Early Psychosis Coordinated Specialty Care Program Staff Enhancement and Evidence Based MA RFA

The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) is issuing a Request for Applications (RFA) to establish a pool of existing or planned Early Psychosis Coordinated Specialty Care Programs (EP CSC Programs) located in Massachusetts. DMH seeks to award grants to these programs to enhance staffing or assist with the implementation of Evidence Based Practices. Eligible applicants must operate licensed outpatient clinics with the capacity to bill third-party payers. The grants can fund staff time for training, team meetings, supervision, and administering assessments, as well as positions not covered by third-party reimbursements. DMH will designate applicants as "Fully Qualified," "Provisionally Qualified," or "Not Qualified" based on their ability to meet program requirements. The RFA has a rolling application period from April 2023 through June 2032, with the first round of applications due by May 25, 2023 and awards announced on June 23, 2023.

The RFA does not specify set-asides or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. While it lists some qualified vendors, it does not provide details on incumbent providers or current contract values. The RFA states that grant amounts may vary based on DMH priorities, and applicants must submit a 12-month budget, with the option to include a second-year budget if projected costs differ. Applicants must pursue all other avenues of funding before using DMH funds, which are intended as the payment of last resort.