Expands Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Care in Chittenden County
Vermont Business Magazine Howard Center has been approved as a Certified Community Based integrated Health Center (CCBHC), one of Vermont’s demonstration sites participating in the federal CCBHC Demonstration Program, a designation that will bring more stable funding and expanded services to the Chittenden County community it serves.
The CCBHC model replaces a capped reimbursement system with one that better reflects the cost of care. For Howard Center, this means the ability to grow mental health and substance use services, offer these services without a wait and expand programs to meet client needs and increased demand.
"This is the result of years of work by our team, and it changes what's possible for the people we serve with mental health and substance use treatment services," said Sandy McGuire, CEO of Howard Center. "It means more Vermonters can get care faster, and it lets us keep building programs and services, like our Military and Veterans Program, and therapy on Saturdays, that meet real and critical needs in our community. I want to thank the Agency of Human Services for this designation."
Vermont's Department of Mental Health has been expanding the CCBHC model statewide as part of a broader push to close gaps in access to care. DMH Commissioner Emily Hawes has described the model as a way to expand access to services while creating a more integrated, consistent system of mental health, substance use, and physical health care. Howard Center's designation adds to a growing number of Vermont agencies working toward full CCBHC certification.
As a CCBHC, Howard Center will offer an expanded range of coordinated care, including 24/7 crisis services, mental health and substance use counseling, health screenings and follow-up care, and peer support, backed by more than 20 new direct service positions across clinical, care coordination, and peer roles.
“The needs of our clients and community continue to outpace our capacity as a service provider, but this designation moves us much closer to closing that gap. The result will be healthier
Vermonters and a team at Howard Center that is better supported to deliver the very best care,” added McGuire.
Howard Center is Chittenden County's designated agency, providing mental health, substance use, and developmental services to children, adults, and families.
ABOUT HOWARD CENTER: Howard Center has a long and rich history as a trusted provider in the community. With a legacy spanning more than 160 years, we have been providing progressive, compassionate, high-quality care and supports to those in need. Today, we offer an array of exemplary mental health, substance use, and developmental services across the lifespan. As Vermont's largest social service organization, our 1,300 staff help more than 19,000 people each year in over 60 locations throughout Vermont in collaboration with hundreds of community partners. Howard Center's 24/7/365 crisis service, First Call for Chittenden County, is available to meet the needs of Chittenden County children, adults, and families in crisis by calling 802-488-7777. www.howardcenter.org.
7.22.2026. BURLINGTON, Vt. — Howard Center
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Vermont Business Magazine