New initiative aims to improve access to comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment statewide

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) announced today that a new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic program will launch on Jan. 1, 2025, marking a transformative milestone in the state’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality mental health and substance use treatment services.

“These behavioral health clinics will ensure that individuals and families struggling with mental health or substance use challenges can access comprehensive care quickly and all in one place,” said Dana Flannery, New Mexico Medicaid director. “By making these services easier to access, we are helping New Mexicans get the mental health, substance use treatment, and primary care screenings they need to build healthier lives.”

Under this new program, administered by the New Mexico Health Care Authority, five behavioral health clinics in seven counties will deliver comprehensive mental health, substance use disorder, and primary care screening services to all individuals in need, regardless of their ability to pay.

“Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics will integrate a wide range of services under one roof and coordinate care, creating a cohesive approach to mental health and substance use treatment,” said Nick Boukas, Behavioral Health Services Division director. “This is a model that works and we encourage more providers who are interested in providing high-quality mental health and substance use treatment services to the lifespan, to join this program.”

New Mexico is one of 10 states selected to participate in this four-year Medicaid program led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Using enhanced federal funding, the program underscores HCA’s dedication to ensuring that every New Mexican has access to affordable health care coverage through a coordinated and seamless health care system.

The following agencies have been certified by the HCA and Children, Youth and Families Department to provide CCBHC services starting in January 2025:

  • University of New Mexico Health System, serving Bernalillo and Sandoval counties.
  • Carlsbad LifeHouse, serving Eddy County.
  • Families & Youth Innovations Plus, serving Doña Ana County.
  • Santa Fe Recovery Center, serving Santa Fe and McKinley counties.
  • Presbyterian Medical Services – Farmington Community Health Clinic, serving San Juan County.

HCA is working with additional organizations to expand the program into more communities. The agency is actively seeking additional provider organizations to serve as CCBHCs throughout the state.

Nationally, the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model has successfully addressed urgent behavioral health challenges by expanding access to care, reducing wait times, and bolstering the behavioral health workforce. Using a “no-wrong-door” approach, these clinics ensure that everyone has access to round-the-clock crisis services and timely, high-quality treatment coordinated across care teams.

For more information about New Mexico’s CCBHC program and the certification process, visit https://nmrecovery.org/ccbhc.

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