APA Statement on Proposed Cuts to SAMHSA

The American Psychological Association and its companion organization APA Services Inc. are deeply troubled by reported cuts to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which would severely disrupt the nation’s capacity to deal with the mental health and addiction crises we are experiencing. The proposed 50% cut to SAMHSA’s staff would come on the heels of a 10% cut in February, making it virtually impossible to meet the urgent challenges posed by these crises.

As the lead U.S. health agency delivering behavioral health services, SAMHSA has adopted a population health approach by prioritizing “upstream services” informed by psychological science. Such services are provided early to avoid crisis through prevention and timely intervention. They include behavioral health integration, trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, and evidence-based treatments for opioid and other substance use disorders. These strategies improve health outcomes and are a smarter investment in our nation’s mental health.

Now is not the time to slash an agency that has made great strides in addressing the mental health, substance use and suicide crises in America. Since SAMHSA’s launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in 2022, more than 16.5 million people have used this life-saving resource, and more than 2 million have called the companion Veterans Crisis Line. Over the last year, overdose deaths decreased by nearly 25 percent – the lowest rate since 2020 – largely as a result of SAMHSA’s work with the states, particularly among underserved communities, including rural areas.

APA calls on the administration and Congress to protect SAMHSA and continue the bipartisan collaboration to address mental health, suicide prevention, and substance use care in our country.