Promoting Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care: States

The Promoting Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care: States program is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This agency is responsible for advancing the behavioral health of the nation and supporting service systems that address mental health and substance use disorders. The program is part of the Center for Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance and is designed to strengthen state-level systems that integrate physical and behavioral health care services. As a forecasted opportunity for fiscal year 2026, it signals an upcoming funding cycle intended to support systemic improvements in healthcare delivery at the state level. The primary purpose of this program is to promote full integration and collaboration between physical health care providers and behavioral health care systems. The initiative emphasizes improving integrated care models that support whole-person health, including both mental and physical wellness. It seeks to expand the implementation and enhancement of bidirectional integrated care services, meaning that behavioral health services are embedded in primary care settings and physical health services are incorporated into behavioral health systems. These services include evidence-based or evidence-informed screening, assessment, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and recovery supports for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, as well as co-occurring chronic physical health conditions. Funding under this opportunity is intended to support activities that enhance coordination across systems, improve clinical practices, and expand access to integrated care services. While specific allowable cost categories are not detailed in the forecast, typical expenditures in similar programs include workforce development, service delivery enhancements, infrastructure improvements, data systems integration, and evaluation activities. The program explicitly does not require cost sharing or matching funds, reducing financial barriers for eligible applicants and encouraging broader participation among state agencies. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is restricted by statute to state-level entities. Specifically, applicants must be a state or an appropriate state agency, such as the state mental health authority, the single state agency for substance abuse services, the state Medicaid agency, or the state health department. This limitation ensures that awarded funds are used to implement system-wide changes at the state level, rather than localized or organizational initiatives. The program is therefore designed to influence policy, infrastructure, and service delivery across entire state systems. As a forecasted opportunity, the application process has not yet been formally opened. The estimated posting date is May 29, 2026, at which point full application instructions, required components, and submission procedures are expected to be released. Based on standard federal grant processes, applicants will likely be required to submit applications through Grants.gov, including detailed project narratives, budgets, and supporting documentation. No pre-application requirements such as letters of intent have been specified at this stage. The total estimated program funding is $13,766,075, with approximately seven awards anticipated. Specific award ceilings and floors have not yet been published. Key timeline elements such as the application due date, award date, and project start date are currently unspecified and will be clarified upon official release. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor the opportunity listing for updates and prepare in advance by aligning proposed projects with the program’s integration and coordination goals. For additional information, prospective applicants may contact Rachel Zahn at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration via phone at 240-276-2325 or by email at PIPBHC@samhsa.hhs.gov. As further details become available, including application requirements and evaluation criteria, applicants should review official guidance carefully to ensure compliance and competitiveness. This program represents a significant opportunity for states to advance integrated care systems and improve health outcomes for individuals with complex behavioral and physical health needs.