Cooperative Agreements for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Planning Grants

The Cooperative Agreements for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Planning Grants are administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This funding initiative is part of the broader effort to expand access to comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment services across the United States. SAMHSA’s CCBHC program is designed to help states develop sustainable systems of care that meet national standards for behavioral health service delivery, particularly for Medicaid beneficiaries. This program provides financial assistance to selected states to support the development and implementation of certification systems for CCBHCs. It aims to assist states in establishing Prospective Payment Systems (PPS) for services eligible for Medicaid reimbursement, as well as in preparing comprehensive applications to participate in a future four-year CCBHC Demonstration Program. The goal is to ensure that behavioral health services are accessible, evidence-based, and integrated with primary care and other systems of support. Eligible applicants are limited to state entities that have not previously participated in the CCBHC Demonstration Program. These include the State Mental Health Authority (SMHA), the Single State Agency for Substance Abuse Services (SSA), or the State Medicaid Agency (SMA). This restriction ensures the equitable expansion of the demonstration program to states not yet benefiting from its implementation. The cooperative agreement structure indicates substantial federal involvement in the project. This includes guidance, technical assistance, and oversight throughout the planning and development phases. While specific allowable costs are not outlined in the forecast notice, the emphasis on certification system development and Medicaid-related payment systems suggests that funding will support administrative infrastructure, policy development, and stakeholder engagement. As of the forecast update on December 11, 2025, the estimated total program funding is $15 million, with an expected 15 awards. However, specific award ceilings, floors, and application due dates are yet to be published. The estimated release date for the official Notice of Funding Opportunity is March 31, 2026. Additional key dates, including award notifications and project start dates, will be defined in the full announcement. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this opportunity. Interested applicants should monitor Grants.gov for the full NOFO upon its release. For additional information, program inquiries can be directed to Mary Blake at [email protected] or by phone at (240) 276-1747. Given its recurring nature and anticipated post date, applicants are encouraged to begin internal preparations to ensure readiness once the application window opens.