Government Agencies That Fund Mental Health Treatment

Approximately 26 percent of U.S. adults meet the criteria for a mental illness diagnosis. Adequate funding is necessary from government agencies in order to help ensure adequate treatment is received for the mentally ill.

History

• In 1992, the United States Department of Health and Human Services disbanded the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration (ADMHA) and created the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is a primary source of funding for mental health treatment programs.

Federal

• The Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) and Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) are both operated under SAMHSA and provide funding for mental health and addictions treatment. Centers for Disease Control and prevention, health Resources and Services Administration and the National Institutes of Health also provide funding for research and treatment of mental illness and substance abuse.

State

• CMHS provides block grants to state governments for community mental health clinics and protection and advocacy agencies. Sales and income taxes are typically used to supplement funding from federal sources.

Insurance

• Medicare and Medicaid are government funded insurance programs that cover the cost of some mental health treatment services for individuals who are disabled, retired or meet other requirements.

Problems

• Inadequate funding provided for mental health treatment continues to result in higher rates of emergency room usage, increased incarceration rates and unemployment.