Research Opportunities in Crisis Response Services for Suicide Prevention

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, intends to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for research into crisis response services for suicide prevention. This forecasted grant aims to support studies examining both the effectiveness and implementation of crisis response strategies, especially those that enhance the quality and outcomes of interventions in real-world environments. The initiative highlights the importance of addressing diverse factors, including varying clinical presentations, psychosocial conditions, geographic differences (such as rural or remote locations), and health disparities, all of which impact how crisis services are delivered across the United States. The forthcoming opportunity seeks to generate rigorous research that strengthens the evidence base on crisis response systems, with particular interest in examining how state and local policies influence care outcomes. While applications are not being solicited at the moment, the forecast gives prospective applicants ample lead time to form strategic collaborations and develop responsive, scientifically grounded proposals. Eligible research might include trials or implementation studies that look at the continuum of crisis services, ranging from initial response to follow-up care. This funding opportunity will use the NIH Research Project Grant (R01) mechanism, indicating support for discrete, specified, and circumscribed projects in areas representing the investigators’ specific interests and competencies. The agency encourages applications from investigators with deep expertise in suicide prevention and crisis response, particularly those working in multidisciplinary teams that span health systems research, implementation science, and clinical trial methodologies. The total estimated funding for this opportunity is $2,000,000, with approximately five awards expected. However, specific details about the award ceiling, award floor, and individual award amounts have not yet been disclosed. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this program. The estimated posting date for the NOFO is September 8, 2025, with applications due by October 8, 2025. Awards are anticipated to be made by July 1, 2026, with project start dates aligning with that same date. Eligible applicants include a wide range of entities: state, county, and tribal governments (both federally and non-federally recognized), public housing authorities, independent school districts, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, institutions of higher education (both public and private), and for-profit organizations including small businesses. This inclusivity supports broad engagement across sectors to improve mental health crisis response infrastructure and outcomes. For further details or inquiries, interested applicants are directed to contact Jennifer Humensky, Ph.D., at the National Institute of Mental Health via email at [email protected] or by phone at 301-480-1265. There is currently no official PDF or solicitation document available, as this is a forecasted opportunity. Once released, submission will likely occur through Grants.gov, adhering to standard NIH submission protocols and application forms.