Assertive Community Treatment

The Assertive Community Treatment program is a federal discretionary grant opportunity administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program is part of the Center for Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance and reflects the federal government’s broader commitment to expanding access to community-based behavioral health services. SAMHSA focuses on improving outcomes for individuals living with serious mental illness by funding evidence-based service delivery models, particularly those that reduce hospitalization, homelessness, and system fragmentation. The purpose of this program is to establish or expand Assertive Community Treatment programs that serve transition-aged youth, adults, and older adults with serious mental illness. The program emphasizes reaching individuals who are experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of homelessness. ACT is an intensive, team-based service model designed to provide comprehensive, community-based psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation, and support. Funded activities are expected to focus on delivering multidisciplinary, person-centered care that promotes recovery, housing stability, and long-term community integration. Funding under this opportunity is intended to support program implementation and expansion, including staffing multidisciplinary teams, delivering direct services, and integrating supportive services such as housing coordination and case management. While specific allowable and unallowable costs are not detailed in the forecast notice, ACT programs generally require expenditures aligned with clinical services, outreach, crisis intervention, and ongoing care coordination. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, which reduces financial barriers for eligible applicants and supports broader participation. Eligibility for this program is statutorily defined and includes states and territories, political subdivisions of a state, Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations, mental health systems, and health care facilities. This reflects a focus on public and quasi-public entities with the infrastructure to implement large-scale behavioral health programs. The inclusion of tribal organizations aligns with federal priorities to expand culturally competent mental health services in underserved communities. The application process has not yet been fully released, as this is a forecasted opportunity. However, applicants should anticipate submitting materials through Grants.gov once the funding opportunity announcement is posted. Typical submission requirements for SAMHSA grants include a detailed project narrative, budget justification, staffing plans, and documentation demonstrating organizational capacity. Evaluation criteria are likely to emphasize program design, evidence-based practices, population reach, organizational capability, and anticipated outcomes. The opportunity is expected to be posted on May 29, 2026, with application deadlines and award timelines to be announced at that time. The estimated total program funding is 4,263,442 dollars, with approximately five awards anticipated. While individual award amounts have not been specified, applicants should expect competitive funding aligned with program scale and scope. Questions regarding the program can be directed to the listed SAMHSA contact via phone or email, providing applicants with a point of engagement ahead of the official release.