accreditation. Payment & reach ## How are CCBHCs paid, and who do they serve? Two things define the CCBHC model: a cost-based Medicaid payment method, and a mandate to serve everyone who needs care. - **Payment** ### Cost-based Medicaid (PPS) CCBHCs are paid a cost-based daily or monthly Medicaid rate per qualifying encounter, set from an annual cost report — not fee-for-service. [What is PPS?](https://www.curertech.com/resources/what-is-pps) - **Access** ### Anyone who needs care CCBHCs serve everyone regardless of ability to pay, diagnosis, or place of residence. - **Status** ### A permanent, growing model The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 made CCBHC a permanent Medicaid benefit. 500+ CCBHCs serve about 3 million people, and more states joined in 2026. Sources: SAMHSA CCBHC Certification Criteria; CMS/Medicaid CCBHC Demonstration; National Council CCBHC Impact Report (2024); SAMHSA (2026). Common questions ## CCBHCs, answered ### What does CCBHC stand for? CCBHC stands for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic — a federally designated provider of integrated mental health and substance use care. ### How many services must a CCBHC provide? Nine required service types, including 24/7 crisis services, outpatient mental health and substance use treatment, case management, and peer support — delivered directly or through a Designated Collaborating Organization (DCO). ### How is a CCBHC paid? Through the Prospective Payment System (PPS), a cost-based Medicaid rate per qualifying encounter set from the clinic's annual cost report, rather than fee-for-service. ### Is the CCBHC program permanent? Yes. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 made CCBHC a permanent optional Medicaid state-plan benefit, so it is no longer only a time-limited demonstration. CCBHC solutions ## See how CurerTech supports CCBHCs All nine required services, PPS billing, and quality-measure reporting on one record. [Explore CCBHC solutions](https://www.curertech.com/solutions/ccbhc)