CCBHC model continues to expand, faces some funding constraints

This article was originally published at CCBHC model continues to expand, faces some funding constraints

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics served approximately 3.4 million people in 2025, a 13 percent increase over 2024, according to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s 2026 CCBHC Impact Report. More than half of those served had a serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance.

The number of CCBHCs grew 9 percent between 2024 and 2025, with 539 clinics now operating across the country. Clinics reported a 42 percent average increase in clients served since becoming a CCBHC, and created more than 32,000 new staff positions after adopting the model — an average of 81 new positions per Medicaid CCBHC.

Half a million people received substance use disorder treatment through CCBHCs in 2025. Among clients with opioid use disorder, 50 percent received medication for the condition, more than triple the national average. More than three-quarters of clinics reported positive justice-system outcomes for clients, three-quarters reported positive housing outcomes, and 65 percent reported positive employment outcomes.

“The broader model continues to expand as more states adopt Medicaid CCBHC programs,” said Rebecca Farley David, principal advisor for policy and advocacy at the National Council.

The report also flags a coming strain: half of CCBHCs reported an increase in uninsured patients, and projected Medicaid coverage losses under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could raise uncompensated-care costs for clinics that serve everyone regardless of ability to pay.

This article was originally published at CCBHC model continues to expand, faces some funding constraints