New initiative aims to strengthen Community Behavioral Health Clinics statewide
WAYNE COUNTY, N.C.. — North Carolina is taking significant steps to expand mental health and substance use services across the state with the launch of the AdvaNCe Health Together Learning Community, a comprehensive training and collaboration initiative designed to support Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs).
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced the program today in partnership with national consulting firm Open Minds and Trillium Health Resources, a North Carolina LME/MCO. The initiative will help community-based clinics meet certification standards and increase access to comprehensive behavioral health care throughout the state.
Commitment to Accessible Care
“We are committed to improving and expanding mental health services in North Carolina and ensuring everyone who needs care can receive the services that are right for them at the right time,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “Community based clinics are designed to offer comprehensive care, 24/7 crisis services and are available to anyone regardless of where they live or if they can afford care.”
CCBHCs serve as one-stop-shops for mental health and substance use treatment, providing comprehensive services for both children and adults. These clinics also include outpatient primary care screening and monitoring to support whole-person health.
Required Services and Standards
To meet certification requirements, CCBHCs must offer nine core services:
- Crisis Services
- Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Use Services
- Person-and Family-Centered Treatment Planning
- Community-Based Mental Health Care for Veterans
- Peer Family Support and Counselor Services
- Care Coordination
- Outpatient Primary Care Screening and Monitoring
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services
- Screening, Diagnosis and Risk Assessment
Training and Support Launch
The AdvaNCe Health Together Learning Community will officially launch in November, providing participating organizations with in-depth training and expert consultation to address operational, financial, and clinical challenges associated with integrated care delivery. A web-based forum will also enable CCBHC staff to share information and access peer support in a collaborative environment.
The initiative responds to North Carolina’s evolving integrated healthcare landscape, including the rollout of Medicaid Tailored Plans, which provide coverage for physical and mental health, pharmacy services, and care management for individuals with behavioral health, intellectual, or developmental disabilities. All NC Medicaid Tailored plans are invited to participate alongside CCBHC and CCBHC-like providers.
Strategic Investment in Provider Success
“We’ve already embraced whole-person care through Tailored Plans—and now we’re taking that vision even further,” said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services. “Our top priority is making sure people across North Carolina get the high-quality care they deserve, and that starts with supporting the providers who deliver it every day.”
Crosbie emphasized that the Learning Community represents a meaningful investment in CCBHCs and integrated care teams. “By strengthening their operational and financial capacity, we’re helping them grow, thrive, and stay sustainable for the long haul. This is how we continue building a healthier future—together.”
Collaborative Partnership
Cindy Ehlers, Chief of Strategy and Innovation with Trillium Health Resources, highlighted the statewide scope of the initiative. “We recognize the dedication of providers to delivering high-quality, comprehensive services, and this partnership with the Trillium, Vaya, Alliance and Partners side by side with DMH/DD/SUS and Open Minds is a direct investment across the state to support providers in their long-term success as they navigate the complexities of CCBHC implementation and the broader shift to whole person integrated care.”
Open Minds, a national leader in market intelligence and management consulting for the health and human services field, will lead the educational and consultative elements of the program.
“We are honored to partner with NC DMH/DD/SUS and Trillium on this critical initiative,” said Monica Oss, CEO of Open Minds. “The future of care is integrated, and this Learning Community will provide expert practical, hands-on strategies necessary for North Carolina’s leading provider organizations to achieve clinical excellence and financial sustainability in this new environment.”
How to Participate
Provider organizations operating a CCBHC or CCBHC-like models for integrated care will be invited to participate as the inaugural November cohort of the AdvaNCe Health Together Learning Community.
For more information about participation, contact Info@TrilliumNC.org. To learn more about community-based health care clinics, how to find one nearby, or other available services, visit the NCDHHS website on CCBHCs in North Carolina.
About Open Minds: OPEN MINDS is a national market intelligence, management consulting, and marketing services firm specializing exclusively in the health and human service field serving consumers with chronic conditions and complex support needs.
About Trillium Health Resources: Trillium Health Resources is an innovative health plan for individuals with serious behavioral health, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and traumatic brain injury in 46 counties in North Carolina, serving Medicaid members, state-funded recipients, and Innovations Waiver members.
