Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics

What is CCBHC?

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) was originally developed by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and tested during a federal demonstration project from 2017 through 2019. There is a SAMHSA Section 223 web page as well as a CMS Section 223 web page.

CCBHC is an outpatient, integrated care model incorporating care coordination and utilizing a cost based payment methodology. The federal criteria for CCBHC defines the specific requirements each state had to follow during the demonstration. This criteria still provides the structure for the program in Minnesota.

The goals of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics program in MN are to 1) increase access to community-based mental health and substance use disorder services (particularly to under-served communities), 2) advance integration of behavioral health with physical health care, and 3) improve utilization of evidence-based practices on a more consistent basis. Part of how CCBHCs increase access is to, “step out of the clinic 4 walls,” meaning they strive to serve people in their homes and in the community or via telehealth whenever possible.

It can be a heavy lift and sometimes a significant culture shift for an organization as it is expected CCBHCs will complete a thorough needs assessment in their community and then continuously improve their services according to those needs. CCBHCs must offer care that is person-centered and family-centered, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and that the integration of mental health and substance use disorder services in coordination with physical health care and social services will serve the “whole person” rather than disconnecting aspects of the individual. CCBHCs serve individuals regardless of ability to pay or place of residence; therefore, those who are most in need of coordinated, integrated and quality care will receive it from CCBHCs.

The CCBHC model embraces a recovery-oriented philosophy, supporting multiple pathways for individuals to recover from mental illness and substance use disorders requiring the staff to work in an integrated way enacting a harm reduction model. CCBHCs implement medication-assisted recovery—the use of medication, in combination with counseling and care coordination services, to provide effective support for recovery from addictive substances as well as mental illness. Medications may be provided in the short-term as Outpatient Withdrawal Management or in the long term as Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).

Some basic information is in the CCBHC Brochure 2022 (PDF) 

CCBHC in MN is defined through the following methods:

• 245.735 provides the state standards and legislative authority for CCBHC
• 256B.0625 Subd. 5m. provides the medical assistance coverage authority for CCBHC
• CCBHC MHCP provider manual page

Certification

Certification process

The certification process to provide CCBHC services consists of attending orientations, completing a pre-application and narrative application, a site visit and submitting a final cost report. Complete details are listed below. All timelines are pending State Plan Amendment approval and the successful implementation of Minnesota IT Services payment for CCBHCs.

Apply for Certification

Step 1: Familiarize yourself with the certification standards and process

• Review the SAMHSA website about CCBHC and CMS website about CCBHC to learn about the federal government’s demonstration project.
• Review the CCBHC resource list below. The CCBHC Certification Checklist is used to ensure federal and state requirements are met for certification.
• Ensure all pre-requisites are met before applying.
• Attend a CCBHC Orientation. Held Quarterly on the 1st Tuesday of the month 1-4pm. 
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  • Register for the January 9, 2024 session here.
  • Register for the April 2, 2024 session here.
  • Register for the July 9, 2024 session here.
  • Register for October 1, 2024 session here.

Step 2: Request to apply

• Contact MN_DHS_CCBHC@state.mn.us to receive a copy of the CCBHC Pre-Certification Application.
• Submit to: MN_DHS_CCBHC@state.mn.us and use the following subject line: CCBHC Pre-Application and Community Needs Assessment.
• After you receive an email confirmation of your pre-application approval, complete the Certification Narrative Response.
• Verify all locations providing CCBHC services are properly enrolled with Minnesota Health Care Programs.  For questions regarding enrollment or which provider types are eligible, please contact the Provider Resource Center at 651-431-2700.
• Submit the complete application narrative to MN_DHS_CCBHC@state.mn.us and use the following subject line: CCBHC Certification Narrative Response.

Step 3: Schedule site visit

• Site visits are scheduled upon receiving the narrative response.
• Use the Site Visit Checklist to prepare for your site visit.
• Confirm cost report training date and registration information.

Step 4: Submit Cost Report

• Attend cost report training provided by DHS/Mercer. Wednesday, November 8, 2023, 9am-12pm. For more information or to request a link, email MN_DHS_CCBHC@state.mn.us.
• Submit cost report to MN_DHS_CCBHC@state.mn.us
• Use the following subject line Cost Report

Step 5: Receive PPS rate

• After successful demonstration of CCBHC requirements and cost report approval, a confirmation letter with your CCBHC effective date will be provided via email. A 1 year certification is authorized.

Step 6: Review of CCBHC Certification at 1 year

• A review meeting is scheduled after 1 year.
• Review full integration of CCBHC service model
• Successful completion results in an additional 2 year certification

Questions about CCBHC

Email: MN_DHS_CCBHC@state.mn.us

Resources

• Federal Requirement (PDF)
• MN statute for CCBHC (245.735)
• CCBHC Certification Prerequisites (PDF)
• Timeline for certification (PDF)
• Certification Narrative Response (PDF)
• Needs Assessment (DOC)
• CCBHC Certification Checklist (PDF)
• Site Visit Checklist (PDF)

Other Resources

• CLAS Standards

Providers

Federal Demonstration CCBHC's

Alluma

Alluma takes an uncommon community-based approach, integrating mental health and substance use care into overall wellbeing. Rooted in research and focused on relationships, Alluma goes above and beyond to build capacity in individuals and help clients get connected.

Certification date: June 2017, recertified June 2019.

Counties served: Kittson, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Polk, and Red Lake.

To contact Alluma, call (218) 281-3940, or visit their website for more information.

Amherst H. Wilder Foundation

Wilder Mental Health and Wellness is nationally recognized for its mental health and recovery services for adults, children and families. Its trauma informed, whole-person, whole-family integrated approach helps people grow and heal.

Certification date: June 2017, recertified June 2019.

County served: Ramsey.

To contact the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, call (651) 280-2310, or visit their website for more information.

Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center

HVMHC’s mission is to be a community leader in delivering exceptional, responsive and consumer focused behavioral health services.

Certification date: January 2022.

Counties served: Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Wabasha, and Winona.

To contact Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center, call toll free 1-800-657-6777 or visit their website for more information.

Northern Pines Mental Health Center

Northern Pines Mental Health Center is dedicated to coordinating integrated substance use disorder, mental health and physical health services to meet the needs of community members. As an essential community provider, Northern Pines utilizes many different payer sources including, private insurance, Medical Assistance, Medicare, grants, community funds, veterans' benefits and individualized payment plans.

Certification date: June 2017, recertified June 2019.

Counties served: Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena.

To contact Northern Pines Mental Health Center, call 1-800-316-0698, or visit their website for more information.

People Incorporated

People Incorporated represents a critical service link in Minnesota's community-based mental health system serving the community through more than 60 programs throughout the Twin Cities and beyond.

Certification date: June 2017, recertified June 2019.

Counties served: Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, and Ramsey.

To contact People Incorporated, call (651) 774-0011, or visit their website for more information.

Ramsey County Mental Health Center

Ramsey County specializes in providing flexible services to all individuals, including those who have not found recovery through traditional treatment.

Certification date: June 2017, recertified June 2019.

County served: Ramsey.

To contact Ramsey County Mental Health Center, call (651) 266-7890, or visit their website for more information.

Zumbro Valley Health Center

Zumbro Valley Health Center is an inclusive non-profit facility, which provides resources and support for anyone living with a mental health issue. Mental health is an everyday and very real occurrence for people from all walks of life and Zumbro Valley Health Center is committed to establishing a welcoming and positive environment.

Certification date: June 2017, recertified June 2019.

Counties served: Fillmore and Olmsted.

To contact Zumbro Valley Health Center, call (507) 289-2089, or visit their website for more information.

State Plan Amendment (SPA) CCBHC's

Canvas Health

The mission of Canvas Health is to bring hope, healing, and recovery to the people we serve. Canvas’ integrated programs and services offer coordinated care to people of all ages in their homes, the community, and in our clinics. We strive for excellence in clinical care as we serve those living with mental illness, substance use disorders, crisis, unstable housing, and trauma.

Certification date: February 2022.

Counties served: Anoka, Chisago, Hennepin, Scott, and Washington.

To contact Canvas Health, call toll free 651-777-5222 or visit their website for more information.

Central Minnesota Mental Health Center

While CMMHC has always used an integrated care approach, by becoming a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, it has improved access to a wide variety of services to meet the overall health needs of its clients. A key component to this model is that all providers work together as a team on a client's treatment plan and goals.

Certification date: September 2021.

Counties served: Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright.

To contact Central Minnesota Mental Health Center, call toll free 1-800-635-8008 or visit their website for more information.

Fraser Child and Family Center

Fraser is Minnesota’s premier provider and expert on services that intersect the care of intellectual and developmental disabilities with the treatment of co-occurring autism and mental health issues. Our coordinated care teams leverage a whole-person approach to maximize the health, well-being, independence, and safety of each client.

Certification date: February 2024.

Counties served: Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington.

To contact Fraser, call 612-767-7222 or visit their website for more information.

Hennepin County Mental Health Center: 

Hennepin County Mental Health Center is a county-supported facility that provides ongoing, comprehensive, client-centered treatment. Hennepin County Mental Health Center treatment promotes whole-person wellness and recovery, self-efficacy, and life enhancement. 

Certification date: August 2023.

Counties served: Hennepin County.

To contact Hennepin County Mental Health Center, call 612-596-9438 or visit their website for more information.

Human Development Center

HDC offers a comprehensive set of behavioral health services provided by an integrated team of professionals. As a community mental health center, HDC's mission is to lead communities by providing integrated, culturally respectful mental health and addiction services that foster hope, self-determination, and recovery. HDC focuses on serving those most in need and improving the quality of life for all.

Certification date: October 2020.

Counties served: Carlton, Lake, and Southern St. Louis.

To contact Human Development Center, call (218) 728-4491 or toll free (888) 412-9764 or visit their website for more information.

North Homes Children and Family Services

North Homes Children and Family Services is a private, non-profit agency that provides comprehensive mental health services to children and families across Northern Minnesota.

Certification date: October 2023.

Counties served: Beltrami, Itasca, and St. Louis.

To contact North Homes Children and Family Services, Bemidji (Beltrami) 218-751-0282; Grand Rapids (Itasca) 218-999-9908; Duluth (St. Louis) 218-733-3000 or visit their website for more information. 

Northland Counseling Center, Inc

Northland Counseling Center, Inc. offers out-patient mental health services that include diagnostic assessments; medication management; and individual, family, couples & group therapy for all ages.

Certification date: October 2023.

Counties served: Itasca and Kooching

To contact Northland Counseling Center, call 218-326-1274, or visit their website for more information.

Range Mental Health Center

Range Mental Health Center (RMHC) was the first rural community mental health center in the United States and the first in Minnesota to provide services developed specifically for persons with serious and persistent mental illness. The Center was established in 1961 and was the 16th federally designated community mental health center in the nation, and the first in Minnesota. 

Certification date: May 2023.

Counties served: St. Louis 

To contact Range Mental Health Center, call (218)749-2881or visit their website for more information. 

Sanford Health Behavioral Health of Northern Minnesota

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America's heartland.

Certification date: March 2023

Counties served: Beltrami

To contact Sanford Health, call (218) 333-2035 or visit their website for more information. 

South Central Human Relations Center

SCHRC has been delivering comprehensive, community-based mental health services to adults, children, adolescents and families for more than 45 years. SCHRC's mission is to provide professional, comprehensive mental health services like individual and group therapy, counseling, psychiatry and Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment (IDDT) to the people in its communities. SCHRC's commitment is to serve the needs of individuals in a manner that reflects its goals, values and beliefs as stated herein.

Certification date: September 2021.

Counties served: Dodge, Steele, and Waseca.

To contact South Central Human Relations Center, call (507) 451-2630 or toll free (800) 722-0590 or visit their website for more information.

Western Mental Health Center

WMHC's mission is to promote and advance mental health, to treat persons with mental health or related needs, and to provide collaborative and educational services to the community. It focuses on an integrated approach to health care, working with patients to find a balance between mind, body and spirit and supporting each individual to be the strongest they can be. WMHC's health system includes a co-occurring, evidence based, and holistic approach to health care that is patient centered.

Certification date: October 2020.

Counties served: Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Redwood, and Yellow Medicine.

To contact Western Mental Health Center, call (507) 532-3236 or 1-800-658-2429 or visit their website for more information.

Woodland Centers

Woodland Centers provides Mental Health and Substance Use therapy and programs through a continuum of behavioral health services to seven Minnesota counties (listed below). Its staff consist of educated and trained mental health and substance use providers.

Certification date: January 2022.

Counties served: Big Stone, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Meeker, Renville and Swift.

To contact Woodland Centers, call toll free 320-235-4613 or visit their website for more information.

Payment

Prospective Payment System (PPS)

Not only does the CCBHC model provide an opportunity for people of all ages to be offered a full array of behavioral health services in a one-stop-shop, but under the CCBHC Prospective Payment System (PPS) methodology, Medical Assistance payment is based on an individual clinic’s expected cost of care.

Minnesota has 3 types of payment for CCBHCs:

• An approved Medicaid PPS rate under the federal Section 223 demonstration (referred to as “Demonstration CCBHCs”)
• An approved Medicaid PPS rate under Minnesota’s Medicaid State Plan Amendment, currently pending Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approval with an anticipated effective date of October 1, 2020 (referred to as “SPA CCBHCs”)
• SAMHSA CCBHC expansion grants for CCBHCs who do not have an approved Medicaid PPS rate

Currently, there are six Demonstration CCBHCs that receive ongoing Medical Assistance funding through the CCBHC Prospective Payment System (PPS). These are the six clinics that were certified in June of 2017 and continue to participate in the federal demonstration.

Two SPA CCBHCs will convert to Medical Assistance funding under the State Plan authority mentioned above. These clinics were recipients of grants from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). These grants pay for services and clients who are not covered by the funding normally received by outpatient behavioral health providers. For more information about the past grant opportunity, please go to the SAMHSA CCBHC grants page. During 2020, these two SPA clinics were re-certified as CCBHCs according to state requirements and completed the cost reporting process in order to receive a clinic-specific PPS rate effective October 1, 2020 (pending SPA approval).

Two additional providers received SAMHSA grants that were awarded in a second CCBHC expansion grant funding opportunity in August of 2020. More information can be found on the SAMHSA CCBHC Expansion Grants page. These clinics do not have an approved Medicaid PPS rate.

Payment Systems

The six Demonstration CCBHCs that receive the PPS rate first submit and receive payment for services provided through the normal state and managed care organization claims process systems. The CCBHCs then receive a monthly CCBHC supplemental payment based on their clinic-specific cost-based PPS rate less any claims payments received.

DHS is currently working towards full PPS payment for FFS and MCO claims for CCBHCs operating under State Plan authority when they submit a claim through the standard claims processing systems for a qualifying encounter for services provided. A qualifying encounter is the first billable unit for a CCBHC service on a given service date, for dates of service on or after the effective date of the PPS rate.

Scope of Services - Federal 223 Demonstration (PDF)
Scope of Services - State Plan Amendment (SPA) (PDF) 
CCBHC PPS Payment FAQ (updated on 1-28-21)
DCO Requirements

Quality Bonus Payments

CCBHCs receiving the PPS rate under the federal Demonstration are currently eligible to earn a quality bonus payment based on performance of outcome measures. DHS is currently working on a state incentive program that would allow CCBHCs under State Plan authority to also earn a quality bonus payment (pending SPA approval).

Exemption from County Share

CCBHCs that are approved for PPS payment are exempt from the county share that currently applies to MA payments for MH-TCM and SUD treatment.

Evaluation

Reporting requirements

As a condition of participation in the federal demonstration program, the CCBHCs and DHS are required to collect and report data on the federally required quality measures. The data reporting requirements are designed to ensure improved access to care and high-quality services. There are 22 federally required quality measures, including two annual consumer experience of care surveys (adult and children/family). DHS expanded the federal Mental Health Statistics and Improvement Program (MHSIP) surveys. DHS developed an Evaluation Manual to help the CCBHCs with data collection and reporting.

The federally required measures are:

Eight measures were developed collaboratively with the CCBHCs to show the impact of the CCBHC service delivery model on the target populations served by the CCBHCs. Two ambitious goals were identified to achieve during the CCBHC federal demonstration period in Minnesota. These goals were selected to address the lack of access to a full continuum of mental health and substance use disorder treatment, especially in the frontier counties, in an integrated clinic. Improving access to the full array of services and support allows individuals to be healthy and successful in their community

1. Add new benefits and expand access to existing services.
2. Expand access to communities of color and non-native English speakers.

The Minnesota specific impact measures are:

Quality Incentive Program

DHS offers quality incentive payments to CCBHCs that meet performance thresholds on select quality measures. Under the Section 223 demo, the CCBHCs must meet thresholds on six federally required quality measures. DHS is currently reviewing and will be finalizing a list of quality measures and performance thresholds for a MN specific Quality Incentive Program under a State Plan Amendment (SPA). The draft recommendations of measures were developed and informed by the quality staff across DHS and the CCBHCs.

Quality Incentive Program Criteria and Benchmarks

​Below are links to performance thresholds and criteria for the six quality measures for both the clinics currently under the Section 223 demo and for clinics operating under the State Plan Amendment (SPA). Individual clinics' thresholds are blinded. Clinics have also been notified of their individual benchmarks via email.

• Demo Clinic Benchmarks DY4 and DY5 (PDF)
• SPA Clinic Benchmarks CY21 and CY22 (PDF)
• Updated SPA Clinic Benchmarks CY22 (PDF)
• All Clinic Benchmarks CY23 (PDF)

Resources

• SAMHSA Section 223 Demonstration Program for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics
• SAMHSA Section 223 Quality Measures
• When is a Person a CCBHC Consumer and Their Services Covered by the Demonstration?
• Questions and Clarifications About Specific Quality Measures
• Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Demonstration Program Report to Congress, 2017

Services

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) are community clinics that offer comprehensive, trauma-informed, evidence based, person- and family-centered mental health and substance use disorder services, primary care screenings, and care coordination to all ages regardless of ability to pay or place of residence. CCBHCs provide outreach, increase access, improve services, and serve as a “one-stop-shop” to those who are currently underserved.

The required services for CCBHC are defined by the federal criteria provided by SAMHSA. In order to provide the required services, Minnesota statute for CCBHC requires that a CCBHC have certain Minnesota licenses, enrollments or certifications. Generally, a CCBHC should provide all of the required services; however, there are some services that could be provided by a Designated Collaborating Organization (DCO), please refer to Minnesota statutes 245.735 subdivision 3, paragraph (b), for more information about DCO. 

The following table provides a specific listing of the services and licenses/certifications/enrollments a CCBHC must offer:

*Required activity

If you are needing any of the services above, please click the “Certified Providers” tab to find a CCBHC near you. If you are interested in becoming a CCBHC, please click the “Certification” tab to find information on the certification process.

CCBHC Standard Variance

According to MN statute 245.735 (17)(d), “(d) When the standards listed in paragraph (a) or other applicable standards conflict or address similar issues in duplicative or incompatible ways, the commissioner may grant variances to state requirements if the variances do not conflict with federal requirements.”

DHS created a standard variance to address state requirements that are in conflict with or duplicative of CCBHC state and federal criteria. The CCBHC standard variances identifies the specific conflicting standards, the corresponding CCBHC alternative standards, and implementation guidance for each variance.  This document is jointly issued by the Office of Inspector General Licensing Division and the Behavioral Health Division to all CCBHCs.  The variances are applicable to the following services that a CCBHC must provide: mental health clinic, substance use disorder treatment, ARMHS, CTSS, and MH-TCM.  

County

As more and more CCBHC’s seek certification throughout the state of Minnesota, the Department of Human Services will publish Frequently Asked Questions and other guidance to better understand the relationship and impact that CCBHC’s have with their respective counties. 

• FAQ TCM Rate Entry in MMIS for CCBHCs