How Philanthropy Can Support Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in Washington State

The Behavioral Health Catalyst (BH Catalyst) continues to identify and promote system-changing approaches. We were excited to convene a range of experts, both locally and nationally, to explore how philanthropy can support the further development of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) in Washington (WA) State. This discussion included CCBHC CEOs from Comprehensive Life Resources, Comprehensive Healthcare, and Sound Mental Health, as well as the Washington Council for Behavioral Health, and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

The overwhelming conclusion from the discussion was that CCBHCs have the potential to improve the behavioral health system in meaningful ways and that philanthropy has an important role to play. 

According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, CCHBCs are specially designated clinics that provide a comprehensive range of mental health and substance use services. CCBHCs serve anyone who walks through the door, regardless of their diagnosis and insurance status. They do this, in part, by receiving an enhanced Medicaid reimbursement rate. CCBHCs are important because they significantly increase access to services within communities.

Various funding streams are important in realizing the vision for CCBHCs. There is no question that the Medicaid rate is key, and we also believe that there are meaningful roles for philanthropy. In other states, including Missouri, philanthropy has played a catalytic role. In that case, philanthropy jumpstarted a statewide data platform, which is driving learning and improvement across the system.

Here are some philanthropic opportunities that emerged from our discussion. Many of these are one-time investments.

• Statewide technology infrastructure enables data management and continuous improvement

• Cross-agency learning allows experts to share their insights and best practices with other clinics and policymakers

• Capacity building and technical assistance both for providers and at the state level can support data management, clinic readiness for certification, and other key functions

• Advocacy efforts, including raising awareness and messaging, elevate the reach and visibility of the CCBHC model and foster support statewide

We will dive into these philanthropic opportunities in more detail with a specific focus on WA State and share our learnings as they unfold.

You can join the discussion and learn more about philanthropic opportunities in WA State by contacting us at info@BHCatalyst.org. 

Thank you to our speakers and collaborators for making this session — and our exploration more broadly — possible.