About Section 223

Section 223 creates and evaluates a two-year demonstration program for states to certify community behavioral health clinics. Certified clinics must meet specific criteria emphasizing high-quality care. In 2015, 24 states received planning grants to help them prepare for the demonstration program. Learn more about Section 223.

Eight States Selected to Participate in the 223 Demonstration Program

HHS selected eight states to participate in the demonstration program to improve access to high-quality behavioral health services.

Access contact information – 2017 (PDF | 127 KB) for the eight states selected to participate.

Quality Measures and Webinars

Access technical specifications and templates for collecting and reporting behavioral health quality measures. Learn more in the Behavioral Health Clinic Data Collection and Quality Reporting Webinar Series.

Clarifications to Criteria

SAMHSA and its federal partners have compiled their responses to questions from states so all project directors can benefit. Access CCBHCs: Clarification to Criteria and Guidance – 2017 (PDF | 201 KB).

CCBHC Criteria

Access the complete CCBHC certification criteria – 2016 (PDF | 788 KB) to learn about the history and structure of the criteria, key definitions, and the six program requirements.

Certification Guides and Resources

Several guides and resources are available to help states certify clinics and coordinate services:

• State Discretion in the CCBHC Criteria – 2016 (PDF | 242 KB)
• Satellite Facilities Definition
• State Certification Guide
• States’ Roles and Responsibilities
• Key Terms and Definitions
• Who Can and Cannot Be a CCBHC?
• When is a Person a CCBHC Consumer and Their Services Covered by the Demonstration? – 2016 (PDF | 439 KB)
• Using Health IT
• Conducting a Needs Assessments
• Prospective Payment System (PPS) Reference Guide

Care Coordination for CCBHCs

CCBHCs are responsible for care coordination for many services across various providers and facilities. Learn more about care coordination for CCBHCs:

• Care Coordination Agreements and Care Transitions
• Working With a Designated Collaborating Organization (DCO)
• Working With Substance Use Disorder Treatment Providers
• Telehealth and Telemedicine Definitions and Fundamentals
• Screening and Evaluation Services for New Consumers
• Person- and Family-centered Care and Peer Supports

CCBHCs and Cultural Competence

CCBHCs must respond to the cultural, linguistic, and social needs of the people they serve. Learn more about:

• Cultural Competency Requirements
• Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and Low-literacy Services
• Serving the Military and Veterans
• Cultural Competency Resources and Training

Governance and Oversight

Numerous regulations and governing bodies are involved with CCBHC operations and consumer engagement. Learn more about CCBHC governance and oversight. Find additional information on:

• Patient Privacy
• Developing a Continuity of Operations Plan
• Addressing Governing Board Requirements
• Advance Directives for Behavioral Health

Reports to Congress

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics Demonstration Program Report to Congress, 2017 (PDF | 10.7 MB)

This report focuses on the statutory requirements of Section 223, its implementation, the planning grant that helped states prepare, and the selection of the states to participate in demonstration programs, including activities associated with launching the demonstration programs.