Behavioral Health Mobile Crisis Team Partnerships

The Behavioral Health Mobile Crisis Team Partnerships program, administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is a forecasted federal grant opportunity aimed at improving access to behavioral health crisis services. The grant initiative aligns with SAMHSA’s broader mission to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities by supporting innovative and collaborative approaches to mental health care delivery. This funding opportunity represents a continuation of federal efforts to strengthen emergency mental health infrastructure across the United States, particularly through non-law enforcement channels. The primary objective of this program is to establish new, or enhance existing, mobile crisis teams that provide immediate, community-based interventions for individuals of all ages experiencing behavioral health crises. These teams are expected to offer rapid, person-centered responses to mental health and substance use emergencies, with the goal of minimizing hospitalizations, incarcerations, and the use of emergency departments. The program places emphasis on structured partnerships with law enforcement, first responders, and community-based service providers to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to crisis response, while reducing reliance on the criminal justice system. Funding is allocated through cooperative agreements, signaling a collaborative role between SAMHSA and the grantees. While the total estimated program funding is $12,760,633, individual award ceilings and floors have not been specified in the forecast. SAMHSA anticipates making 17 awards under this funding cycle. There is no matching or cost-sharing requirement for this grant, allowing a broader range of eligible applicants to pursue funding without the barrier of additional financial commitments. The funding is authorized under CFDA 93.532, which focuses on mental health services of regional and national significance. Eligibility for this program is statutorily limited to states, political subdivisions of states, territories, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations. This inclusive eligibility structure ensures that both governmental and tribal entities with jurisdiction over health and emergency response systems can participate in the program. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to establish or expand mobile crisis response teams and develop partnerships that align with the program’s objectives. As a forecasted opportunity, the official application window has not yet opened. The estimated post date is May 1, 2026, with no confirmed application due date provided at this time. Since this is not currently accepting applications, interested entities are encouraged to prepare in advance by reviewing SAMHSA’s strategic priorities and ensuring alignment with the anticipated funding criteria. There are currently no pre-application requirements or deadlines stated, such as letters of intent or concept papers. For further information, prospective applicants can contact Justin Powlison at 202-960-5537 or via email at [email protected]. No official PDF notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) has been published yet, so applicants should monitor Grants.gov or SAMHSA’s website for updates. This opportunity reflects SAMHSA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing behavioral health infrastructure and reducing systemic barriers to crisis response.