Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Behavioral health is a component of service systems that improve health status and contain health care and other costs to society. Yet, people with mental and substance use disorders, because of their illness, have largely been excluded from the current health care system and rely on public “safety net” programs. In 2008, approximately 20 million people who needed substance abuse treatment did not receive it, and an estimated 10.6 million adults reported an unmet need for mental health care. As a result, the health and wellness of the individual is jeopardized while the unnecessary costs to society ripple across America’s communities, schools, businesses, prisons, jails, and healthcare delivery systems. In addressing these issues, SAMHSA has collaborated with SAI on many projects in a joint effort to enhance collaborative relationships between federal agencies.