SAMHSA Grants for Individuals

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) provides federal funding and resources for individuals seeking mental health treatment, substance abuse counseling, addiction recovery, and behavioral health support. Find free and low-cost treatment options, support services, and grant-funded programs available to help with mental health and substance use challenges.

Need Help Right Now?

If you or someone you know needs immediate mental health or substance abuse support:

SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7)

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (free, 24/7)

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Types of SAMHSA Support for Individuals

Free & Low-Cost Treatment

SAMHSA helps connect individuals with affordable or free mental health and substance abuse treatment programs funded by federal grants.

• Free mental health counseling services
• Sliding-scale substance abuse treatment
• No-cost support groups and peer programs
• Medication assistance programs

Substance Abuse & Addiction Support

Federal grants support substance abuse treatment, addiction counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and recovery support services for individuals.

• Addiction treatment and counseling
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• Opioid use disorder services
• Recovery support and peer programs

Mental Health Services

Grant-funded mental health services including therapy, counseling, psychiatric care, crisis intervention, and mental health support.

• Therapy and counseling services
• Psychiatric evaluation and medication
• Crisis mental health services
• Depression and anxiety treatment

Peer Support & Recovery

SAMHSA-funded peer support services, recovery coaching, mutual support groups, and community recovery resources.

• Peer support specialists
• Recovery coaching and mentoring
• Support group participation
• Recovery community resources

How to Access SAMHSA Services as an Individual

Step 1: Call SAMHSA National Helpline

Call 1-800-662-4357 - Free, confidential, 24/7. SAMHSA specialists can help you locate treatment and support services in your area.

Step 2: Find a Treatment Provider

SAMHSA maintains the National Treatment Locator online where you can search for mental health and substance abuse treatment programs by location. The helpline can also provide referrals.

Step 3: Ask About Insurance & Payment

When you find a provider, ask about insurance options, sliding-scale fees, grant-funded care, and whether they serve uninsured individuals. Many programs have payment assistance.

Step 4: Start Your Treatment Journey

The treatment center will work with you to develop a care plan. SAMHSA services are designed to be accessible and affordable for everyone seeking help.

SAMHSA Programs for Individuals

SAMHSA National Helpline

The nation's free, confidential, 24-hour helpline connecting people to local treatment and support services. No insurance or cost to call.

Community Mental Health Services Block Grant

Federal funding distributed to states for community mental health services, ensuring affordable or free treatment availability in every community.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

SAMHSA-funded programs providing medication (methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone) combined with counseling for opioid use disorder and addiction.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free crisis support for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use crises, or mental health emergencies. Call or text 988.

Peer Support and Recovery Services

SAMHSA funds peer-led recovery support groups, peer specialist services, and recovery coaching for individuals in recovery or seeking support.

Cost & Insurance for SAMHSA Services

Insurance Coverage

✓ Most insurance plans cover mental health and substance abuse treatment
✓ Medicare covers mental health and substance abuse services
✓ Medicaid covers treatment in participating states
✓ Many grant-funded programs accept insurance

No Insurance or Low Income

✓ Many programs offer sliding-scale fees
✓ Grant-funded providers serve uninsured individuals
✓ Community mental health centers provide free services
✓ Emergency services are available regardless of ability to pay

Frequently Asked Questions

Are SAMHSA services really free?

The National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) is always free to call. Treatment services vary by program - many are free or low-cost if you have insurance or low income. Call SAMHSA to find affordable options in your area.

What is the difference between SAMHSA and insurance?

SAMHSA is a federal agency that funds and oversees mental health and substance abuse services. Insurance is what pays for care. Many SAMHSA-funded providers accept insurance. If you don't have insurance, SAMHSA can help you find treatment anyway.

Do I need a referral to access SAMHSA services?

No. You can self-refer by calling the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) or searching the National Treatment Locator online. You don't need a doctor's referral - you can reach out directly.

Is treatment confidential?

Yes. SAMHSA-funded services are confidential. The National Helpline is confidential and free. Treatment providers are bound by strict confidentiality laws (42 CFR Part 2) protecting your privacy.

What if I relapse or need ongoing support?

Relapse is part of recovery. SAMHSA-funded programs include relapse prevention, aftercare, and ongoing peer support. Recovery is a long-term process, and services are designed to support you throughout.

SAMHSA Resources for Individuals

Contact & Help

• SAMHSA National Helpline 1-800-662-4357
• National Treatment Locator
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• Crisis Text Line

Information & Support

• SAMHSA Main Website
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Mental Health America
• SAMHSA Recovery Resources

Available SAMHSA & Related Grants for Individuals

While we're updating our grant database, call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 (free, 24/7) or visit FindTreatment.gov to find SAMHSA-funded services in your area.