HHS earmarks $9M for mental health, substance use disorder service in underserved areas

HHS will award almost $9 million to bolster the mental health and substance use clinician workforce in underserved areas through awards given by the Health Resources and Services Administration.

According to an HHS release, the funding is expected to support 20 individuals who will train health care providers to properly serve those in need through the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Training Program.

The program aims to establish basic skills and expertise for community-based programs and increase the number of personnel who provide mental health and substance use disorder treatment, including services for those with opioid use disorder.

“We are committed to helping people get mental health and substance use disorder services, particularly in places that have generally had limited access to behavioral health care,” HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson said in the release. “Today’s investments are part of HRSA’s commitment to training more providers to meet the need for mental health and substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery services.”

The Biden administration has invested $3.7 billion through the American Rescue Plan and more than $800 million through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to improve access to mental health care and address the opioid crisis. Among the legislative initiatives was the inauguration of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in July 2022.

“We are transforming and expanding behavioral health support across our country,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in the release. “These funds make it easier for more individuals and families to access the mental health support, treatment and recovery services, and other help they need and deserve.”