Providers Clinical Support System - Universities

The Providers Clinical Support System – Universities program is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This federal initiative is authorized under the Public Health Service Act and is designed to strengthen the behavioral health workforce by improving education and training related to substance use disorders. The program reflects federal priorities to expand access to treatment services, integrate care across healthcare settings, and improve public health outcomes related to substance misuse. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to prepare graduate-level health professional students to effectively identify, intervene, and treat individuals with substance use disorders once they become licensed practitioners. The program emphasizes integrating substance use disorder education into academic curricula across disciplines such as medicine, nursing, physician assistant programs, and behavioral health fields. It aims to ensure that students understand substance use disorders as chronic illnesses, are familiar with evidence-based treatment approaches, and can engage in recovery-oriented care practices. Funding under this program supports training and technical assistance activities, including curriculum development, experiential learning opportunities, and interdisciplinary collaboration among academic programs. Awardees are expected to develop comprehensive training programs that include both didactic and practical components, such as mentorship, clinical observation, and partnerships with substance use disorder treatment providers. Funds may also support communication strategies, program coordination, and dissemination of training materials, while adhering to strict federal funding restrictions that prohibit certain activities and limit indirect costs to eight percent. Eligibility for this opportunity includes domestic public and private nonprofit entities, including institutions of higher education, state and local governments, tribal organizations, and nonprofit organizations. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to deliver training to a minimum number of students annually and must partner with multiple academic programs to ensure interdisciplinary integration. Cost sharing is not required, reducing financial barriers to participation. The application process requires registration with federal systems such as SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons prior to submission. Applicants must prepare a comprehensive application package including a project narrative, budget narrative, abstract, and required attachments such as timelines, letters of commitment, and documentation of nonprofit status. Applications are evaluated through a merit review process based on criteria including need, implementation approach, organizational capacity, and data collection plans. Applications are due by July 6, 2026, with awards expected to be issued by September 1, 2026, and project start dates anticipated for late September 2026. The project period can extend up to three years, contingent on continued funding availability and performance. Applicants may contact designated program and financial officers at SAMHSA for guidance during the application process. The program does not explicitly state recurring cycles, indicating that future funding opportunities may be issued separately rather than on a fixed annual schedule.

Align proposal closely with SAMHSA strategic priorities; demonstrate measurable outcomes and evidence-based curriculum; ensure interdisciplinary partnerships and clear implementation plan