No more waiting lists for community-based mental health and substance use services
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) are transforming behavioral health and health care in Rhode Island.
CCBHC is a care model that provides behavioral health organizations with a solution to meet the growing demand for their services. A simple but central and important element of the CCBHC model is that waiting lists are not allowed. Access to care is a top priority. Individuals are often ready to receive mental health and substance use care, but long waiting lists for health care providers delay access.
The CCBHC model ensures that community-based services are delivered at the right level of care and at the right time, meeting people where they are. CCBHCs must be adequately staffed to provide immediate care. Additionally, community outreach and 24/7 mobile crisis response teams are core components, allowing individuals to access behavioral health services on demand by calling 988 or their local CCBHC. You can receive it. Professional therapists, prescribers, and peer recovery specialists are needed to de-escalate crises and connect individuals to services such as medication-assisted treatment, walk-in detox, outpatient and intensive outpatient counseling services, medical detox, and psychiatric evaluations. available at some point. , general medical evaluations, and other evidence-based programs that provide integrated physical and behavioral health services for all age groups.
Thrive Behavioral Health, Community Care Alliance (CCA), and Newport Mental Health are the first community mental health organizations in Rhode Island to strive for and achieve this breadth of services and high standards of excellence.
How it all started
CCBHCs were created at the federal level in 2014 after Congress passed the Mental Health and Addiction Excellence Act, an effort to expand access to behavioral health care across the United States. Eight states were selected as “demonstration states” and received Medicaid reimbursement status along with grants to expand services.
Although Rhode Island was not included in this initial group, Newport Mental Health took notice and began adopting the CCBHC model. Newport Mental Health received its first federal CCBHC grant in 2018. Grants have helped get Rhode Island’s CCBHC program off the ground, but they are not a sustainable funding source.
how it’s happening
Rhode Island is in the running to be one of the next 10 states designated as a demonstration program by the federal government. This designation provides reliable funding through Medicaid. Missouri has been a CCBHC under the federal program for six years and has reported the following accomplishments:
· 84% increase in access to patient care.
· 49% increase in services provided to veterans and active duty military.
· 181% increase in number of certified clinicians.
· 36% reduction in emergency department encounters.
· 35% reduction in hospitalizations.
According to the National Council 2022 CCBHC Impact Report, it is estimated that 2.1 million customers are currently served by CCBHCs nationwide. They also estimate that among his active CCBHCs he employed 11,240 staff. This increase in licensed clinicians will facilitate increased access across the board, including increased services for veterans and active duty military. Increased staffing will also improve access to medication-assisted treatment and reduce unnecessary and preventable hospital and emergency department utilization.
Within the CCBHC Framework, Program Structure, and Practice Standards, each state sets its own standards and processes for certifying CCBHCs. Rhode Island’s requirements exceed federal standards, and the company is well-positioned for the next round of demonstration funding. Rhode Island will be notified in June if it has been accepted. In the meantime, consistent state funding is urgently needed to sustain critical programs and improve the staffing levels achieved with grant funding.
A concrete example of how Medicaid expansion helps Rhode Islanders is the Rhode Island Outreach (RIO) program. RIO is a team of trained professionals who respond to crisis calls through 988 or the Newport Mental Health Crisis Line, instead of sending law enforcement or using a hospital emergency department. Provide de-escalation and behavioral health services. This evidence-based model reduces unnecessary incarceration, recidivism, and unnecessary hospital involvement through early intervention. There is no charge for emergency calls or visits from her RIO. It is currently funded by a grant, which ends in September. Under the CCBHC model, calls and visits are covered by Medicaid.
Change is just around the corner
CCBHC models have been proven to reduce total costs of care by improving outcomes for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. By providing integrated care that addresses both behavioral and physical health needs, CCBHCs prevent costly and unnecessary emergency department visits, improve transitions of care, and improve preventive care when implemented with fidelity. It can reduce possible readmissions. Additionally, CCBHCs can help individuals manage their conditions more effectively by increasing access to care and early intervention, reducing the risk of long-term hospitalization and, in extreme cases, involvement of the justice system. Reduces the need for expensive treatments that occur if treatment is delayed. .
The CCBHC model collaborates with other health care providers, community organizations, and social service agencies to share resources, expand reach and impact, and provide more comprehensive care for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. requires collaboration, integration and partnership. By collaborating with other health care providers, we can streamline the referral process, improve coordination of care, and ensure that individuals receive comprehensive care that addresses all their needs.
Integration of services and treatment approaches results in more effective outcomes and a seamless experience for individuals seeking care. By collaborating with a variety of partners, CCBHC creates a support network that improves the overall quality of care in Rhode Island and enables comprehensive, coordinated care for patients. Rhode Island’s current and future CCBHCs will serve 91% of the population and place us at the gateway to change.
Rhode Island’s CCBHCs are already providing residents with the quality care and access they desperately need. Our government leaders need to find a way to fill the funding gap that is emerging before our eyes. If we don’t, we’ll all be back on the waiting list.
Please consider encouraging your legislators to fund CCBHCs by attending the May Is Mental Health Month kickoff event on May 1st at the Rhode Island State Capitol. Details: mhari.org/mimhm2024
Dayna Gladstein is president and CEO of Newport Mental Health in Middletown. Her co-authored book with Kristan McClintock, Peace of Mind, appears monthly in the Newport Daily News and online at her newportri.com.
