The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) has announced the expansion of its Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics program, with five new clinics set to open in 2026. This move aims to improve access to behavioral health care across six counties in the state.
"For too many New Mexicans, getting behavioral health care has meant long waits or long drives," said Secretary Kari Armijo. "This expansion is about meeting people where they are and making sure comprehensive care is available when and where it’s needed. By expanding Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in six counties, we are bringing services closer to home and removing barriers to care."
The newly certified agencies scheduled to begin services on January 1, 2026, include: Guidance Center of Lea County in Lea County; New Mexico Solutions in Bernalillo County; La Clinica De Familia in Doña Ana County; Mental Health Resources in Curry County; and Presbyterian Medical Services serving Rio Arriba and Santa Fe counties.
These facilities will join five other clinics that were certified earlier in 2025: University of New Mexico Health System for Bernalillo and Sandoval counties; Carlsbad Life House for Eddy County; Families & Youth Innovations Plus for Doña Ana County; Santa Fe Recovery Center for Santa Fe and McKinley counties; and Presbyterian Medical Services’ Farmington Community Health Clinic for San Juan County.
The behavioral health clinics offer around-the-clock access to mental health and substance use disorder services as well as primary care screening. These services are available regardless of a person’s insurance status or ability to pay. The clinics focus on coordinated, evidence-based treatment designed to reduce barriers for those seeking help.
To support these clinics, HCA will provide ongoing technical assistance and training so that performance standards are met.
This expansion is made possible through a four-year Medicaid demonstration project led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The project allows New Mexico to receive extra federal funding aimed at strengthening behavioral health services throughout the state.
More information about the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics program can be found at nmrecovery.org/ccbhc.
The HCA manages a range of programs designed to connect residents with healthcare coverage, nutrition assistance, energy aid, cash benefits, child support services, and more. It also oversees facility licensing, investigates complaints against providers, manages employee benefits for state workers, operates a fund dedicated to healthcare affordability for working families, and supports individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities through various community-based initiatives.
