Louisiana is one of 15 states recently awarded a $1 million planning grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Behavioral Health will manage this grant to help the state develop its Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) certification process, establish a Prospective Payment System (PPS) for certified clinics and prepare an application to participate in a four-year federal CCBHC demonstration program.

CCBHCs provide a comprehensive range of mental health and substance use services. CCBHCs serve anyone who walks through the door, regardless of their diagnosis, insurance status or ability to pay.

CCBHCs are an essential way to reach people with medically-necessary care that also helps to stave off costs downstream or in more expensive settings, like emergency rooms. One study has shown that for every dollar invested in early care and treatment for mental health and substance use challenges, there is a $2-$10 return in savings on health, criminal and justice, education, and economic costs.

Six CCBHCs currently operate in Louisiana with grant funding which is vulnerable to congressional budget cycles and priorities.

• Acadiana Area Human Services District (Lafayette)
• Capital Area Human Services Department (Baton Rouge region)
• Florida Parishes Human Services Agency (Hammond region)
• Metropolitan Human Services District (New Orleans)
• Crescent Care (New Orleans)
• Start Corporation (Houma)

The state of Louisiana, including under the leadership of Governor Jeff Landry, is to be commended for its leadership in advancing the CCBHC model. The prospect of joining the CCBHC demonstration program is a significant opportunity for the state to expand access to CCBHCs, serve more people with mental health and substance use needs, especially in rural areas, and further address the overdose crisis that continues to wreak havoc on our communities.

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