Indiana selected for behavioral health demonstration program
The federal government has selected Indiana and nine other states, including Illinois, to participate in a demonstration program for a type of behavioral health clinic providing a comprehensive range of mental health and addiction services.
The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid Demonstration Program will site eight pilot clinics across Indiana to provide critical access to quality behavioral health care that aligns with individual community needs in urban, suburban and rural settings.
"Indiana has already made great strides in increasing access to crisis care for Hoosiers," said Dr. Dan Rusyniak, secretary of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. "The move toward a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model will further increase access to quality behavioral health care across Indiana."
Under the plan, the eight clinics will open in early 2025 to promptly serve all people on an outpatient basis, regardless of their diagnosis, insurance status, place of residence or age.
Senate Enrolled Act 1 (2023), sponsored by state Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso, allocated $100 million for the demonstration program that was established by the 2022 federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and supported by U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland.
"Throughout my career as a public official, I have advocated for increased access to mental health services and resources to fight addiction and substance use disorders. I am grateful for the incredible services that community health care centers provide to individuals throughout Northwest Indiana, and applaud this announcement that will further enhance their ability to provide lifesaving care," Mrvan said.
Matthew Burden, president and CEO of Porter-Starke Services Inc., said the demonstration program will ensure Hoosiers needing behavioral health services receive the most appropriate and highest quality of care.
"It will also help us recruit and retain the staff we need to improve access and meet the demand for behavioral health services in our community," Burden said.