CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Peters announced Thresholds mental health center in Chicago has been selected to participate in a federal program designed to expand and improve access to coordinated mental health care and substance use treatment.

“Mental health is an issue that touches every community in Illinois,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This program offers folks who otherwise would go without help the opportunity to receive behavioral health services.”

Illinois has been selected as one of 10 states to participate in the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid Demonstration Program designed to expand and improve access to coordinated mental health care and substance use services. The program provides reimbursement through Medicaid for the full cost of services that CCBHCs provide, and at higher rates than what they previously received for Medicaid customers. This program is estimated to bring an additional $150 million into Illinois’ behavioral health system.

CCBHCs provide access to a range of services and care coordination through evidence-based practices and other supports based on a community needs assessment. This includes crisis services that are available 24/7. CCBHCs are also required to provide routine outpatient care within 10 business days.

Thresholds in Chicago was one of 19 mental health and substance use treatment providers across the state selected to participate in the demonstration program.

“This program recognizes the need to serve individuals in crisis, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay,” said Peters. “This program has the ability to change the mental health landscape as we know it by making behavioral health treatment more accessible.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available by calling or texting 988, or via chat at 988lifeline.org. To learn how to get support for mental health or substance use issues, visit FindSupport.gov. Locate treatment providers by visiting FindTreatment.gov or calling 800-662-4357.