WASHINGTON, D.C. — Communities across the United States could soon receive expanded funding to address youth mental health, suicide prevention, and treatment for serious mental illness after the federal government announced $69.1 million in new behavioral health grant opportunities.
What This Means for You
- Local health systems and community programs may receive new federal funding for suicide prevention and mental health treatment.
- Grants will expand services for children and young adults with serious emotional disturbances.
- States and local providers may increase court-ordered treatment programs for adults with severe mental illness.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, announced funding opportunities for three programs focused on behavioral health treatment and suicide prevention.
Funding Focuses on Youth Mental Health
The largest share of funding — $43 million — will support the Children’s Mental Health Initiative.
The program funds community-based mental health systems for children, youth, and young adults from birth through age 21 who have serious emotional disturbance, a term used to describe diagnosable mental health conditions that significantly disrupt daily functioning.
Grants may also support programs that identify children at risk for developing serious behavioral health conditions and provide services to their families.
Suicide Prevention Programs Expanded
Another $16.1 million will fund the Implementing Zero Suicide in Health Systems program.
The Zero Suicide framework is an evidence-based approach used by health care systems to reduce suicide deaths among patients receiving care. The model focuses on identifying suicide risk early, improving care coordination, and strengthening treatment for people at risk.
“Addressing serious mental illness and reducing suicide are part of SAMHSA’s key strategic priorities that are designed to ultimately change the trajectory of behavioral health trends in America for the better,” said SAMHSA Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Christopher D. Carroll.
Assisted Outpatient Treatment Funding Available
The agency also announced $10 million for Assisted Outpatient Treatment programs.
Assisted outpatient treatment is a court-ordered treatment process that requires some adults with serious mental illness to participate in community-based care if they meet specific legal criteria established by state civil commitment laws.
The program is intended to help people with severe mental illness maintain treatment and reduce the risk of hospitalization, incarceration, or homelessness.
Part of Broader Federal Recovery Strategy
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the funding supports the administration’s broader effort to address addiction and behavioral health challenges.
“Last month, I launched a comprehensive plan to strengthen prevention, expand treatment, and advance President Trump’s Great American Recovery Initiative,” Kennedy said. “These grants will directly address the root causes of addiction — including homelessness and serious mental illness — and strengthen community safety by expanding treatment that prioritizes recovery, stability, and self-sufficiency.”
Senior Advisor for Addiction Recovery Kathryn Burgum said the investments are intended to expand access to treatment and connect people with support earlier.
“Recovery is possible, and these investments help communities reach people earlier with the support and treatment that can change lives,” Burgum said.
Federal officials said the funding is part of the administration’s Great American Recovery Initiative, a national effort aimed at strengthening coordination across government agencies, health systems, community organizations, and private partners to address addiction and mental health challenges.
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