Achieving the outcomes and cost benefits of CCBHCs in Oklahoma

The community mental health system is the primary safety net for Oklahomans with serious behavioral health issues, serving hundreds of thousands of people annually. In Oklahoma, the largest providers in this system are Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, or CCBHCs, that offer coordinated, comprehensive mental health and substance use care to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay or where they live.

As an early adopter of and national leader in implementing the CCBHC model, Oklahoma achieved statewide CCBHC coverage of all 77 counties in 2021.

Now, Oklahoma should shift its focus to strengthening implementation practices and ensuring CCBHC services fulfill the promise of the model. Current and expected state budget constraints add further urgency to this goal.

Related: Community mental health and the CCBHC model in Oklahoma

Healthy Minds Policy Initiative recently collaborated with some of nation’s leading experts on community mental health systems, state regulators, and CCBHC leaders to develop a roadmap for how the state can achieve the full cost and service benefits of the model. This report summarizes our initial findings of what must be done to advance excellence in Oklahoma’s community mental health services and achieve the full cost benefits and outcomes our state should expect from CCBHCs.

Key findings

• CCBHCs have significantly increased access to mental health services across Oklahoma and are integral to how many communities address local mental health needs. They serve as core partners for schools, law enforcement, and social service entities.
• Available indicators show the state’s CCBHCs perform better in some areas and worse in others compared to CCBHCs in other states. Although there is room for improvement, case studies provide examples of valuable community and fiscal benefits from Oklahoma’s CCBHCs.
• To achieve its stated goal of fiscal responsibility and oversight for CCBHCS, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services must improve its own capabilities. Effective oversight and leadership will require additional internal expertise in the CCBHC model, more capacity to manage and assess data, and more productive relationships with providers and community leaders.
• State regulators should take several immediate steps to strengthen CCBHC services, with a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes and fiscal benefits.