Promoting the Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care: States

The Promoting the Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care: States program is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This federal funding opportunity is designed to support state-level efforts to improve health outcomes by integrating behavioral health services with primary and physical health care systems. SAMHSA, as a leading federal agency focused on mental health and substance use disorder services, advances national priorities related to improving access to evidence-based care, addressing serious mental illness, and strengthening coordinated health systems. This program aligns with broader federal priorities to enhance population health, improve care delivery, and reduce disparities in access to treatment. The purpose of this program is to promote full integration and collaboration between behavioral health and primary care providers, support the adoption and enhancement of integrated care models, and implement bidirectional care approaches that address both physical and behavioral health conditions. The program specifically targets populations with serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions. It emphasizes improving screening, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and recovery services through coordinated care systems. Applicants are expected to implement evidence-based or evidence-informed practices and ensure that integrated care services are accessible and effective for the populations served. Funding is provided as a federal grant with an estimated total program funding of over thirteen million dollars, supporting approximately seven awards. Each recipient may receive up to two million dollars per year over a project period of up to five years. Funds are primarily intended for direct service delivery, with at least ninety percent required to be allocated to health facilities providing integrated care. Administrative costs are limited to ten percent. Allowable uses include developing integrated care infrastructure, implementing clinical workflows, supporting workforce development, and enhancing health information technology systems. Certain restrictions apply, including prohibitions on funding activities that do not align with federal policy priorities or legal requirements. Eligibility for this program is limited to state governments or appropriate state agencies, such as state mental health authorities, substance use agencies, Medicaid agencies, or state health departments. Applicants must establish partnerships with qualified community programs, health centers, rural health clinics, or federally qualified health centers. These partnerships are essential to delivering integrated care services. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate experience, provide letters of intent from service providers, and ensure compliance with licensing and credentialing requirements. Only one application per state will be funded, and certain states previously funded under similar programs are not eligible. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or eRA Commons and includes several components such as a project abstract, project narrative, budget narrative, and multiple attachments including letters of intent and project timelines. Applicants must follow a structured six-step process including reviewing the opportunity, preparing the application, and submitting required documentation. Evaluation criteria focus on population need, implementation approach, use of evidence-based practices, organizational capacity, and data collection plans. Applications are subject to initial eligibility screening, merit review, and final funding decisions based on alignment with SAMHSA priorities and available funding. Key dates include an application deadline of July 27, 2026, with expected award announcements by September 1, 2026, and project start dates beginning September 30, 2026. There is no cost-sharing requirement for this program. Recipients are required to begin direct services within six months of award and must comply with extensive reporting and evaluation requirements, including quarterly and annual data submissions. Contacts for the program include SAMHSA staff responsible for programmatic, financial, and review-related inquiries. This funding opportunity is part of an ongoing federal effort to strengthen integrated health systems and improve outcomes for individuals with complex behavioral and physical health needs.

Focus heavily on integrated care partnerships and demonstrate readiness to implement evidence based models; ensure compliance with required activities and data reporting systems