May 5, 2026

Navigating Accreditation for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics

Third Horizon

Third Horizon

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of accreditation pathways for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), helping organizations understand how accreditation differs from federal attestation and state certification. Developed by Mindy Klowden, Managing Director at Third Horizon, in partnership with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, the resource outlines key accreditation bodies, processes, and strategic considerations. It also highlights the benefits of accreditation—from strengthening care quality and organizational credibility to improving access to funding and partnerships—while offering practical recommendations and real-world case studies to support clinics in preparing for and successfully navigating the accreditation process.

Third Horizon is a boutique advisory firm focused on shaping a future system that actualizes a sustainable culture of health nationwide. The firm offers a 360º view of complex challenges across three horizons – past, present, and future – to help industry leaders and policymakers interpret signals and trends; design integrated systems; and enact changes so that all communities, families, and individuals can thrive.