Community Alliance provides leading care as one of Nebraska’s inaugural Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics
In a significant step toward improving mental health and substance use services in Nebraska, Community Alliance has officially been named a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) — one of just seven agencies in our state’s first cohort to receive the designation.
Community Alliance has worked with the DHHS Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care and the DHHS Division of Behavioral Health to develop, evolve and expand our services to meet and exceed rigorous state requirements and federal criteria for this high standard of care. The CCBHC recognition highlights this work in addition to a decades-long commitment to providing comprehensive, integrated, timely care.
In a recent press conference recognizing Community Alliance and others in Nebraska’s first CCBHC cohort, Governor Jim Pillen remarked, “The CCBHCs are the next innovative step in providing all Nebraskans with high-quality and integrated behavioral healthcare appropriate to their needs.”
What is a CCBHC?
The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic model was born out of federal legislation aimed at strengthening the nation’s behavioral health system. Since its inception under the Excellence in Mental Health Act of 2014, the CCBHC framework has helped communities across the country improve access to care, enhance outcomes and ensure they can sustainably offer whole-person support.
Clinics that have implemented this model over the years have shown significantly positive results, such as a 73% decrease in hospitalizations and a 69% decrease in emergency department visits.
CCBHCs offer a comprehensive approach to physical and behavioral health services. These holistic services include:
- 24/7 crisis services
- Screenings and easy access to services
- Comprehensive outpatient mental health and substance use services
- Person- and family-centered treatment plans
- Specialized care for veterans and military personnel
- Peer support for individuals and families
- Care coordination
- Integrated primary care
- Comprehensive psychiatric rehabilitation services
For 44 years, Community Alliance has been deeply rooted in a comprehensive approach to mental health care. Now with this CCBHC designation, our commitment is formalized, and we can expand our impact even further.
“While we’ve long aligned with the CCBHC philosophy, we now have the framework, name and funding structure to support and expand our services,” said Aileen Brady, CEO of Community Alliance.
Increasing access, reducing wait times
Beyond specific services, a notable benefit of CCBHCs is increased access to those services. Nationally, the average wait time for outpatient mental health care is 48 days. Through the CCBHC model, that window is dramatically reduced to no more than 10 days depending upon the urgency of the need.
“If someone walks in and says they need help, they will receive a service that day,” Aileen said. “Whether it’s a screening or an assessment, they will be connected to one of our teams for the services they need. That’s critical, especially for someone who has taken the step to reach out for help.”
In addition to expanded crisis services, Community Alliance has introduced targeted case management to help individuals who are significantly struggling with mental health or substance use challenges. A care coordinator will work with them to navigate resources and make sure they’re connected to everything they need to support their success.
Expanding access also includes ages: While Community Alliance has traditionally served adults, we are supporting more youth ages 14 and older, especially through our outpatient services. This evolution reflects a growing need across the Omaha area for early intervention and family support. To meet these growing needs, Community Alliance is hiring licensed clinicians, peer support specialists, employment specialists, and others who want to make a meaningful difference through their work.
“We know the need for mental health and substance use services will continue to grow. We’re expanding so we’re ready when anyone walks in and needs help,” said Aileen.
In 2024, Community Alliance served nearly 6,000 individuals, a 51% increase over the previous two years. That number is expected to grow as more people become aware of services and the stigma around seeking help decreases.
“We’re proud to be one of the first agencies in Nebraska chosen to implement the CCBHC model,” Aileen said. “We want this community to know we are here for you — today, tomorrow and whenever you need us.”