Grants for Therapy & Mental Health Counseling Services

Federal agencies like SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), HRSA, and HHS provide billions in grants annually to support therapy and counseling services, including mental health treatment, substance abuse therapy, trauma counseling, and community behavioral health programs. These grants fund nonprofit organizations, community health centers, treatment facilities, and mental health service providers. Below are 26 verified funding opportunities for therapy and counseling programs.

Crisis Support Available Now: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). Free, confidential support 24/7.
Important: These grants fund organizations and service providers, not individuals. If you're seeking therapy services, contact providers funded by these grants or call 1-800-662-4357 (SAMHSA National Helpline) for free treatment referrals.

Types of Therapy Programs Funded

đź§  Mental Health Counseling

Outpatient counseling, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, depression/anxiety treatment, peer support services, and community mental health centers.

đź’Š Substance Abuse Treatment

Addiction counseling, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), opioid use disorder therapy, alcohol abuse treatment, relapse prevention, recovery support services, and residential treatment programs.

🩹 Trauma & Crisis Services

Trauma counseling, PTSD treatment, domestic violence therapy, sexual assault services, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, acute stabilization, and 24/7 crisis response.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family & Group Therapy

Family counseling, couples therapy, youth mental health services, school-based counseling, parent support, children's behavioral health, and group therapy programs.

Who Can Apply for Therapy Grants?

Eligible Organizations

  • Nonprofit organizations: Community behavioral health centers, mental health nonprofits, 501(c)(3) organizations
  • Healthcare providers: Community health centers (FQHCs), hospitals, clinics offering integrated behavioral health
  • Government entities: State/local health departments, tribal governments, county behavioral health agencies
  • Educational institutions: Universities with counseling programs, school-based mental health services
  • Treatment facilities: Licensed substance abuse treatment centers, mental health residential programs

Accessing Therapy Services

  • Find local providers: Call 211 or SAMHSA Helpline 1-800-662-4357 for free referrals to grant-funded services
  • Community health centers: FQHCs offer sliding-scale mental health counseling based on income
  • Crisis services: 988 Lifeline, mobile crisis teams, and emergency mental health services (free)
  • Insurance coverage: Medicaid, Medicare, and ACA plans cover mental health/substance abuse therapy
  • Free/low-cost therapy: Many grant-funded programs serve uninsured individuals regardless of ability to pay

Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy Grants

Can individuals apply for therapy grants directly?

No. These grants fund organizations that provide therapy services. Individuals access services through grant-funded providers. Call SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) or 211 to find free/low-cost therapy near you. Many grant-funded programs accept clients regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

How do SAMHSA therapy grants work?

SAMHSA awards competitive grants to behavioral health organizations for mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. Major programs include Mental Health Block Grants (~$900M), Substance Abuse Block Grants (~$2B), Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs, $400M+), and specialized grants for opioid treatment, suicide prevention, and crisis services. Organizations use funding to hire therapists, provide counseling, offer medication-assisted treatment, and deliver crisis intervention.

What types of therapy are covered by these grants?

Grant-funded programs typically cover individual counseling, group therapy, family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-focused therapy, substance abuse counseling, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), crisis intervention, peer support services, and case management. Coverage varies by provider and program.

How long does it take to access grant-funded therapy?

Crisis services (988 Lifeline, mobile crisis) are available immediately 24/7. Community health center appointments typically occur within 1-2 weeks. Specialized treatment programs may have 2-4 week waitlists depending on demand and capacity. Emergency Medicaid coverage for mental health can begin same-day. Call SAMHSA Helpline (1-800-662-4357) for immediate referrals.

Do these grants cover substance abuse therapy?

Yes. SAMHSA's Substance Abuse Block Grant ($2B+) and State Opioid Response (SOR, $1.5B+) programs specifically fund addiction treatment including counseling, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), detox, residential treatment, recovery support, and relapse prevention. Many grant-funded programs offer integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

Can rural areas access therapy grants?

Yes. HRSA awards grants specifically for rural behavioral health (Rural Communities Opioid Response Program, $100M+) and telehealth mental health services. FQHCs in rural areas receive funding for integrated behavioral health. Many programs offer teletherapy/telehealth counseling for remote access. Contact your state's rural health office or call 211 for local options.

How to Access Grant-Funded Therapy Services

1

Identify Your Needs

Determine what type of therapy you need: mental health counseling (depression, anxiety, trauma), substance abuse treatment, crisis intervention, family therapy, or specialized services (PTSD, eating disorders, etc.).

2

Find Grant-Funded Providers

Call SAMHSA National Helpline 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7) for treatment referrals, or dial 211 for local mental health resources. Use FindTreatment.gov to search for nearby substance abuse programs.

3

Contact Providers

Reach out to community health centers (FQHCs), mental health clinics, or treatment facilities in your area. Explain your situation and ask about sliding-scale fees, free services, or grant-funded programs. Most providers offer services regardless of ability to pay.

4

Complete Intake Assessment

Providers will assess your mental health needs, determine appropriate treatment, and discuss payment options (Medicaid, sliding scale, grant funding, etc.). Bring ID, insurance cards (if any), income documentation, and list of current medications.

5

Begin Treatment

Start therapy sessions as scheduled. Grant-funded programs may offer individual counseling, group therapy, medication management, case management, peer support, and crisis services. Attend consistently and communicate with your therapist about progress.

Essential Therapy Resources

26 Therapy & Counseling Grants Available Now

These federal and state grants support mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, trauma therapy, and clinical behavioral health services. All opportunities are verified and updated daily from official government sources.

Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA)

Centers for Disease Control - NCIPC

Innovation in Behavioral Health (IBH)

Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services

FY 2025-26 Listos California Tribal Grant (LI) Program

Governor's Office of Emergency Services

To support federally-recognized tribes located in California and nonprofits that serve federally-recognized tribal governments to increase disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation capabilities in tribal communities. Tribal governments and nonprofits can work independently, with other tribal governments, or with local nonprofits to provide disaster preparedness information and resources to tribal communities.

FY 2025-26 Listos California Regional Grant (LN) – Inland

Governor's Office of Emergency Services

To 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 training and resources to diverse populations disproportionately impacted by emergencies. This work is intended to increase their communities’ disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation capabilities. The purpose of the LN Program is to support organizations within California’s Inland Region as defined in Section E.1. above, that serve multiple counties with equity priority factors 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 training and resources to...

FY 2025-26 Listos California Regional Grant (LM) – Coastal

Governor's Office of Emergency Services

Nonprofits throughout the Coastal Region can work independently or subgrant with local nonprofits to provide disaster training and resources to diverse populations disproportionately impacted by emergencies. This work is intended to increase their communities’ disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation capabilities. The purpose of the LM Program is to support organizations within California’s Coastal Region as defined in Section E.1. above, that serve multiple counties with equity priority factors located in areas at moderate to high risk of disaster. Nonprofits throughout the Coastal Region can work independently or subgrant with local nonprofits to provide disaster training and resources to diverse populations disproportionately impacted by emergencies. This work is...

Redemption Innovation Grant Program

Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery

The 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 2023) and Assembly Bill (AB) 107 (Chapter 22, Gabriel, Budget Act of 2024).  The purpose of the grant is to provide funding for mobile unit programs, reverse vending machines, or bag drop programs for dealer cooperatives. Eligible Applicants Private, nonprofit entities, in addition to being registered and in good standing with the California Secretary of State, must also be registered and in good standing with the California Department of Justice, and appear on their Registry of Charities and Fundraisers.  If a nonprofit entity is excluded from registering with the Department of Justice...

Proposition 13 – Water Recycling – Planning Grant

State Water Resources Control Board

The purpose of the funding is to provide technical and financial assistance to local agencies for the planning of water recycling projects that promote the beneficial use of treated municipal wastewater in order to augment fresh water supplies in California. Eligible Applicants: Local public agencies Eligible Uses: Eligible projects include recycled water treatment; recycled water storage, distribution, and pumping; groundwater recharge; and indirect potable reuse. Ineligible Uses: Operation and maintenance costs.  Eligible Costs: All costs necessary to determine the feasibility of using recycled water and to select an alternative to offset or augment the use of fresh/potable water from state or local supplies may be eligible for the planning grant. Eligible Communities: All community...

Proposition 68 – Water Recycling

State Water Resources Control Board

The purpose of the funding is to provide technical and financial assistance to local agencies for the construction of water recycling projects that promote the beneficial use of treated municipal wastewater in order to augment fresh water supplies in California. Eligible Applicants: Local public agencies, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations qualified to do business in California, Public Utilities, Federally and non-federally recognized Native American tribes on the Native American Heritage Commission’s list, and Mutual water companies. Eligible Uses: Eligible projects include recycled water treatment; recycled water storage, distribution, and pumping; groundwater recharge; indirect potable reuse; and surface water augmentation. Ineligible Uses: Operation and maintenance costs.  Eligible...

Proposition 1 – Water Recycling

State Water Resources Control Board

The purpose of the funding is to provide technical and financial assistance to local agencies for the construction of water recycling projects that promote the beneficial use of treated municipal wastewater in order to augment fresh water supplies in California. Eligible Applicants: Local public agencies, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations qualified to do business in California, Public Utilities, Federally and non-federally recognized Native American tribes on the Native American Heritage Commission’s list, and Mutual water companies. Eligible Uses: Eligible projects include recycled water treatment; recycled water storage, distribution, and pumping; groundwater recharge; indirect potable reuse; and surface water augmentation. Ineligible Uses: Operation and maintenance costs.  Eligible...

Native American Preparedness Tribal Grant

Department of Fish and Wildlife

The 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, response, and recovery efforts while protecting their ancestral lands and communities from oil spills.

Proposition 68 Southern Steelhead Grant Program

Department of Fish and Wildlife

To 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 California Steelhead Recovery Plan. The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) provides funding to award grants to projects that improve a community’s ability to adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change; improve and protect coastal and rural economies, agricultural viability, wildlife corridors, or habitat; develop future recreational opportunities; or enhance drought tolerance, landscape resilience, and water retention. Projects that remove significant barriers to steelhead migration and include other...

Recycling Market Development Zone Revolving Loan Program

Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery

The 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 Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) administers a Recycling Market Development Zone Loan Program to encourage California-based recycling businesses located within California financing businesses that prevent, reduce, or recycle recovered waste materials through value-added processing or manufacturing. The purpose and importance of the RMDZ Program is set forth in Section 42001 of the California Public Resources Code:  “The purpose of this chapter [is] to stimulate the use of postconsumer waste materials and secondary waste materials generated in California as raw materials...

Infrastructure State Revolving Fund (ISRF) Program

Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank

IBank's ISRF Loan Fund program provides low-cost, direct loans to local governments and nonprofits sponsored by public agencies for a wide variety of public infrastructure and economic expansion projects (excluding housing) that improve and sustain communities, helping individuals and families thrive. We focus on small and mid-/moderate-sized local governments and special districts — including those in underserved regions and communities. ISRF loans can fund a wide variety of projects – including water and wastewater treatment plant upgrades or construction, venue or airport construction, or street repair and upgrades. ISRF financing is available in amounts ranging from $1 million to $65 million with loan terms for the useful life of the project up to 30 years.   With IBank You: • Save...

California Pollution Control Financing Authority (CPCFA) Exempt Facility Bond Financing Program

State Treasurer's Office

The 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 qualified pollution control, water furnishing, waste disposal, waste recovery facilities and equipment. Tax-exempt bond financing assists qualified borrowers to obtain lower interest rates than are available through conventional loans. CPCFA acts as a conduit issuer in the transaction. The bonds are issued to raise capital for revenue-generating projects where the funds are used by the borrower to make payments to investors. The conduit financing is typically backed by either the borrower's credit or monies pledged to the project by outside investors. If the project fails and goes into default...

Healthcare Expansion Loan Program II (HELP II)

State Treasurer's Office

This program will provide low-interest rate loans to California's non-profit small or rural health facilities in an efficient, timely, and cost-effective manner. Eligibility -Must be a health facility as defined in the Authority's Act (Section 15432(d) of the California Government Code) -Must be a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation and qualify as a small or rural health facility or public health facility (e.g., district hospital) as defined in the Authority's Act (Section 15432(e) of the California Government Code)  -Small facilities must have annual gross revenues of $30 million or less (no revenue limit for rural facilities or district hospitals) -Must be licensed by the State of California, typically through the Department of Health Care Services, Public Health, or Social Services ...

CSBG Program - Department Of Social Services Misso

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Block grants to states, territories, and tribes to reduce poverty and revitalize low-income communities. Administered by Department Of Social Services Misso serving Department Of Social Services Misso.

CSBG Program - Social Services, Virginia Department Of

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Block grants to states, territories, and tribes to reduce poverty and revitalize low-income communities. Administered by Social Services, Virginia Department Of serving Social Services, Virginia Department Of.

CSBG Program - Department Of Social Services Connecticut

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Block grants to states, territories, and tribes to reduce poverty and revitalize low-income communities. Administered by Department Of Social Services Connecticut serving Department Of Social Services Connecticut.

CSBG Program - Delaware Department Of Health & Social Services

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Block grants to states, territories, and tribes to reduce poverty and revitalize low-income communities. Administered by Delaware Department Of Health & Social Services serving Delaware Department Of Health & Social Services.

CSBG Program - Social Services South Dakota Department

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Block grants to states, territories, and tribes to reduce poverty and revitalize low-income communities. Administered by Social Services South Dakota Department serving Social Services South Dakota Department.