The Louisiana Department of Health has been awarded a $1,000,000 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Planning Grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), CFDA #93.696. The purpose of this 1-year project grant is for Louisiana to develop and implement a state-specific CCBHC certification program, establish Medicaid prospective payment systems for behavioral health services, and prepare an application to participate in a 4-year CCBHC demonstration program. The grant will support Louisiana's efforts to expand statewide behavioral healthcare capacity, access, and availability for residents, with a focus on serving adults and children with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions. Key strategies include partnering with a diverse CCBHC Steering Committee to inform the certification criteria and facilitate robust community input across the state.