RiverValley Behavioral Health has been designated as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, a nationally recognized model designed to strengthen access to high-quality, comprehensive behavioral health services for individuals and families.
This designation reflects RVBH’s ongoing commitment to providing timely, integrated, and person-centered mental health and substance use treatment, regardless of an individual’s ability to pay, according to a news release.
As a CCBHC, RVBH will build upon its existing continuum of care by enhancing crisis services, outpatient mental health and substance use treatment, care coordination, and integration with physical health providers.
“Achieving CCBHC designation is a significant milestone for RiverValley Behavioral Health and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Wanda Figueroa, President and CEO of RVBH. “This model allows us to strengthen access to care, respond more effectively to community needs, and ensure individuals receive the right level of support when and where they need it. Most importantly, it enables us to invest more deeply in prevention, early intervention, and long-term recovery so individuals and families can build stability, improve health outcomes, and thrive.”
The CCBHC model will directly benefit the communities RVBH serves by improving access to coordinated behavioral health care for individuals of all ages while reducing barriers, including those related to cost and transportation. By focusing on whole-person care, RVBH will be better positioned to deliver consistent, high-quality services close to home.
CCBHCs must meet rigorous federal standards related to access to care, quality reporting, staffing, governance, and coordination with hospitals, primary care providers, and social service agencies. The model emphasizes evidence-based practices, accountability, and improved outcomes for those receiving care.
Through this designation, RVBH will be able to:
- Expand access to same-day and crisis behavioral health services
- Improve coordination across mental health, substance use, and physical health care
- Strengthen services for individuals with serious mental illness and substance use disorders
- Enhance care for children, adolescents, veterans, and underserved populations
RiverValley Behavioral Health has long been a trusted provider of behavioral health services in the region. Achieving the
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) designation builds on this strong foundation and reflects RVBH’s continued investment in the health, safety, and well-being of the communities it serves.
Dr. Figueroa has appointed Dr. Lionel Phelps, Vice President of Population Health, to lead the implementation of system enhancements required for the CCBHC initiative.
“CCBHC is a blueprint for the future of behavioral health care,” said Phelps. “This designation reinforces our commitment to meeting people where they are while strengthening community health through responsive, equitable, and person-centered care.”
In addition to expanding access to care, CCBHC designation will have a meaningful economic impact across the region. RVBH anticipates the creation of approximately 150 new jobs to support expanded services and staffing requirements, while also bringing significant federal funding directly into local communities.
These investments will strengthen the behavioral health workforce, support local economies, and ensure sustainable, long-term access to care.
RiverValley Behavioral Health is a community-based provider dedicated to improving lives through compassionate, evidence based mental health and substance use services. Serving individuals and families across the Green River region of Kentucky,
RVBH works to promote recovery, resilience, and hope. For more information about RiverValley Behavioral Health and its services, visit www.rvbh.com.