CCBHC Exploration & Readiness
Is the CCBHC model right for your organization?
CCBHC isn't just a grant opportunity. It's a different model for delivering behavioral health care. Understand what it could mean for your organization and whether it's worth exploring.
3.4M
people served nationally in 2025
20
California organizations with SAMHSA CCBHC grant support
(as of October 2026)
6
major areas covered by CCBHC certification criteria
Why leaders are paying attention
More than adding another program
For some organizations, CCBHC offers a framework for connecting services, teams, partnerships, data and quality improvement that may already exist, but often operate separately.
Common reality today
Programs operating in silos
Participants navigating separate systems
Clinicians handling nonclinical needs
Measures collected mainly for reporting
Crisis and follow-up disconnected
What CCBHC is trying to create
More integrated continuum of care
Coordinated behavioral + physical health
Broader, role-aligned care teams
Data used for improvement
Stronger continuity across care
A California perspective
CCBHC can be the “glue.”
“The opportunity may be to connect services organizations already provide, not simply add another layer.”
At the 2026 California Behavioral Health Association conference, BHODS founder Liz Harvey joined California behavioral health leaders discussing integration, workforce, sustainability, outcomes and what CCBHC implementation looks like in practice.
Former SAMHSA Grant Peer Reviewer
"Winning funding is important, but it's only one part of the journey. The organizations that tend to create lasting impact are those that are willing to learn, adapt, seek feedback, and make improvements along the way. That's why we partner with organizations across planning, implementation, performance management, and continuous improvement, not just to help them pursue funding, but to help them deliver on the commitments they make and achieve meaningful results."
Liz Harvey
What does your starting point look like?
The question isn't simply whether these capabilities exist.
It's how well they work together, and what's missing.
Services & access
Mental health, SUD, crisis and timely access.
Care coordination
Case management, primary care and community partners.
Workforce
Roles, capacity, training and team structure.
Data & reporting
Measures, outcomes and usable performance information.
CQI
Turning information into continuous improvement.
Leadership & sustainability
Organizational alignment and a path beyond grant funding.
A strategic decision
CCBHC may or may not, be the right move.
A useful exploration should help leadership make that distinction.
Take the CCBHC Starting Point Check. You'll get a clearer view of what may already be in place, where questions remain, and what could deserve a closer look.
Worth exploring if…
Comprehensive behavioral health aligns with your mission.
You want greater integration or access.
Leadership is prepared for organizational change.
You can strengthen partnerships, data and CQI.
You see CCBHC as an operating model, not only a grant.
Maybe not right now if…
The primary motivation is grant funding.
The service model falls outside your strategy.
Leadership capacity for change is limited.
Workforce or partnership gaps are not feasible to address.
There is no credible sustainability path.
If you decide to go further
Support that meets you where you are
You don't need to choose a service before talking with us. These are some of the places organizations may need support as their CCBHC work develops
ASSESS
Readiness & Needs Assessment
Understand what is in place, what is missing and what should happen next.
BUILD
Implementation Support
Move from award or decision into practical implementation and project execution.
UNDERSTAND
Community Needs Assessment
Understand community needs and connect findings to staffing, services and priorities.
MEASURE & IMPROVE
Evaluation, Data & CQI
Understand whether implementation and outcomes are working and use the information to improve.
FUND
Grant Development
Translate strategy, evidence, outcomes and implementation plans into a strong application.
ADD CAPACITY
Special Projects
Experienced capacity for defined work that internal teams cannot get to.