The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has announced more than $281 million in funding opportunities through 15 grant programs designed to strengthen behavioral health services across the United States. The announcement, released on July 6, 2026, supports initiatives to expand substance use disorder treatment, overdose prevention, mental health services, trauma-informed care, workforce development, and long-term recovery supports.
Several of the funding opportunities are especially relevant to New York’s substance use treatment workforce. More than $68 million has been allocated to expand access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), while additional funding will support overdose prevention, recovery community organizations, workforce development, integrated behavioral health care, first responder naloxone training, and recovery support services. Other grants focus on youth mental health, suicide prevention, trauma services for children and families, and improving collaboration between physical and behavioral healthcare providers.
SAMHSA also announced funding to establish a Center of Excellence for Protected Health Information Related to Behavioral Health, which will provide education and technical assistance on federal privacy laws governing behavioral health information. This initiative may prove valuable as providers continue navigating the complexities of HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality requirements.
For CASACs, these investments represent more than federal funding. They reflect continued national recognition of the importance of evidence-based addiction treatment, recovery support services, harm reduction, and workforce development. Organizations across New York may pursue these opportunities to expand services, strengthen community partnerships, improve training, and increase access to care for individuals and families affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
The NYS Association of CASAC Professionals will continue monitoring federal and state funding initiatives that may impact New York’s addiction counseling workforce and encourage members to stay informed about new opportunities that strengthen the profession and improve access to quality treatment and recovery services.
Read the full SAMHSA announcement:
https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/20260706/samhsa-announces-more-than-281m-funding-address-addiction-overdose-mental-illness-promote-recovery