By Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
LINCOLN, Neb. – Today, Governor Pillen joined leadership from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and South Central Behavioral Services (SCBS) to recognize the inaugural seven Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) as an initiative to enhance access to the highest standard of behavioral health care in Nebraska.
“Progress is possible when we collaborate and move toward one common goal – building a better Nebraska. The CCBHCs are the next innovative step in providing all Nebraskans with high quality and integrated behavioral healthcare appropriate to their needs,” said Governor Pillen.
The seven inaugural providers in Nebraska who successfully completed the certification program are:
- CenterPointe,
- Community Alliance,
- Heartland Counseling Services,
- Heartland Family Services,
- Lutheran Family Services,
- South Central Behavioral Services, and
- The Well.
“Over the past several months, we have partnered with seven providers to adjust their operations to the CCBHC model. Now, a clinic can steady their focus on delivering quality care and the breadth of services to fit each patient’s unique needs,” said Dr. Thomas Janousek, Director of the Division of Behavioral Health. “The CCBHC model reduces administrative barriers for providers. Ultimately, this results in better care for Nebraskans as the provider has more flexibility to address treatment needs. We are truly excited to work with such great partners to develop this program in Nebraska.”
CCBHCs offer Nebraska communities a comprehensive approach to support physical and behavioral health services. Services offered by CCBHCs include:
- Around the clock crisis support,
- Easy access mental health and substance use care,
- Tailored treatment plans,
- Specialized care for veterans and military personnel,
- Peer support for individuals and families,
- Care and case management,
- Early detection and support,
- Whole health approach,
- Integrated primary care, and
- Comprehensive psychiatric rehabilitation services.
“This new model is a true improvement for the Medicaid system in Nebraska. By restructuring reimbursement through the CCBHC framework, we are not only helping Nebraskans access the right care at the right time, but we are also allowing providers to participate in a payment structure that better reflects all resources used to deliver those services,” said Drew Gonshorowski, Director of the Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care.
Since April 2024, the DHHS Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care and the DHHS Division of Behavioral Health have worked with these seven providers to develop the services and programs necessary to meet state requirements and federal criteria determined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Programs will begin operation in January 2026.
“Standing up CCBHCs in Nebraska is truly an agency-wide achievement. By working in concert, rather than in silos, DHHS team members collaborated with excellence to deliver and set the highest quality standards of care for Nebraska communities,” said Steve Corsi, CEO of DHHS.
Today’s news conference was hosted by SCBS in Hastings, an organization offering mental health and substance use services for adults, children, and families. Prior to the recognition, Gov. Pillen, CEO Corsi, Dr. Janousek and Dir. Gonshorowski received a tour of the facility.
“As a rural behavioral health provider in Nebraska, I am thrilled to have this opportunity. SCBS has significantly expanded access to care in Central Nebraska. Having the support of Governor Pillen and the guidance from DHHS has been extremely beneficial in structuring our operation to be more effective and efficient,” said Bob Shueey, CEO of SCBS. “As a Hastings native, I can say this is a transformational change for the community. Our doors are open to all who need help.”
In May 2023, Governor Jim Pillen signed LB 276, the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Act, which launched the implementation of CCBHCs throughout Nebraska. This initiative is an effort to increase access to services, enable providers to incorporate evidence-based practices and further establish care coordination.
CCBHCs emerged from the Excellence in Mental Health Act, a federal law signed in 2014 to improve the nation’s mental health system. The CCBHC model ensures that clinics are providing a wide array of services, such as crisis response, medication management, psychotherapy, community support and peer support. In return, providers are allowed to participate in a re-structured payment model that better accounts for costs associated with services.
Learn more about CCBHCs at: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/CCBHC.aspx