607-753-0234

About Us

What is a BHCC?

Across NY State, a total of 13 Behavioral Health Care Collaboratives (BHCC) with a variety of names used, such as South-Central Behavioral Health Network (SCBHN), were formed through funding received through the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).  This effort was a result of the NYS Behavioral Health Value-Based Payment (BH VBP) Readiness Program. The BHCCs are intended to help prepare behavioral health providers to engage in Value-Based Payment arrangements, a financial incentive framework that rewards healthcare providers for improved quality, outcomes, and costs. The main goal is to improve the integration of physical and behavioral health. 

 

The South Central Behavioral Health Network (SCBHN)

The South Central Behavioral Health Network, Inc. (SCBHN) began as the South Central Behavioral Health Care Collaborative (SCBHCC) and it is a network of 27 independent behavioral health, physical health, and social determinants of health (SDoH) organizations providing comprehensive community-based services throughout eight counties in Central New York and the Southern Tier. The members of our network have a shared goal of improving the health and wellness of individuals experiencing behavioral health disorders, often complicated by medical issues and/or social determinants of health needs.

The BHCCs and the BHNs in NY State used Behavioral Health Value Based Payment (BH VBP) funds to enhance quality care and improve outcomes. This included clinical and financial integration and the use of community-based recovery support services. In 2021, New York State allocated $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (eFMAP) funding to BHNs.

The South Central Behavioral Health Network (SCBHN) includes 27 behavioral healthcare providers, primary care and other medical providers, as well as community-based organizations that deliver support services throughout the eight-county region shown on the map (Broome, Tioga, Tompkins, Cayuga, Madison, Cortland, Chenango and Delaware). The SCBHN functions on the strength of the partners collectively through referrals to develop and implement an infrastructure that strengthens integrative care and improves service and care outcomes.  This drives efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Through sustainable, data-informed collaborations the SCBHN can support a comprehensive system of care that aims to improve the health outcomes for individuals served in our communities while preparing the partner organizations to participate in Value-Based Payment arrangements. We have achieved sustainability through our collective efforts.

 

What does this mean to our community members?

The SCBHN is an “open-door’ network of large and small providers that will ensure that you, as an individual living in our rural community, will have increased awareness and access to the affordable benefits of our comprehensive behavioral health system.

Through community partnerships and meaningful connections, SCBHN will:

1.  Strengthen relationships and communication between primary care physicians, social support services for families, children, substance use, mental health, and hospitals.

2.  Develop innovative approaches to ensure that our community has readily available access to their desired healthcare services.

3.  Advocate and support local providers by sharing relevant information and best practices to improve the quality of services.

In Crisis?

Please note that SCBHN is NOT a health services provider, but instead a convener of partners who collectively provide services for individuals within our region. If you or someone you know needs help with a behavioral health issue, such as mental illness or addiction, the following crisis hotlines, and mobile teams are qualified to link you with effective treatment options.