Joco Today

Senator Marshall announced that Kansas has been selected as one of the 10 states to participate in the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program. This development is seen as a significant step towards enhancing mental health and substance use services across the state.

“We are incredibly proud and excited that Kansas was selected to be a part of the CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program,” Senator Marshall stated. “For years, we have worked with mental health clinics across the state and have a deep understanding of how influential the CCBHCs are in providing robust care. Previously, patients in crisis were often first seen in emergency rooms or by law enforcement rather than receiving help from mental health professionals. CCHBCs demonstrate great promise in improving patient outcomes through specialized behavioral health care.”

CCBHCs have shown effectiveness in reducing hospital emergency services by offering timely access to coordinated care, evidence-based practice, and crisis services available 24/7. They have also provided support to local law enforcement agencies.

“There is an increased recognition that behavioral health services are an important component of the healthcare service array, and very much appreciate the ongoing support of Senator Marshall,” said Kyle Kessler, Executive Director of the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas. “The CCBHC model ensures that Kansans have access not only to mental health services but also to integrated care that emphasizes recovery, wellness, trauma-informed care, and physical-behavioral health integration. Equally as important, the model provides a sustainable approach for providing necessary resources to providers.”

“This announcement is a tremendous victory for the State of Kansas,” said Steven Denny regarding the program announcement. “CCBHCs are a critical component in our fight against mental health and substance use crises, and Kansas is already seeing positive results from this model. They provide a holistic approach to care, integrating mental health, substance use treatment, and primary care services. This comprehensive model will significantly enhance our ability to support individuals and families across Kansas over a long period of time. This is particularly important for those in underserved and rural areas covered by Four County Mental Health Center. We are sincerely thankful for Senator Marshall’s role in reaching this important milestone.”

Background: Senator Marshall has been actively involved in developing CCBHCs by supporting legislation that created and funded this new care model. He led the Kansas delegation in securing expansion planning grants, making the state eligible for the CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program. He also assisted community mental health clinics across Kansas during their transition to CCBHCs.

In May 2023, Senator Marshall welcomed Mr. Steven Denny, Deputy Director of Four County Mental Health Center in Independence, Kansas, for a panel titled: A Crisis in Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Care: Closing Gaps in Access by Bringing Care and Prevention to Communities. During this hearing, Mr. Denny highlighted the significance of mobile crisis services offered by CCBHC.