Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Advancing Public Mental Health Systems Nationwide
Founded in 1959, our organization serves as the national voice for public mental health systems across all 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia. We provide expert consultation, policy guidance, and technical assistance to state mental health commissioners through eight specialized divisions addressing critical areas like children's mental health, forensic programs, and recovery support. Our collaborative approach fosters peer-to-peer learning and cross-state information sharing to advance behavioral health practices.We partner with federal agencies like SAMHSA to implement initiatives improving crisis care, workforce development, and service delivery for individuals with serious mental illness. Our work emphasizes client-centered care models, evidence-based policy development, and systemic improvements to public mental health infrastructure.
Services
Technical Assistance
Training Programs
Policy Consultation
Crisis System Mapping
Recovery Support Services
Forensic Program Development
Housing Initiatives
Legal Advisory Services
Medical Director Collaboration
Youth Mental Health Advocacy
Details
- Year established: 1959
Highlights and features
- We offer 65+ years of experience shaping public mental health policy
- Our eight specialized divisions address critical behavioral health challenges
- We provide evidence-based technical assistance to all 50 states
- We partner with federal agencies like SAMHSA for program implementation
- Our peer-to-peer networks foster cross-state collaboration and learning
Services
Technical Assistance
We provide expert guidance and implementation support to state mental health authorities through our Center for Innovation in Health Policy and Practice. Our team delivers training, consultation, and resources to improve service delivery systems for individuals with mental health and substance use challenges. This includes specialized support for crisis care development and block grant implementation across all 50 states.
Policy Development
Our organization shapes behavioral health policy through eight specialized divisions focusing on areas like children's mental health, forensic programs, and housing. We analyze emerging issues, develop policy recommendations, and advocate for systemic improvements to public mental health infrastructure at national and state levels.
Crisis System Mapping
We help states develop coordinated crisis care systems through mapping initiatives that identify service gaps and build interagency collaborations. Our technical assistance supports implementation of 988 crisis lines, mobile response teams, and community-based services for justice-involved individuals and high-risk populations.
Recovery Support Services
Our Recovery Support Services division promotes peer-led initiatives and lived experience integration in mental health care. We develop certification programs for peer specialists and implement recovery-oriented practices across state mental health systems to enhance client-centered care delivery.
Forensic Program Development
We support states in creating effective forensic mental health programs through our Forensic Directors Division. Our initiatives focus on competency restoration models, jail diversion programs, and reentry services that integrate behavioral health care with correctional systems while maintaining community safety.
Questions
What is NASMHPD's primary mission?
We advocate for public mental health systems and provide policy guidance to state mental health commissioners across the United States.
How does NASMHPD support state mental health programs?
Through technical assistance, policy analysis, specialized divisions, and collaborative initiatives improving behavioral health service delivery.
What populations does NASMHPD serve?
We focus on mental health services for children, youth, adults with serious mental illness, justice-involved individuals, and older adults.
What funding sources support NASMHPD's work?
We receive support through federal grants, including partnerships with SAMHSA for technical assistance initiatives.
Does NASMHPD offer training programs?
Yes, we provide training and certification programs for mental health professionals, peer specialists, and crisis response teams.
