An overview of the innovation and growth of FLACRA's Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the integration of physical and behavioral health has become a pivotal step towards comprehensive patient care. Finger Lakes Area Counseling and Recovery Agency (FLACRA) has taken a giant leap in this direction by implementing the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model. This innovative approach caters to the diverse needs of individuals facing serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, substance use disorder, and co-occurring conditions.
In this blog post, we delve into the core principles of FLACRA's CCBHC model and shed light on the groundbreaking low-threshold treatment it provides.
Understanding CCBHC
FLACRA's CCBHC serves as a one-stop wellness center for individuals in the Finger Lakes Region, encompassing Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties. It operates with a mission to improve the health and wellness of individuals by offering comprehensive substance use and mental health disorder services, particularly for those with the most serious and complex needs.
In alignment with the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, facilities are mandated to prioritize accessibility and deliver a comprehensive array of nine essential services. These critical services include Crisis Services, Treatment Planning, Screening, Assessment, Diagnosis & Risk Assessment, Outpatient Mental Health & Substance Use Services, Targeted Case Management, Outpatient Primary Care Screening and Monitoring, Community-Based Mental Health Care for Veterans, Peer, Family Support & Counselor Services, and Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services.
Low-threshold Treatment
Central to the CCBHC model is the concept of low-threshold treatment, which ensures immediate and timely access through a single point of entry. This approach is designed to eliminate barriers to treatment and enhance engagement by offering same-day services, adopting a harm reduction approach, maintaining flexible program requirements, and delivering Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) services in high-need settings, even beyond traditional clinic walls.
"A holistic haven for where care meets convenience under one welcoming roof."
The hallmark of the CCBHC model lies in its commitment to accessibility, where services are offered without regard to an individual's ability to pay, place of residence, or age. This ensures that even the most vulnerable populations, including children and youth, receive developmentally appropriate care. Moreover, CCBHCs prioritize 24/7 access to crisis services, emphasizing the urgency and importance of immediate behavioral health support.
Our Commitment
FLACRA is deeply committed to improving health outcomes in collaboration with community partners. This integrated service delivery model not only addresses complex behavioral health challenges but also aims to create a positive impact on the overall well-being of individuals in the Finger Lakes Region.
The care coordination aspect of the model extends beyond behavioral health, encompassing physical health care, social services, and other systems. This approach aims to provide individuals with seamless and holistic support on their journey to recovery.
The structured criteria across staffing, service availability, care coordination, scope of services, quality reporting, and organizational governance ensure that CCBHCs operate at a high standard. This guarantees the delivery of accessible and integrated behavioral health care services to the diverse communities they serve.
Growth & Opportunity
As FLACRA continues to pioneer this transformative approach, the organization is actively seeking a qualified and dynamic CCBHC Project Director. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in the grant opportunity aimed at increasing access to and improving the quality of community mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Here are the details for the position:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s in public health, public administration, social work, or related field and a minimum of 2 years of project-related management experience or equivalent education and experience.
- Knowledge of health service systems in the county.
Job Summary:
- Responsible for providing person- and family-centered integrated services.
- Must ensure 24/7 access to community-based behavioral and physical health care.
Duties:
- Monitor data supporting the growth, utilization, and quality of care provided for all CCBHC clients.
- Identify and provide updates on all grant-related matters.
- Manage communication with local partners, stakeholders, and the press.
- Oversee administrative tasks related to the project, including budget and staffing.
- Collaborate with Designated Organizations (DCO) for ongoing partnership and continuity of care.
- Work with Staff Development for training on Evidence-Based Practices.
Other Skills/Knowledge and Experience:
1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
2. Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including clinical supervision, teaching, and administration.
3. Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with culturally diverse individuals and multiple service provider agencies.
4. MS Excel experience and intermediate skill.
Conclusion
FLACRA's CCBHC model is not just a paradigm shift in behavioral healthcare; it's a commitment to holistic well-being. As the organization continues to make strides in transforming lives, the search for a dedicated CCBHC Project Director reflects its dedication to maintaining and expanding the impact of this groundbreaking initiative. Join FLACRA in this journey towards a more integrated and accessible future for mental and behavioral health services in the Finger Lakes Region.
Founded in 1973, FLACRA is a private, not-for-profit agency serving individuals and their loved ones in the Finger Lakes Region whose lives are affected by substance use, mental health, and other health related disorders.
FLACRA’s Mission is to provide quality care for youth, adults, and families in the Finger Lakes area whose lives are affected by alcohol and/or Substance Use Disorders and/or Mental Health Care needs. Our holistic approach incorporates providing physical and social healthcare services.