SAMHSA
SAMHSA is the sole U.S. federal agency dedicated to behavioral health, operating crisis helplines (988 Lifeline, National Helpline), distributing $794M+ in annual block grants and $700M+ in discretionary grants to all 50 states, territories, and tribal entities, and collecting national substance use and mental health data.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1992
- HeadquartersRockville, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What SAMHSA does
SAMHSA is a U.S. federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), established in 1992 and headquartered at 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Maryland. As the only federal agency solely dedicated to behavioral health, SAMHSA leads national public health efforts on mental illness and substance use, serving the entire U.S. population directly through free crisis services and indirectly through grant-funded state and community programs.
The agency's core operational assets include the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (a national network of more than 200 local crisis contact centers handling over 8 million contacts in 2025 via call, text, chat, and ASL videophone), the National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP), the Disaster Distress Helpline, and FindTreatment.gov. SAMHSA also operates health information technology infrastructure including the USCDI+ Behavioral Health dataset and FHIR Behavioral Health Profiles Implementation Guide, with nine interoperability pilot programs across nine states funded by approximately $20 million to bridge physical and behavioral healthcare data exchange while addressing 42 C.F.R. Part 2 privacy constraints. Data collection systems include the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), the Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS), and the National Substance Use and Mental Health Services Survey (N-SUMHSS).
SAMHSA's business model is government appropriations-based, not commercial. The agency distributes approximately $794 million annually in block grants (Community Mental Health Services Block Grant at $319M and Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant at $475M) to all 50 states, territories, and tribal entities. Discretionary grant programs include the STREETS initiative ($96-100M), CCBHC certification funding ($223.1M), 988 Lifeline operations ($238.6M), and the Great American Recovery Initiative ($40M). Public-facing services (helplines, treatment locators, educational campaigns) are provided free of charge; all revenue flows through congressional appropriations. The agency is currently undergoing significant restructuring, with approximately two-thirds of its ~900-person workforce laid off since January 2025 as part of broader HHS reorganization under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and is being consolidated into the new Administration for Healthy America.
SAMHSA firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SAMHSA
- Legal name
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- Website
- https://samhsa.gov
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1992
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- SAMHSA is the sole U.S. federal agency dedicated to behavioral health, operating crisis helplines (988 Lifeline, National Helpline), distributing $794M+ in annual block grants and $700M+ in discretionary grants to all 50 states, territories, and tribal entities, and collecting national substance use and mental health data.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SAMHSA industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Behavioral Health Services
- NAICS
- Individual and Family Services (6241), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Child and Youth Services (62411), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Behavioral Health & Substance Use Public Health Programs (BPAIAJAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Behavioral Health & Substance Use Program Funding (Public Health) (HLAJALAI), Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD), Substance Use Disorder Prevention & Recovery Services (BPAGACAE), Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGAEAH), Local Public Health & Human Services Administration (BPAIACAK)
Keywords
Where SAMHSA is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Rockville
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
SAMHSA business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Others, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Block Grant Distribution: SAMHSA distributes federal block grants to states, territories, and tribal entities for community mental health services and substance abuse treatment and prevention. Includes Community Mental Health Services Block Grant ($319 million) and Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant ($475 million).
- Discretionary Grant Programs: SAMHSA administers discretionary grant programs including the STREETS program ($96 million), 988 & Suicide Crisis Lifeline ($238.6 million), and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics ($223.1 million) as part of HHS announcements exceeding $700 million in total grants.
- Great American Recovery Initiative Funding: $40 million in grant funding across eight grant programs aimed at preventing addiction, addressing mental illness, reducing suicide risk, and strengthening the behavioral health workforce as part of President Trump's Great American Recovery Initiative.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Others | Free public services |
Distribution channels9 records
Marketing channels8 records
SAMHSA product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SAMHSA is a U.S. federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. It operates national crisis helplines (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, National Helpline, Disaster Distress Helpline), distributes federal block grants to all 50 states, territories, and tribal entities for community mental health and substance use services, certifies behavioral health clinics (CCBHCs), runs national treatment locators (FindTreatment.gov), and conducts nationwide behavioral health data collection and awareness campaigns.
Product overview
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) is a U.S. federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA does not offer a single unified product but rather operates a portfolio of interconnected crisis intervention services, treatment locators, grant programs, data collection systems, and public awareness campaigns. The core services include the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (a national network of over 200 crisis centers), the National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP), and FindTreatment.gov for locating treatment facilities. SAMHSA administers substantial federal funding through block grants ($794M annually for mental health and substance use services), the STREETS Initiative for homelessness and addiction recovery ($100M pilot), and the Great American Recovery Initiative ($40M+ in grants). The agency operates Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) certification programs and collects national behavioral health data through NSDUH, TEDS, and N-SUMHSS surveys. Additionally, SAMHSA runs public awareness campaigns including Mental Health Awareness Month, the 'Talk. They Hear You.' prevention campaign, and FentAlert fentanyl awareness initiatives. Recent initiatives include behavioral health data exchange pilots testing FHIR standards and USCDI+ datasets to improve interoperability while addressing 42 C.F.R. Part 2 privacy regulations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: National suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline providing 24/7 access to trained counselors via call, text, chat, and ASL videophone.
- Talk. They Hear You.
- RecoverMe
- Voy a Recuperarme
- FindTreatment.gov
- Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs)
Products and services
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline A national network of over 200 local crisis contact centers providing 24/7 access to skilled crisis counselors for mental health, substance use, or suicidal crises via call, text, chat, and ASL videophone, serving individuals across the United States.
- National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) A free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and substance use disorders.
- Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990) A 24/7 crisis counseling service providing immediate support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
- FindTreatment.gov An online directory helping millions of Americans find mental and substance use disorder treatment facilities near their location.
- Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) A certification program for community mental health centers that meet specified criteria for providing comprehensive, high-quality behavioral health services, reimbursed through Medicaid.
- Community Mental Health Services Block Grant Annual block grant funding distributed to states, territories, and tribal entities for community mental health services, with $319 million allocated in FY2026.
- Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant Annual block grant funding distributed to states, territories, and tribal entities for substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services, with $475 million allocated in FY2026.
- Opioid Treatment Program Directory An online directory of SAMHSA-approved opioid treatment programs that dispense methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
- STREETS Initiative A federal pilot program targeting homelessness, opioid addiction, and public safety through expanded treatment emphasizing recovery and self-sufficiency, combining early intervention, psychiatric care, sober housing, and employment support across eight U.S. cities.
- Talk. They Hear You. Campaign A national substance use prevention campaign providing parents and caregivers with PSAs, discussion starter videos, parent resources, a mobile application, and community partner materials to reduce underage drinking and substance use among youth.
- National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) SAMHSA's annual national survey that provides up-to-date information on substance use, mental health, and related behaviors in the United States population.
- Early Serious Mental Illness Treatment Locator An online resource helping individuals find treatment programs for early serious mental illness (ESMI), with resources and information specific to early intervention.
- Drug-Free Workplace Helpline A helpline providing guidance to employers on establishing and maintaining drug-free workplace programs, with resources on policy development, testing, and compliance.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 8 million contacts handled by 988 Lifeline in 2025, with most callers reporting feeling significantly less depressed, less suicidal, and more hopeful after speaking with a crisis counselor
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use SAMHSA
Customer profileNamed customers16 records
Segments10 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
SAMHSA technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
SAMHSA partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core, pilot and supporting.
- HHS (Department of Health and Human Services)flagshipSAMHSA is a division of HHS under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. HHS announced $40 million in grant funding and over $700 million in total behavioral health funding opportunities. Secretary Kennedy has announced major policy shifts including cuts to harm reduction programs and guidance on medication-assisted treatment.
- HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration)coreHRSA collaborated with SAMHSA, CMS, and ACF on policy initiatives including Dear Colleague letters regarding behavioral health prescribing practices.
- ACF (Administration for Children and Families)coreACF partnered with SAMHSA on child trauma funding and policy initiatives addressing mental illness and suicide risk in youth.
- CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)coreHHS through CMS in partnership with SAMHSA announced 10 new states joining the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Medicaid Demonstration Program. CCBHCs are typically reimbursed through Medicaid.
- Connie (Connecticut Health Information Exchange)pilotConnecticut's state-designated HIE awarded one of nine pilot grants under ASTP/ONC Behavioral Health Interoperability Pilot Grant program to implement electronic consent management for substance use disorder treatment data.
- Active MindssupportingNonprofit advocacy organization championed policy to publish 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on student ID cards for high school and college students. Final appropriations included $15 million increase for 988 Lifeline and $4 million increase for Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention programs.
- Faith-based Recovery OrganizationssupportingSTREETS program includes increased eligibility for faith-based recovery organizations as part of the administration's approach to building integrated care systems combining early intervention, sober housing, and employment support.
- 988 Lifeline Crisis CenterscoreNational network of more than 200 local crisis contact centers answering 988 calls. The 988 Lifeline received more than 8 million contacts in 2025. SAMHSA announced $231 million funding opportunity to administer the network.
- Veterans Crisis LinecoreVeterans-specific crisis line accessible through the 988 Lifeline network, providing specialized support for veterans and service members.
- ASTP/ONC (Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy / Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT)coreJoint $20+ million Behavioral Health Information Technology Initiative to implement USCDI+ Behavioral Health data exchange standards. Nine pilot programs across nine states testing interoperability with FHIR implementation guides.
- State Governments (50 states + territories)coreBlock grant recipients administering community mental health and substance abuse services at state level. Includes all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and three Pacific jurisdictions.
- Behavioral Health Data Exchange Pilot Partnerspilot45 organizations across 9 states participating in behavioral health data exchange pilots testing USCDI+ Behavioral Health dataset and FHIR implementation guides. Includes Connie, Community Health Resources, and United Services in Connecticut.
- State and Local Grantee OrganizationscoreApproximately 2,000 organizations providing mental health and addiction treatment services that received SAMHSA grants, including PACT Coalition, Baker Center, McShin Foundation, NAMI Southern Arizona, and others affected by funding changes.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
SAMHSA competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): SAMHSA's parent federal agency. HHS administers a broad portfolio of health programs across operating divisions including CMS, CDC, NIH, FDA, and HRSA, of which SAMHSA is one. HHS sets the policy and funding environment that SAMHSA operates within.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): Partner federal agency that co-administers the CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program with SAMHSA. CMS controls the Medicaid reimbursement mechanism that underpins SAMHSA's CCBHC strategy and is a critical funding counterpart for behavioral health services nationally.
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA): Sibling federal agency under HHS that funds health workforce and safety-net programs. HRSA collaborates with SAMHSA on behavioral health prescribing policy and workforce initiatives, providing complementary funding for the populations SAMHSA serves.
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): NIH institute dedicated to mental health research. NIMH focuses on biomedical and clinical research while SAMHSA focuses on services and public health program delivery, making them complementary players advancing the nation's behavioral health agenda.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Largest HHS public health agency. CDC addresses infectious disease and population health more broadly, while SAMHSA addresses behavioral health—a scope difference, but both operate national surveillance and grant programs with comparable policy frameworks.
Direct peers
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Nation's largest grassroots mental health advocacy organization. NAMI provides education, support groups, and policy advocacy alongside SAMHSA-funded programs, and is repeatedly a recipient/partner of SAMHSA grants—making it a direct mission-aligned peer.
- Mental Health America: Community-based nonprofit dedicated to mental health promotion, prevention, and early intervention. Operates the Mental Health First Aid program and screening tools that complement SAMHSA's public-facing treatment locators and crisis services.
- National Council for Mental Wellbeing: Membership organization representing community mental health and addiction treatment providers, including CCBHCs. The National Council is a primary conduit between SAMHSA policy and the ~2,000 grantee organizations delivering behavioral health services on the ground.
Emerging players
- Crisis Text Line: 24/7 text-based crisis support service that has historically been considered for integration with 988. Operates a comparable crisis intervention model but is narrower in channel (text only) and is privately funded, versus SAMHSA's government-administered lifecycle.
- The Trevor Project: Leading nonprofit providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ young people. The Trevor Project previously delivered specialized services within SAMHSA's 988 Lifeline via the LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program before its closure.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
SAMHSA social profiles
Digital presenceSAMHSA financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SAMHSA leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
SAMHSA funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SAMHSA M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments22 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SAMHSA
What does SAMHSA do?
SAMHSA is a U.S. federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. It operates national crisis helplines (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, National Helpline, Disaster Distress Helpline), distributes federal block grants to all 50 states, territories, and tribal entities for community mental health and substance use services, certifies behavioral health clinics (CCBHCs), runs national treatment locators (FindTreatment.gov), and conducts nationwide behavioral health data collection and awareness campaigns.
Is SAMHSA a public or private company?
SAMHSA is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was SAMHSA founded?
SAMHSA was founded in 1992. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is SAMHSA based?
SAMHSA is headquartered in Rockville, United States, in the North America region.
How does SAMHSA make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Block Grant Distribution is the primary driver. The others are discretionary Grant Programs and great American Recovery Initiative Funding.
Who are SAMHSA's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Direct peers are National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Mental Health America and National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Emerging players are Crisis Text Line and The Trevor Project.
Does SAMHSA have an API?
No public API is recorded for SAMHSA.
What industry is SAMHSA in?
SAMHSA's product category is Behavioral Health Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAIAJAK, Behavioral Health & Substance Use Public Health Programs, with a secondary code of HLAJALAI, Behavioral Health & Substance Use Program Funding (Public Health). Its NAICS code is 6241 and its SIC code is 8300.