SAMHSA

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.

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

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

• Public health services
• Behavioral health programs
• Crisis intervention services
• Substance use treatment
• Mental health support

Headquarters

HQ city

Rockville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core 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

Named customers16 records

Segments10 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core, pilot and supporting.

• HHS (Department of Health and Human Services)flagshipOthers · 20 June 2026SAMHSA 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)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 June 2026HRSA collaborated with SAMHSA, CMS, and ACF on policy initiatives including Dear Colleague letters regarding behavioral health prescribing practices.
• ACF (Administration for Children and Families)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 June 2026ACF partnered with SAMHSA on child trauma funding and policy initiatives addressing mental illness and suicide risk in youth.
• CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 June 2026HHS 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)pilotTechnology or Integration · 4 February 2026Connecticut'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 MindssupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 February 2026Nonprofit 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 OrganizationssupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 2 February 2026STREETS 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 CenterscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational 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 LinecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVeterans-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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint $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)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBlock 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 PartnerspilotTechnology or Integration45 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 OrganizationscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorApproximately 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

Broad 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

• Xx.com/samhsagov
• YouTubeyoutube.com/samhsa
• Facebookfacebook.com/samhsa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/substance-abuse-and-mental-health-services-administration
• Instagraminstagram.com/samhsagov

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments22 records

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Frequently asked questions about SAMHSA