New Clinics to Offer 24/7 Support for Mental Health and Substance Use Crises in Nebraska
Seven behavioral health care providers have been selected to launch a new initiative aimed at transforming crisis care across Nebraska. The new program will provide around-the-clock mental health and substance use services, ensuring help is always available to those in need.
The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) initiative, a groundbreaking model, aims to integrate mental and physical health services, providing comprehensive support for individuals facing crisis situations. The program will serve as a lifeline for Nebraskans, offering timely, accessible care, regardless of ability to pay or location.
A Step Toward Integrated, Accessible Care
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has partnered with seven behavioral health organizations to roll out this ambitious new initiative. The providers, including CenterPointe, Community Alliance, Heartland Counseling Services, and others, will lead the way in offering a “whole person” approach to care. This means that people in need of behavioral health services won’t have to face barriers that typically separate physical, mental, and substance use care.
Matt Ahern, interim director of DHHS’s Medicaid and Long-Term Care division, expressed his excitement about the new model, noting its potential to improve the way behavioral health is delivered. “This is a significant step for Nebraska,” Ahern said. “It incentivizes a more integrated care approach, rather than segmenting behavioral health from physical health.”
By integrating care, the state hopes to improve outcomes, reduce emergency room visits, and lessen the strain on law enforcement and hospitals. With services like psychotherapy, crisis response, medication management, and peer support, these clinics will provide the comprehensive care that many Nebraskans have been lacking.
Who Is Behind the New Behavioral Health Model?
The newly selected providers have been chosen to lead the charge in implementing the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) model, which is based on a successful federal initiative, the Excellence in Mental Health Act. This model ensures that clinics can offer a wide array of services and are reimbursed in a way that better accounts for the complexity of care.
The selection process was announced by State Sen. Anna Wishart of Lincoln, who sponsored Legislative Bill 276 — the bill that established the CCBHCs in Nebraska. Gov. Jim Pillen also supported the initiative, calling it a “no-brainer” for the state. His bipartisan endorsement highlighted the urgency of improving mental health and substance use care.
Wishart, who has long advocated for enhanced behavioral health services, called the initiative a “monumental step” toward creating healthier, stronger communities. “This is a transformational moment for how we approach mental health care,” she said during a press event. “It’s about making sure that no one falls through the cracks.”
Addressing Crisis in Real Time
The heart of the CCBHC initiative lies in its ability to offer round-the-clock crisis support. This means that individuals in urgent need of mental health care will have access to services no matter the time of day. From emergency situations to ongoing support for long-term recovery, the goal is to ensure that Nebraska residents have access to the help they need when they need it most.
Under the new program, individuals can expect easy access to mental health and substance use care, regardless of their ability to pay or where they live. This is particularly important in rural areas where access to mental health services has traditionally been limited. Whether someone is in need of immediate care during a crisis or seeking long-term therapy, the initiative aims to bridge gaps in care across the state.
Through the development of these clinics, Nebraska is also focusing on specialized care for veterans and military personnel, populations that often require targeted treatment plans. In addition to comprehensive psychiatric rehabilitation, the clinics will offer peer support, ensuring that individuals in recovery can connect with others who understand their experiences.
Expected Benefits for Nebraska Communities
The benefits of the CCBHC model go beyond just better care for individuals. Nebraska lawmakers and health officials expect the program to reduce costly emergency room visits and decrease the number of people incarcerated due to untreated mental health or substance use disorders. Data from other states with similar programs have shown significant reductions in law enforcement involvement and hospital usage, which could be a game-changer for Nebraska.
State officials anticipate that the integration of behavioral and physical health services will lead to better health outcomes overall. As Thomas Janousek, director of DHHS Behavioral Health, pointed out, the model reduces administrative barriers for providers, which means individuals receive more focused, coordinated care.
With the program set to launch by 2026, Nebraska’s new initiative is poised to provide lasting improvements to the state’s mental health care system. It is clear that this bold move toward holistic care represents a new chapter in how Nebraskans will access support for mental health and substance use challenges.
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