SAMHSA is accepting applications for up to $23.7 million in grants to treat serious mental illness

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications for its Assertive Community Treatment grants. The grants will be used to improve behavioral health outcomes by reducing the rates of hospitalization and death for people with a serious mental illness (SMI). SAMHSA expects that the program will also reduce the rates of substance use, homelessness and involvement with the criminal justice system among people with SMI.

The purpose of the Assertive Community Treatment grant is to establish, expand and maintain Assertive Community Treatment programs. The Assertive Community Treatment Model provides around-the-clock support in the form of teams who are available to respond to a home or other setting and avoid crises caused by the symptoms of SMI.

SAMHSA expects to award up to seven grants of up to $678,000 per year for up to five years. The actual amount may differ depending on the availability of funds.

WHO CAN APPLY: Eligibility is limited to states, political subdivisions of a state, American Indian and Alaska Native tribes or tribal organizations, mental health systems, health care facilities, and entities that serve individuals with serious mental illness who experience homelessness or are justice-involved. SAMHSA will make at least one award to a tribe or tribal organization if applicant volume from these organizations permits.

HOW TO APPLY:  All applicants must register with the National Institutes of Health’s electronic Research Administration (eRA) Commons in order to submit an application. This process can take up to six weeks. If you believe you are interested in applying for this opportunity, you must start the registration process immediately. Do not wait to start this process. If your organization is not registered or you do not have an active eRA Commons account by the deadline, the application will not be accepted. Applicants must also register with the System for Award Management, SAM.gov, and Grants.gov.

APPLICATION DUE DATE:  May 29, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. Applications must be received by the due date to be considered for review.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  Applicants with questions about program issues should contact Mary Blake at (240) 276-1747 or mary.blake@samhsa.hhs.gov. For questions on grants management and budget issues, please contact Gwendolyn Simpson at (240) 276-1408 or FOACMHS@samhsa.hhs.gov.

Reporters with questions should send inquiries to media@samhsa.hhs.gov.


The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes.

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