Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) Planning, Development, and Implementation Grant

The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) Planning, Development, and Implementation Grant, administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is a discretionary federal grant opportunity designed to enhance community-based behavioral health systems. SAMHSA plays a critical role in addressing the nation's mental health and substance use disorder challenges, and through this initiative, it aims to strengthen the infrastructure of behavioral health services in the United States. This grant specifically supports the planning, development, and implementation of newly established Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). The core objective of this funding opportunity is to promote the transformation of behavioral health systems into comprehensive, high-quality, and coordinated care models that align with the CCBHC Certification Criteria. These clinics are intended to provide a full range of behavioral health services, including outreach, screening, assessment, treatment, care coordination, and recovery supports. By focusing on accessibility regardless of an individual’s ability to pay, the grant also seeks to ensure equitable access to services for individuals suffering from mental illness and/or substance use disorders (SUDs). Funding under this opportunity is intended for community-based behavioral health nonprofit organizations and certain governmental or tribal entities. Specifically, eligible applicants include nonprofit behavioral health organizations, local government behavioral health authorities, Indian Health Service-operated programs, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, and Urban Indian Organizations under Title V of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. This targeted eligibility ensures that resources are directed toward organizations deeply embedded in and responsive to their communities. Although exact award amounts and deadlines are still forthcoming, the forecasted total program funding for this opportunity is estimated at $94,000,000, with approximately 94 awards expected. Notably, the grant does not require matching funds or cost sharing, which lowers financial barriers for smaller or under-resourced entities to participate. As of the latest forecast update, the anticipated posting date is March 31, 2026, aligning with the federal fiscal year 2026 planning cycle. Applicants should stay attuned for future announcements detailing application deadlines, award dates, and project start dates. Prospective applicants will be required to complete a competitive grant application process, although details regarding required application components, evaluation criteria, or submission portals are not currently specified in the forecast. Nonetheless, SAMHSA typically expects proposals to include comprehensive needs assessments, project narratives, budget justifications, and evidence of organizational capacity. The grantor contact for further inquiries is Abdallah Ibrahim, who can be reached at (240) 276-1833 or via email at [email protected]. This opportunity is forecasted as of December 17, 2025, and while it is not yet open for applications, organizations should begin preparing by reviewing the CCBHC Certification Criteria and strengthening partnerships necessary to deliver integrated, culturally competent behavioral health care. With its national scope and emphasis on systems change, the CCBHC-PI grant represents a substantial opportunity for transforming behavioral health delivery across the country.