The School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) through the Office of Safe and Supportive Schools, provides funding to increase the number of credentialed school-based mental health service providers in schools serving high-need local educational agencies (LEAs). This initiative aims to address the growing need for student mental health services in K–12 education, particularly in under-resourced communities, by expanding school-based support infrastructures.
The program supports State educational agencies (SEAs), LEAs, and consortia of LEAs, as defined in federal education statutes, to enhance access to mental health services directly within the school environment. By investing in provider recruitment, retention, and training efforts, SBMH seeks to establish a pipeline of qualified mental health professionals who can provide culturally competent and trauma-informed care. This includes psychologists, counselors, and social workers credentialed to deliver services in educational settings.
SBMH grants are competitive and discretionary in nature. While the opportunity does not require cost sharing or matching funds, applicants must clearly demonstrate their capacity to implement evidence-based mental health interventions and to sustain improvements beyond the grant period. The Department anticipates making 25 awards from an estimated total program funding of $180 million. Funding tiers and individual award amounts have not been specified in the notice.
Applications were made available on September 29, 2025, and the submission deadline is October 29, 2025, by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications must be submitted through the official portal, and applicants are encouraged to review the pre-application presentation available on the SBMH webpage. Submissions must adhere to requirements outlined in the Federal Register notice and the Common Instructions published August 29, 2025. Key components of the application may include project narratives, budget justifications, and assurances regarding service provider credentials and program sustainability.
There are no restrictions on geographic eligibility within the United States, and the grant is open nationwide. For further assistance, prospective applicants can contact Amy Banks at the U.S. Department of Education via email at Amy.Banks@ed.gov or phone at (202) 987-1780. The opportunity is recurring annually, with the next expected cycle anticipated to begin in September 2026 based on prior application timelines.
