Federal Government Resources

Many federal government agencies, mainly within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), are involved in some aspect of mental healthcare, such as providing or funding services and treatment, researching mental illnesses and the relation between mental health and substance use or addiction, educating the public about mental health, or reducing barriers to access mental healthcare. The following are some resources from HHS agencies to help you find more detailed mental health information and services that may be of interest to you or your family and friends.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

SAMHSA leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders, and their families.

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

HRSA works to improve healthcare for people who live in rural areas or are economically or medically vulnerable.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

NIMH transforms the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research.

  • Health Topics offers basic information on mental disorders, a range of related topics, and the latest mental health research.

  • Statistics presents data on the prevalence, treatment, and costs of mental illness.

  • Help for Mental Illnesses lists ways to get help and suggests questions to ask a potential mental health professional.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

NIDA advances science on the causes and consequences of drug use and addiction.

MentalHealth.gov

MentalHealth.gov provides one-stop access to U.S. government mental health and mental health problems information.

  • What To Look For gives examples of common behaviors that people may do if they have certain mental disorders.

  • Talk About Mental Health offers tips on discussing mental health for different groups of people, such as young people, educators, parents and caregivers.

MedlinePlus

MedlinePlus, a free service of the National Library of Medicine, presents health and wellness information that is easy to read on a wide range of topics.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

CDC conducts critical science and provides health information to save lives and protect the nation from diseases and other health threats.

  • Mental Health includes information on the types of mental illnesses, data and publications, and mental health tools and resources for different groups of people.

  • Children’s Mental Health provides information on child mental health conditions, treatments, prevention, and improving access to children’s mental healthcare.

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

AHRQ develops the knowledge, tools, and data to improve the safety and quality of America's healthcare system.

  • Behavior and Mental Health cites research demonstrating that quality mental and behavioral healthcare may often be delivered in primary care settings.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

CMS provides healthcare coverage to more than 100 million people through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and HealthCare.gov, the Health Insurance Marketplace.

In addition to HHS agencies, both the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offer mental healthcare resources and support for active service members, veterans, and members of their families. The following DOD and VA resources may help you access necessary mental health information and support if you are part of the military community.

DOD

  • Mental Health Care provides information about TRICARE’s mental health coverage.

  • Mental Health, published by Military OneSource, a DOD-funded program, points members of the military family to the resources available to help.

  • Mental Health Care discusses mental health conditions, such as PTSD, and resources available to support members of the military community.

VA

  • VA Mental Health Services offers guidance on accessing services for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, grief, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

  • Mental Health includes resources and information on treatment options for a variety of mental health conditions and other challenges.

State Government Resources

SAMHSA provides contact information for State Agencies (a designated mental health agency and substance use agency) for all states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Your state’s mental health agency may provide you with additional resources to learn more about what services and programs are offered in your local community.