Mental Health Treatment Grants

Federal and state grants fund mental health treatment programs, behavioral health services, psychiatric care, counseling, and community mental health initiatives. Find funding for mental health treatment providers, nonprofits, clinics, and organizations delivering evidence-based mental health care.

Types of Mental Health Treatment Grants

Community Mental Health Programs

Grants supporting community mental health centers, clinics, and outpatient treatment services.

• Community mental health center operations
• Outpatient counseling and therapy services
• Community mental health clinic expansion
• Mental health crisis services

Psychiatric & Treatment Services

Funding for psychiatric care, psychiatric hospitals, inpatient treatment, and specialized mental health programs.

• Psychiatric hospital and inpatient services
• Psychiatric provider training and development
• Specialized psychiatric treatment programs
• Emergency psychiatric services

Counseling & Therapy Services

Grants supporting mental health counselors, therapists, psychologists, and counseling programs.

• Mental health counseling programs
• Psychotherapy and talk therapy services
• Counselor training and certification
• Evidence-based therapy delivery

Specialized Mental Health Populations

Funding for mental health treatment targeting specific populations and conditions.

• Child and adolescent mental health treatment
• Trauma-informed mental health services
• Veterans mental health treatment
• Culturally-specific mental health programs

Eligibility for Mental Health Treatment Grants

Mental Health Treatment Organizations

Mental health clinics, community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, behavioral health organizations, nonprofits, and treatment providers can apply for funding to expand services, hire staff, and improve treatment quality.

Individuals Seeking Mental Health Treatment

While most grants fund organizations, individuals can access mental health treatment through grant-funded providers and nonprofits. SAMHSA's treatment locator helps find publicly-funded services. Many grants fund sliding-scale or free treatment programs.

Healthcare Providers & Practitioners

Licensed therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors can receive training grants, research funding, and grants for establishing mental health practices serving underserved populations.

Government & Public Health Agencies

State and local health departments, mental health agencies, public hospitals, and government organizations providing mental health services are eligible for federal and state treatment grants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get grants to pay for my mental health treatment?

Most grants fund treatment organizations rather than individual treatment directly. However, many grant-funded treatment providers offer free or low-cost services to uninsured and low-income individuals. To find grant-funded treatment, contact SAMHSA (1-800-662-4357) or use their treatment locator at findtreatment.gov.

What are the main types of mental health treatment grants?

Main grant types include: (1) Community mental health funding for clinics and outpatient services, (2) Psychiatric hospital and inpatient treatment funding, (3) Counselor and therapist training and development, (4) Research grants for mental health treatment innovations, (5) Crisis services and emergency mental health funding, and (6) Specialized programs for specific populations (veterans, youth, etc.).

Who funds mental health treatment grants?

Primary funders include SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health), HHS, state health departments, state mental health agencies, some foundations (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Casey Foundation), and private health insurance foundations.

What is SAMHSA and how do I access treatment through them?

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) is the federal agency funding mental health treatment. Call their National Helpline (1-800-662-4357, free/confidential/24-7) to find grant-funded mental health treatment in your area. Use FindTreatment.gov to search online. SAMHSA also provides grant writing resources for organizations.

How do mental health treatment organizations use grants?

Treatment organizations use grants to: expand services (hire therapists, open new clinics), purchase equipment and materials, provide sliding-scale or free treatment, implement evidence-based therapies, train staff, serve underserved populations, and evaluate program outcomes. Grants typically require matching funds and outcome documentation.

What is evidence-based mental health treatment?

Evidence-based treatment means therapies with strong scientific research showing effectiveness. Examples include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-focused CBT, and others. Most grants prioritize programs using evidence-based approaches. Your mental health provider can discuss what evidence-based treatments are available for your condition.

Mental Health Treatment Resources

SAMHSA National Helpline

Free, confidential, 24/7 helpline: 1-800-662-4357. Provides mental health treatment referrals and connects callers with grant-funded services.

NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health)

NIMH.nih.gov provides information on mental health conditions, research, and treatment approaches. Also funds research grants for mental health providers and organizations.

APA (American Psychological Association)

APA.org helps find licensed therapists and provides mental health information. APA also administers training and education grants for psychology professionals.

State Mental Health Agencies

Each state operates mental health agencies providing information on state grant programs, publicly-funded mental health services, and treatment resources.