HASTINGS, Neb. – A new statewide program is ready to hit the ground running by increasing mental and behavioral health services across the state. 

Gov. Jim Pillen along with local and state leaders convened in Hastings Wednesday morning to recognize the seven inaugural Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) in the state.

The conference was held at South Central Behavioral Services (SCBS), which is one of the seven organizations now with the CCBHC designation.

Organizations receiving the CCBHC designation are: 

- CenterPointe in Lincoln
- Community Alliance in Omaha
- Heartland Counseling Services in South Sioux City
- Heartland Family Services in Omaha
- Lutheran Family Services across the state
- South Central Behavioral Services in Hastings 
- The Well in Norfolk

State data shows all but five counties in Nebraska are experiencing mental healthcare professional shortages.

"Rural health, mental health needs are increasing across our entire state," said Division of Behavioral Health Director Dr. Thomas Janousek. "88 of our 93 counties are classified as health professional shortage areas by the federal government."

The state of Nebraska’s new CCBHC model is set to ensure anyone can access mental healthcare no matter their age, background or financial status.

South Central Behavioral Services has been operating under a model similar to the CCBHC program, and leaders say it's worked well for them so far."

"We've had a huge impact already on the Hispanic-speaking population in our area, as well as the elderly community who are sometimes hesitant to access care," said SCBS CEO Bob Shueey. "We see there is a lot more stigma in those populations, so having our ability to do outreach, and educate folks that it's okay to get help when you need it has been key."

By becoming a certified CCBHC provider, these seven Nebraska organizations can expand their services to include further behavioral health outreach and in-patient programs, all while keeping costs affordable for Nebraskans.

Some services include around the clock crisis support, easy access to mental health and substance use care, and individual tailored treatment plans.

All CCBHC providers are required to treat patients, regardless of their ability to pay, and most offer a sliding fee schedule to help pay for their care.

This program comes from a LB 276, passed in the 2023 Nebraska Legislature.

It was introduced by democratic Senator Anna Wishart, but still had the full support of the republican Gov. Pillen.

"I said I want to go testify at that hearing, and I was told well Governor, you can't. And I said 'why can't I?' Senator Wishart is a democrat, and there's never been a republican governor testified at a democrat hearing," said Pillen. "I said 'well there is going to be now' because I'm committed to making sure that no Nebraskan is ever left behind, and mental health is obviously an issue."

"We were tickled when the governor went in to testify before us on the same side we were," said Shueey. "It's been a while since we had a governor who supported behavioral health like this."

Local and state leaders also touted these health clinics for keeping people suffering from mental and physical health issues out of the hospital and out of incarceration stemming from their emergency services provided, which will be able to further expand.

Shueey said that SCBS was responsible for diverting 57 individuals from being put into emergency custody during mental health crises in 2024.

These organizations are finalizing their new service plans before the CCBHC program officially goes into effect on January 1st.  

Learn more from the Nebraska DHHS here.