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Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)

SBIRT is a comprehensive, integrated, public health approach to the delivery of early intervention and treatment services for persons with substance use disorders, as well as those who are at risk of developing these disorders.

Primary care centers, hospital emergency rooms, trauma centers, and other community settings provide opportunities for early intervention with at-risk substance users before more severe consequences occur.

About SBIRT

  • Screening quickly assesses the severity of substance use and identifies the appropriate level of treatment.
  • Brief intervention focuses on increasing insight and awareness regarding substance use and motivation toward behavioral change.
  • Referral to treatment provides those identified as needing more extensive treatment with access to specialty care.

Resources are available online or by calling SAMHSA’s toll-free helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), or by sending your zip code via text message: 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you.

Learn more about SBIRT resources.

Reimbursement for screening and brief intervention is available through commercial insurance Current Procedural Technology (CPT), Medicare G codes, and Medicaid Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS).

View available reimbursement codes.

Since 2003, SAMHSA has funded 17 Medical Residency Cooperative Agreements, 15 State Cooperative Agreements, and 12 Targeted Capacity Expansion Campus Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI) Grants.

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