Community Programs for Youth and Young Adults at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis

The Community Programs for Youth and Young Adults at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis grant, administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is a forecasted federal funding opportunity aimed at enhancing early intervention services for individuals up to 25 years of age who are at clinical high risk (CHR) for developing psychosis. SAMHSA operates under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and has a long-standing commitment to supporting mental health programs across the country. Through this initiative, the agency aims to provide trauma-informed, evidence-based care that supports long-term recovery and reduces the severity of future mental health episodes in youth and young adults. The core purpose of the grant is to fund community-based interventions that address the needs of young people at CHR for psychosis. These programs must incorporate proven methodologies grounded in scientific evidence, with an emphasis on trauma-informed practices. The goal is to reduce the transition to psychosis and improve functional outcomes through a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that may involve case management, peer support, family engagement, clinical services, and educational and employment support. Grantees are expected to build or enhance systems that are sensitive to cultural, linguistic, and developmental needs of youth and young adults. Eligible applicants are statutorily limited to public entities, including state and territorial governments, county and municipal governments, and federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native tribes and tribal organizations. This ensures that programs are integrated into public systems of care and are positioned to reach youth in community settings. Applications from private, nonprofit, or for-profit organizations are not eligible under this opportunity. This focus on public entities highlights SAMHSA’s intent to reinforce public infrastructure and sustainability in delivering early psychosis intervention services. Although specific funding tiers and allowable uses have not been outlined in the forecast notice, the total program funding is expected to be $7,000,000, with approximately 10 awards anticipated. Matching or cost-sharing is required, though the specific percentage or ratio is not provided. Award ceilings and floors are not stated in the forecast and will likely be included in the final NOFO. Grantees should anticipate a competitive selection process and a commitment to accountability through measurable outcomes and performance monitoring. The forecasted application posting date is April 15, 2026. Submission deadlines and project start dates are not yet specified, but applicants should prepare to respond quickly once the full announcement is released. As a forecasted opportunity, it is currently in the early engagement phase, and prospective applicants should monitor Grants.gov and SAMHSA’s communications for the release of the full NOFO. There is no indication of a required letter of intent or pre-application component at this stage. For further information, interested parties may contact Emily Lichvar at (240) 276-1859 or via email at [email protected]. Since the program is recurring in nature—likely aligned with fiscal year cycles—future cycles are expected. Agencies considering applying should plan for both current and upcoming rounds and develop internal tracking mechanisms for timely response once applications open.