Youth Mental Health Programs Grants
Federal and state grants fund youth mental health programs, adolescent behavioral health services, school mental health initiatives, and child mental health treatment addressing depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. Find funding for schools, mental health organizations, and youth-serving agencies.
Types of Youth Mental Health Programs Grants
School-Based Mental Health
Grants supporting mental health services delivered in school settings, including school counseling, school psychology, and school-based mental health clinics.
- • School mental health clinics
- • School counselor and psychologist services
- • School-linked mental health programs
- • Mental health screening and assessment in schools
Suicide Prevention & Crisis Response
Programs addressing youth suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and mental health support for at-risk youth including crisis hotlines and mobile crisis teams.
- • Youth suicide prevention programs
- • School-based suicide prevention
- • Crisis intervention services for youth
- • Mental health crisis response teams
Community Mental Health Services
Community-based youth mental health treatment including counseling, psychotherapy, and behavioral health services for youth with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
- • Community youth mental health centers
- • Youth counseling and psychotherapy
- • Outpatient mental health treatment
- • Family therapy and support services
Youth Development & Resilience
Programs building youth resilience, emotional skills, and mental health through youth development, mentoring, and strength-based approaches.
- • Youth mentoring and support programs
- • Peer support and leadership programs
- • Emotional skills and resilience training
- • Youth-serving nonprofit programs
Eligibility for Youth Mental Health Programs Grants
Schools & School Districts
Schools, school districts, and education agencies can apply for grants to implement school mental health programs, hire school counselors and psychologists, and address youth mental health needs.
Community Mental Health Organizations
Community mental health centers, youth services nonprofits, and behavioral health organizations can access grants for youth mental health treatment and crisis intervention.
Youth-Serving Nonprofits
Nonprofits serving youth including mentoring organizations, youth development agencies, and after-school programs can receive grants for youth mental health components.
Healthcare Systems & Providers
Healthcare organizations and providers can apply for funding to develop youth mental health services, school partnerships, and adolescent behavioral health programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is youth mental health important?
One in five youth experience mental health disorders. Early intervention and treatment during adolescence can prevent lifelong mental health problems, improve academic performance, and reduce substance abuse. Youth mental health services save lives and build healthy futures.
What are common mental health issues in youth?
Common youth mental health issues include depression, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, substance abuse, and behavioral disorders. Suicide is a leading cause of death in youth. Early identification through screening and prompt treatment are critical for recovery.
How does school-based mental health help?
School-based mental health brings counseling and treatment to where youth spend much of their day, reducing barriers to care. Schools can identify struggling students early, provide crisis support, and connect youth with treatment services.
Is youth mental health treatment effective?
Yes. Evidence-based treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, and medications treat youth depression, anxiety, and other conditions effectively. Early intervention produces better outcomes and prevents escalation to more serious mental health problems.
Who funds youth mental health programs?
Primary funders include SAMHSA (mental health grants), HRSA (school-based mental health), CDC (suicide prevention), NIMH (research grants), and state departments of health and education. Federal funding supports school programs and community youth mental health services.
How can youth and families access mental health services?
Youth can access mental health through school counselors, school-based mental health clinics, community mental health centers, primary care physicians, or crisis hotlines. SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) provides free treatment referrals regardless of insurance.
Youth Mental Health Resources
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential, 24/7 helpline: 1-800-662-4357. Provides youth mental health treatment referrals.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for free crisis support. Trained counselors available 24/7 for youth in crisis.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 for free crisis counseling via text message. Available 24/7 for youth.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
NAMI.org provides youth mental health information, support groups, and resources for youth and families.
AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
AFSP.org provides suicide prevention resources, screening tools, and support for youth and families.
Available Youth Mental Health Programs Grants (2 grants)
Accelerating Solutions to Improve Access and Quality of Empirically-Supported Practices for Youth Mental Health (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
Agency: National Institutes of Health | Level: federal
Last verified: 2/11/2026
Garrett Lee Smith State/Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention Program
Agency: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminis | Level: federal
Last verified: 2/11/2026