Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program (PMHCA)

The Pediatric Mental Health Care Access (PMHCA) Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), specifically its Maternal and Child Health Bureau. This initiative addresses a critical need in pediatric mental and behavioral health by supporting access to specialized services for children and adolescents via primary care settings. Through this program, pediatric primary care providers are equipped with essential tools such as telehealth consultation, training, and care coordination support to enhance mental health service delivery. HRSA anticipates awarding approximately 22 cooperative agreements under this funding opportunity. The program’s overarching goal is to strengthen the pediatric workforce’s ability to identify, treat, and refer children and adolescents with mental health conditions, particularly in underserved areas. Program funds are intended to establish or expand state or regional pediatric mental health care teleconsultation access programs. Eligible costs may include personnel, infrastructure development, training delivery, and technology to support tele-consultation and coordination systems. The PMHCA opportunity mandates a cost-sharing or matching component, indicating that applicants must demonstrate financial commitment to project implementation. This element emphasizes collaborative investment in expanding access to pediatric behavioral health resources. Award amounts are capped at $445,000 annually per recipient, with a total program funding estimate of $9,790,000 for the fiscal year. Details regarding allowable expenses and indirect cost limitations will likely be included in the official NOFO upon its release. Eligibility for this funding includes a broad range of domestic public entities such as state, county, city, and township governments, special district governments, and both federally recognized and non-federally recognized Native American tribal organizations. Additionally, U.S. territories and freely associated states are included. The program is national in scope and supports entities across the United States and its territories. The anticipated timeline begins with an estimated funding opportunity post date of March 27, 2026, with final applications due by May 27, 2026. Awards are expected to be issued by August 31, 2026, and projects will commence by September 30, 2026. Applicants must submit materials electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date. As a cooperative agreement, HRSA will have substantial involvement in the implementation and oversight of awarded projects. For further information, interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s Division of Maternal and Child Health Workforce Development at (301) 443-0754. Given that this opportunity is forecasted, final application requirements and evaluation criteria will be published upon the official notice of funding availability.