Rutland Mental Health Services Transforms Care Access with Open Access and CCBHC

New models aim to remove barriers and provide timely, integrated mental health and substance use treatment

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Community Care Network's Rutland Mental Health Services (CCN-RMHS) in Vermont is implementing an Open Access model and becoming a Certified Community-Based Integrated Health Center (CCBHC) to improve access to mental health and substance use treatment. The Open Access model allows individuals to receive same-day assessments without long wait times, while the CCBHC designation expands the scope of services provided in a more integrated, whole-person approach. Together, these initiatives are helping CCN-RMHS build a more responsive, equitable, and community-centered system of care.

Why it matters

Removing barriers to immediate mental health and substance use care is a critical priority nationwide. CCN-RMHS's adoption of Open Access and CCBHC certification aims to address long-standing disparities in access to care, improve outcomes, and better support the Rutland County community.

The details

CCN-RMHS transitioned its Outpatient Adult Mental Health Services to an Open Access model in 2023, allowing individuals to walk in or receive a same-day assessment. This has dramatically reduced wait times from over two weeks to just two days. The agency is now implementing Open Access across all its programs. In 2022, CCN-RMHS also received a $4 million grant to pursue CCBHC certification, which it achieved in 2025. As a CCBHC, the organization is required to provide a comprehensive set of integrated mental health, substance use, and primary care services to anyone who seeks help, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

  • In early 2023, CCN-RMHS transitioned its Outpatient Adult Mental Health Services to an Open Access model.
  • Between mid-2023 and late 2024, average wait times for assessments dropped from more than two weeks to just two days.
  • In 2022, CCN-RMHS received a four-year, $4 million grant from SAMHSA to pursue CCBHC certification.
  • In 2024, the Vermont Department of Mental Health selected CCN-RMHS as one of the state's first CCBHCs.
  • Full CCBHC certification was granted to CCN-RMHS on July 1, 2025.

The players

Community Care Network - Rutland Mental Health Services (CCN-RMHS)

A nonprofit community-based agency and part of the Vermont Care Partners network that provides mental health, substance use, and other services to the Rutland County community.

Laura Kass, LICSW

Chief Client Services Officer at CCN-RMHS.

Hillary Ward, LICSW

Director of Adult Services at CCN-RMHS.

Cindy Taylor-Patch

Chief Quality Officer at CCN-RMHS.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

A federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.

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What they’re saying

“It's really hard for people to make that first call. And the longer they have to wait, the more likely it is they won't come. Open Access helps us meet people in that moment.”

— Laura Kass, LICSW, Chief Client Services Officer (vtdigger.org)

“You don't know who's going to walk in the door. That can be intimidating – but it's also powerful. You're responding to real need, right then and there.”

— Hillary Ward, LICSW, Director of Adult Services (vtdigger.org)

“This is a big transformation. It gives us the flexibility to better meet the needs of our community and focus on integrated, whole-person care.”

— Cindy Taylor-Patch, Chief Quality Officer (vtdigger.org)

What’s next

CCN-RMHS plans to fully implement its agency-wide Open Access system, with a newly created Access Team serving as a single entry-point for all programs.

The takeaway

By adopting Open Access and becoming a CCBHC, CCN-RMHS is working to transform mental health and substance use care in Rutland County, Vermont, with a focus on removing barriers, providing timely access, and delivering integrated, whole-person support to the community.