Federal Block Grant Award Summary

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services awarded $10.05 million in Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services (CFDA 93.958) to the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) on October 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2027. Under this two-year award, DBHDD will deliver comprehensive community-based mental health services targeting adults with serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbances throughout Georgia. Services include outpatient counseling, crisis intervention, case management, substance abuse treatment, peer support programs, housing assistance, and workforce training initiatives.

DBHDD will implement these services through a network of community service boards, hospitals, and nonprofit partners, with eligible sub-grantees including local governments, community mental health centers, and behavioral health organizations. Per statutory requirements, the state must maintain at least 10 percent of the grant allocation for evidence-based programs targeting individuals with early serious mental illness, including psychotic disorders. Up to 5 percent of grant funds may be used for administrative purposes. The block grant structure enables Georgia to maintain an integrated service system while maintaining flexibility in resource allocation to address community mental health needs and serve vulnerable populations, including those experiencing homelessness.