Block grants for community mental health services

The Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded the Government of the District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health $4.123 million on October 1, 2025, under the Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services program (CFDA 93.958).

The award funds comprehensive community mental health services to adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbance across Washington, D.C., including outpatient counseling, crisis intervention, case management, and housing assistance. The period of performance runs through September 30, 2027, with place of performance in Washington, D.C.

Up to 5 percent of grant funds may be used for administration. Services are provided through qualified community programs, including community mental health centers, child mental-health programs, psychosocial rehabilitation programs, mental health peer-support programs, and mental-health primary consumer-directed programs. The State must maintain records consistent with District law. Funds may not be used for inpatient services, cash payments to service recipients, land or facility purchase or construction, or major medical equipment. The District is required to set aside 10 percent of the allocation for programs showing strong evidence of effectiveness targeting individuals with early serious mental illness, including psychotic disorders.