There’s effort. And then there’s success.

Let’s talk about healthcare, specifically, the vital work done by Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). But first, consider something familiar: Little League sports.

Effort is something to be proud of. That’s why we give out participation trophies in youth sports. Every child who shows up, tries their best, and learns something deserves recognition. It keeps them motivated, engaged, and growing.

But as time goes on, some kids begin to stand out. They develop new skills, reach new levels, and discover what success looks like for them. Others find new challenges that better suit their strengths. And that’s okay, too.

In healthcare, effort matters, but outcomes matter more. Patients don’t seek care just to be seen; they want to get better. They want progress, healing, resolution. Especially in behavioral health, success often means finding the right treatment in the right amount of time and moving forward.

That’s where value-based care (VBC) comes in.

For years, behavioral health reimbursement was tied to volume; more sessions, more pay. But that model didn’t always reflect what mattered most: the impact of care. VBC changes that. It aligns payment with results, rewarding the providers who help patients make meaningful progress efficiently and effectively.

It’s a win for everyone.

· Patients get care focused on measurable improvement.

· Therapists are recognized and supported for delivering high-quality care.

· CCBHCs gain a sustainable, scalable model that helps them meet growing community needs.

By shifting from volume to value, VBC ensures that effort doesn’t go unnoticed, but that success is what drives the system forward.

For patients, that means better outcomes. For providers, it means a model that honors the real impact of their work. And for CCBHCs, it means doing more good for more people, with the resources they have.

That’s not just healthcare reform. That’s progress.