Grants for Mental Health Services & Programs
Federal agencies like SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and HHS provide billions in grants annually to support mental health treatment, crisis intervention, substance abuse services, and community behavioral health programs. These grants fund nonprofit organizations, treatment centers, community health providers, and state/local government mental health agencies. Below are 10 verified funding opportunities for mental health and behavioral health services.
Types of Mental Health Grants
🏥 Treatment & Clinical Services
Funding for mental health treatment programs, outpatient therapy services, medication-assisted treatment, psychiatric care, and integrated behavioral health services.
🆘 Crisis Intervention
Support for mobile crisis teams, crisis stabilization units, suicide prevention programs, 988 hotline infrastructure, and emergency psychiatric services.
💊 Substance Abuse Treatment
Grants for opioid treatment programs, MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment), recovery support services, residential treatment, and harm reduction programs.
🤝 Community Programs
Funding for peer support services, community mental health centers, school-based mental health, housing for people with mental illness, and re-entry programs.
Major Federal Mental Health Grant Programs
SAMHSA Block Grants (MHBG & SABG)
Mental Health Block Grant: $900M+ annually to states for community mental health services
Substance Abuse Block Grant: $2B+ annually for substance abuse prevention and treatment
- Distributed to state mental health authorities
- Funds crisis services, community programs, early intervention
- Supports evidence-based practices and recovery services
- Formula-based allocation to all 50 states and territories
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs)
Funding: $400M+ annual Medicaid demonstration expansion
- 24/7 crisis services for individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders
- Screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning
- Outpatient mental health and substance use services
- Targeted case management and psychiatric rehabilitation
- Peer support and family support services
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Grants
Funding: $1B+ for national crisis system infrastructure
- State crisis call center operations
- Mobile crisis response teams
- Crisis stabilization facilities
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline support
- Follow-up care coordination
Opioid Response Grants (SOR & CARA)
State Opioid Response: $1.5B+ annually for opioid treatment and recovery
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) expansion
- Naloxone distribution and overdose prevention
- Recovery support services
- Criminal justice/treatment coordination
- Rural opioid treatment programs
Who Can Apply for Mental Health Grants?
Most federal mental health grants fund organizations that provide services, not individuals seeking treatment. Eligible applicants typically include:
- Nonprofit Organizations: 501(c)(3) mental health agencies, community health centers, recovery organizations
- Healthcare Providers: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), hospitals with psychiatric units, outpatient clinics
- State/Local Government: State mental health authorities, county behavioral health departments, public health agencies
- Tribal Governments: Tribal health departments, urban Indian organizations, tribal behavioral health programs
- Educational Institutions: Universities operating treatment programs, medical schools with psychiatric training
Frequently Asked Questions
Can individuals apply for mental health grants?
Generally, no. Most federal mental health grants fund organizations that provide services, not individuals. However, organizations that receive these grants offer free or low-cost services to individuals. Contact SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) or your local community mental health center to access services funded by these grants.
What is SAMHSA and how do their grants work?
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) is the federal agency that oversees mental health and substance abuse funding. They award grants through competitive applications to states, nonprofits, and treatment providers. SAMHSA grants typically focus on evidence-based practices, underserved populations, and system improvements. Major programs include Block Grants (MHBG/SABG), discretionary grants (e.g., Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics), and crisis intervention funding (988 infrastructure).
Do mental health grants cover substance abuse treatment?
Yes. Many mental health grants include substance abuse treatment, especially for co-occurring disorders (mental illness + substance use). SAMHSA's Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG) specifically funds addiction treatment. State Opioid Response (SOR) grants fund MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment), naloxone distribution, and recovery support. Integrated care models treat both mental health and substance use together.
How long does it take to get mental health grant funding?
Timeline varies by program. Block grants to states are formula-based and distributed annually (fiscal year cycle). Competitive discretionary grants typically take 4-9 months from application to award. Application periods usually open 90-120 days before deadlines. Continuation grants (for existing programs) are faster—usually 60-90 days. Check individual Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) on Grants.gov for specific timelines.
Can crisis intervention programs get federal funding?
Absolutely. Federal funding for crisis services has expanded significantly with 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline implementation. Grants support crisis call centers, mobile crisis response teams, crisis stabilization units, peer respite centers, and warm lines. SAMHSA's Emergency Grants for Mental Health and Substance Abuse (Crisis) provides disaster-related mental health crisis funding. Many states also have crisis intervention grants through MHBG funding.
Are there mental health grants specifically for rural areas?
Yes. SAMHSA and HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) prioritize rural and underserved areas. Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) funds rural substance abuse treatment. Rural Mental Health grants support telehealth, mobile crisis teams, and provider recruitment in frontier areas. Rural Health Clinics can access mental health integration funding. Priority points in competitive grants often favor applicants serving rural counties with provider shortages.
How Organizations Apply for Mental Health Grants
- Register in Grants.gov & SAM.gov
All federal grant applicants must register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and obtain a UEI (Unique Entity Identifier). This process takes 2-4 weeks, so start early. You'll also need an active Grants.gov account and authorized representatives.
- Identify Funding Opportunities
Search Grants.gov for SAMHSA, HHS, and HRSA mental health grants. Subscribe to SAMHSA's Funding Opportunities email alerts. Review state mental health authority websites for state grants. Check foundation directories (Candid/Foundation Center) for private mental health funding.
- Review Requirements & Develop Proposal
Each grant has a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) detailing eligibility, priorities, required activities, evaluation measures, and budget limits. Develop a program plan demonstrating evidence-based practices, measurable outcomes, community need, and organizational capacity. Mental health grants typically require clinical expertise, data collection systems, and cultural competency.
- Prepare Budget & Supporting Documents
Federal grants use SF-424 forms and detailed budget narratives. Document personnel qualifications (licensed clinicians, peer specialists), partnerships with community organizations, and letters of support. Include state licenses, accreditation (CARF, Joint Commission), and proof of insurance. Budget justification must align with proposed activities.
- Submit Application & Track Progress
Submit through Grants.gov before the deadline (applications close at 11:59 PM Eastern on the due date). Track application status through Grants.gov and contact the grant program officer with questions. Review cycles typically take 60-180 days. If awarded, expect detailed reporting requirements on services provided, outcomes achieved, and financial expenditures.
Mental Health Grant Resources
📋 SAMHSA Grants
Browse all SAMHSA grant opportunities, funding announcements, and technical assistance resources for mental health and substance abuse programs.
🗺️ Find Treatment (Individuals)
Locate federally-funded mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities in your area. Search by zip code, services needed, and payment accepted.
🤝 National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Advocacy organization providing grant writing resources, policy updates, and technical assistance for community mental health organizations.
☎️ 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for free, confidential mental health crisis support 24/7. Connect to trained counselors who can provide immediate assistance.
Available Mental Health Grants (10)
Showing all open mental health and behavioral health grants from federal, state, and local sources. Updated daily from official government databases.
Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA)
openInnovation in Behavioral Health (IBH)
openFY 2025-26 Listos California Tribal Grant (LI) Program
openTo support federally-recognized tribes located in California and nonprofits that serve federally-recognized tribal governments to increase disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation cap ...
FY 2025-26 Listos California Regional Grant (LN) – Inland
openTo support organizations located in areas at moderate to high risk of disaster. Nonprofits throughout the Inland Region can work independently or subgrant with local nonprofits to provide disaster tra ...
FY 2025-26 Listos California Regional Grant (LM) – Coastal
openNonprofits throughout the Coastal Region can work independently or subgrant with local nonprofits to provide disaster training and resources to diverse populations disproportionately impacted by emerg ...
Redemption Innovation Grant Program
openThe Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) offers the Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant Program pursuant to Senate Bill (SB) 101 (Chapter 12, Skinner, Budget Act of 2 ...
Native American Preparedness Tribal Grant
openThe Tribal Preparedness Grant is part of the Office of Spill Prevention and Response Program and supports California Native American tribes in preparing for and enhancing emergency preparedness, respo ...
Proposition 68 Southern Steelhead Grant Program
openTo restore Southern California Steelhead habitat consistent with the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Steelhead Restoration and Management Plan and the National Marine Fisheries Service’s Southern Ca ...
Recycling Market Development Zone Revolving Loan Program
openThe Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ) program combines recycling with economic development to fuel new businesses, expand existing ones, create jobs, and divert waste from landfills. The Depart ...
California Pollution Control Financing Authority (CPCFA) Exempt Facility Bond Financing Program
openThe Pollution Control Tax-Exempt Bond Financing Program facilitates low cost capital through private activity, tax-exempt bonds. The securities pay for acquisition, construction or installation of qua ...