SAMHSA Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG)

Federal block grant to states and territories for community mental health services, including family support, family psychoeducation, and respite-adjacent supports for caregivers of adults with serious mental illness (SMI) and children with serious emotional disturbance (SED). States set priorities within federal requirements; family psychoeducation is a required evidence-based practice set-aside. Caregivers access services through state community mental health centers, community behavioral health organizations, and SAMHSA-funded programs.

MHBG-funded services relevant to family caregivers of people with SMI or children with SED: (1) Family psychoeducation — structured education programs (e.g., NAMI Family-to-Family, PEER-to-PEER) helping caregivers understand mental illness, manage crises, and reduce their own stress and burnout; (2) Family support services — peer support, support groups, crisis intervention, care coordination; (3) Respite-adjacent services — some states use MHBG to fund brief respite or psychiatric crisis respite for families; (4) Crisis stabilization — short-term crisis services when the person being cared for is in behavioral health crisis. Caregivers can also call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) for immediate support. Access through your state's Mental Health Authority, local Community Mental Health Center, or through NAMI (nami.org). Services and availability vary significantly by state.

Some details for this program are still being verified. Check the official source for the most current information.

Services

MHBG-funded services relevant to family caregivers of people with SMI or children with SED: (1) Family psychoeducation — structured education programs (e.g., NAMI Family-to-Family, PEER-to-PEER) helping caregivers understand mental illness, manage crises, and reduce their own stress and burnout; (2) Family support services — peer support, support groups, crisis intervention, care coordination; (3) Respite-adjacent services — some states use MHBG to fund brief respite or psychiatric crisis respite for families; (4) Crisis stabilization — short-term crisis services when the person being cared for is in behavioral health crisis. Caregivers can also call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) for immediate support. Access through your state's Mental Health Authority, local Community Mental Health Center, or through NAMI (nami.org). Services and availability vary significantly by state.

How to apply

Apply online or find more information at the official program page.