SAMHSA
Pronunciation: SAM-sah
Also written as: SAMHSA — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance behavioral health and reduce impact of substance abuse and mental illness.
Full Definition
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the lead federal agency for improving the quality and availability of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitative services for mental illness and substance use disorders. SAMHSA provides funding, sets standards, and disseminates evidence-based practices for community mental health programs. The agency oversees block grants to states, develops treatment guidelines, and promotes recovery-oriented systems of care. SAMHSA's work significantly influences community psychiatry practice standards and funding requirements.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize; commonly pronounced as acronym rather than spelled out.
In Context
- "The program received SAMHSA funding to implement evidence-based practices for first-episode psychosis." — Grant application
- "SAMHSA guidelines recommend integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders." — Policy document