CCBHC Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services Will Expand Thanks to $3.9M Federal Grant

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced it will award Monarch an additional two-year, $3.9 million grant to continue expanding vital services for people with serious mental illness and substance use disorders through the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model in Stanly County.

Funding for this grant is provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and will continue through April 2022.

The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) in Stanly County is planning for expanded services thanks to a federal grant.

Over the next two years, it is estimated that more than 2,000 adults and children with serious mental illness, emotional disturbance, long-term chronic addiction, mild or moderate mental illness and substance use disorders, as well as physical health conditions will be served through the CCBHC, located at the behavioral health outpatient office in Albemarle.

The CCBHC model is part of the National Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Expansion Act. This legislation expands the number of CCBHCs to increase access to community mental health and substance use treatment services while improving Medicaid reimbursement. CCBHC key goals include mental health and addiction treatment access; opioid crisis service expansion; primary care health screenings; expanded behavioral health support for veterans; and collaboration among community care partners.

“Monarch is honored to receive this significant grant to continue our work as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. The CCBHC model provides a framework for comprehensive behavioral health care that directly impacts the lives of those with mental illness and substance use disorders,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Peggy Terhune.

“We know that in the wake of COVID-19, the mental health needs of our communities will only increase. These services are critical, and this grant will ensure we can respond with comprehensive behavioral health care for people who need it most,” Terhune noted.

In September 2018, Monarch was the only North Carolina recipient of a SAMHSA grant to support the development of CCBHC services in Stanly County. As a result of that funding, a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program for outpatient, office-based opioid treatment was launched. Additionally, a partnership was formed with the Stanly County Emergency Medical Services to embed a peer support specialist within local first responders for opioid overdose calls. Over the last 18 months, significant expansion in care management and nursing services was implemented at the CCBHC to better provide whole-person care and enhance coordination with other service providers.

As a result of this new award, plans for continued expansion of services will include:

• Support for patients immediately following mental health-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits.
• Occupational therapy services to enhance treatment outcomes.
• A community-based peer recovery center.
• Additional services to treat co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
• Screening for HIV and Hepatitis A, B and C.
• Increased community education and outreach on mental health and substance use disorders.

“We are grateful to our federal partners for this funding, and to North Carolina legislators who continue to advocate for the CCBHC model of care at the state and federal level. We are pleased to be able to continue providing critical mental health services using this model in Stanly County,” Terhune concluded.

To learn more about Monarch services or for more information, please call (866) 272-7826 or visit the website.