Biden administration announces $15M in funding for behavioral health clinics

Following its announcement of nearly $300 million in funding — $27 million specifically for youth — the Biden administration has announced an additional $15 million in funding for state-based mental health clinics.

States will now have the opportunity to develop Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, which provide crisis services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will serve anyone who requests care for mental health or substance abuse services, regardless of their financial situation.

“With these additional funds, we’re delivering on President Biden’s commitment to strengthen mental and behavioral health for all Americans, including people living in our nation’s most vulnerable communities,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a press release. “Behavioral health is health. Period. There should be no distinction. This investment will bring us closer to that reality.”

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics were created in 2014 through the Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Act. The clinics receive reimbursement through Medicaid for the full cost of services they provide at higher, more competitive rates than community mental health centers.

Ten states — Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon and Pennsylvania — were selected to receive 1-year planning grants from HHS to develop such clinics.

The remaining 40 states and District of Columbia are eligible to submit applications for planning grants to develop these clinics in their states. In early 2023, up to 15 states will be awarded funding for planning grants.

“Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics are transforming behavioral health systems one community at a time,” HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, PhD, said in the release. “[The clinics] expand the quality and speed of behavioral health help to those in need.”