The Vermont Dept. of Mental Health, in partnership with the Vermont Dept. of Health’s Division of Substance Use Programs has chosen four more community mental health agencies as demonstration sites for the Certified Community-Based Integrated Health Centers (CCBHCs) model. The CCBHC model provides mental health, substance use, and physical health services in one place. It serves individuals of all ages, locations, and abilities to pay. The model ensures better access to care regardless of an individual’s circumstances.
The chosen agencies are Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services, which serves Windsor and Windham counties; Howard Center, which serves Chittenden County; Northeast Kingdom Human Services, which serves Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties; and Northwestern Counseling and Support Services, which serves Franklin and Grand Isle counties. These agencies will work toward full CCBHC certification by July 2026.
In fall 2023, Clara Martin Center and Rutland Mental Health were the first two agencies picked as CCBHC demonstration sites. They are currently under review, aiming for full certification by July 2025. Both agencies have reported significant improvements since adopting the model. These include:
Expanded care coordination services
Better client access to peer support and nursing services. These combine mental health, substance use, and physical health care
Faster assessments and a quicker start to services
Increased staff training opportunities, especially in evidence-based practices (EBPs)
Greater focus and service for veterans and members of the armed forces
In July 2025, Vermont will officially begin participation in the federal CCBHC demonstration program.
