Promoting Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care: States

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has released a forecasted funding opportunity titled "Promoting Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care: States." SAMHSA is a key federal agency dedicated to improving the quality and availability of treatment and rehabilitative services for individuals with mental and substance use disorders. Through funding initiatives such as this, SAMHSA seeks to promote comprehensive and coordinated care models that address both behavioral and physical health needs. This grant program aims to promote full integration and collaboration in clinical practices between primary physical health and behavioral health services. The overarching goal is to support the development, implementation, and enhancement of integrated care models that improve the overall wellness and physical health outcomes of individuals receiving mental health or substance use treatment. Target outcomes include improved access to bidirectional integrated care services that incorporate evidence-based or evidence-informed approaches in screening, assessment, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and recovery support for co-occurring physical and behavioral health conditions. Funding under this program is specifically directed to state-level agencies, with eligibility statutorily limited to either a state or an appropriate state agency. Eligible state agencies may include the state mental health authority, the single state agency (SSA) for substance abuse services, the state Medicaid agency, or the state health department. The intent is to empower states to implement systemic improvements in how behavioral and physical healthcare are delivered and coordinated within their jurisdictions. Applicants will be expected to develop or enhance integrated care models that may include team-based treatment, electronic health record integration, care coordination mechanisms, and community partnership engagement. Although the specific funding parameters such as award ceiling and floor are not yet detailed, the estimated total program funding is approximately $13,766,075, with an anticipated seven awards. Importantly, there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement indicated for this program, making it more accessible to eligible state entities. As of the forecast date of March 20, 2026, the estimated post date for the opportunity is May 15, 2026. Application and award deadlines are not yet posted. Interested state-level applicants are advised to monitor Grants.gov and SAMHSA’s communications for updates regarding application instructions, deadlines, and submission components. Questions about the program should be directed to Rachel Zahn, the listed contact at 240-276-2325 or via email at [email protected]. This grant program does not appear to include any pre-application requirements, and the recurring nature of the opportunity is not explicitly stated. However, given SAMHSA's history of issuing similar funding opportunities on an annual or multi-year basis, applicants may benefit from preparing early and reviewing past SAMHSA grants that promoted behavioral and primary healthcare integration. Further updates will clarify whether the program will operate on a recurring basis or follow a single-year funding model.