BLOOMINGTON— Centerstone applauds Tuesday’s announcement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), to add 10 new states to the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program. This expansion includes Indiana, a state where Centerstone currently operates, marking a historic moment for the transformation of community behavioral health in our nation.
Key Highlights of the Expansion:
1. Broader Access: The expansion will extend CCBHC services to 10 new states,
ensuring more individuals have access to crucial mental health and substance
use disorder treatments. Centerstone will operate CCBHC locations in 15
counties in Indiana.
2. Comprehensive Services: CCBHCs provide a full range of mental health and
substance use services, including 24/7 crisis intervention, outpatient mental
health and substance use services, primary care screening and monitoring, and
targeted case management.
3. Improved Outcomes: Data from existing CCBHCs demonstrate significant
improvements in access to care, reductions in hospitalizations and emergency
department visits, and enhanced patient outcomes. Among the eight states
already part of the CCBHC demonstration, clinics now serve an average of 33%
more patients due to this program.
The CCBHC model is designed to address the unique needs of each community by providing tailored services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate. By integrating mental health, substance use disorder treatment, and physical health care, CCBHCs ensure a holistic approach to patient well-being. This expansion is expected to benefit thousands of individuals across the new states, particularly in underserved and rural areas where access to behavioral health care has historically been limited.
“Indiana’s inclusion in the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration program marks a significant step toward improved access to behavioral health care across the state. Embracing the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic designation and model will strengthen Centerstone’s workforce and enhance the quality of care provided to our communities. With increased funding through this model, we can attract and retain high-quality staff, offer comprehensive training, expand
services, and build a more robust behavioral health care continuum in Indiana,” said Suzanne Koesel, regional chief executive officer for Centerstone.
Through this innovative clinical model, which is aligned with a new payment methodology, Centerstone’s clinics will not only be better equipped to recruit and retain staff but are also required to ensure all clinical staff are trained in evidence-based interventions. This model strengthens access standards so patients can get into care when they need it. Additionally, more than 80% of CCBHCs are working in partnership with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, making crisis services more widely available
and accessible to those in need.
Tuesday’s announcement, which was made possible by the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, allows 10 additional states to join the CCBHC Demonstration every two years, beginning in 2024. “We’re delighted and honored that Indiana is part of this cohort,” said Koesel. “We are tremendously thankful to our state and federal lawmakers as well as our state and federal agencies who have made this a possibility. We look forward to implementing this program over the coming year and, in doing so, serving more patients in need, offering a greater array of evidence-based services, and ultimately delivering care that changes lives.”
About Centerstone:
Centerstone is a nonprofit health system specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatments for people of all ages. Services are available in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, and Tennessee through the operation of outpatient clinics, residential programs, school-based services, telehealth, and an inpatient hospital. Centerstone also offers specialized programs available nationwide for the military community, as well as services for children, including therapeutic foster care.
Centerstone’s Institute provides guidance through research and technology, leveraging the best evidence-based practices for use across our communities. Centerstone’s Foundation secures philanthropic resources to support the work and mission of delivering care that changes people’s lives. Learn more by visiting centerstone.org.
