National Association of State
Mental Health Program Directors
Serving the Needs of the Nation’s
Public Behavioral Health System
Founded in 1959 and based in Alexandria, VA, the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) represents the public mental health service delivery system in all states, territories, Pacific Jurisdictions, and the District of Columbia. NASMHPD (pronounced “NASH-bid”) is the only national association to represent state mental health commissioners/directors and their agencies.
What’s New
- CrisisTalk — the podcast — is live.
For over six years, CrisisTalk has been a go-to resource for articles on 988 and mental health and substance use crisis systems. Now, we are pivoting to a podcast format. This includes the same interview-style readers are used to, as well as narrative-driven episodes.
This is a new endeavor and we are learning as we go. Listeners can help by giving us feedback. You can do so by emailing us at editor@crisisnow.com.
Our first series is on AI and mental health. You’ll hear from leaders in the space, like Dr. John Torous, and from guests on how they’re using AI to work through mental health and personal challenges.
You can find us wherever you get your podcasts. That includes Apple, Spotify and iHeart.
- Dr. Pinals Honored with Judge Stephen S. Goss Lifetime Achievement Award
NASMHPD is thrilled to share that our own Dr. Debra Pinals has been awarded with a 2025 Judge Stephen S. Goss Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Pinals is widely recognized for her leadership in substance use law and policy, civil commitment, law enforcement mental health response, crisis systems, competency restoration, and architectural design of forensic facilities and correctional mental health services. Dr. Pinals has served as chair of NASMHPD’s Forensic and Medical Directors Divisions and currently serves as Senior Medical and Forensic Advisor and Editor-in-Chief. Congratulations, Dr. Pinals! We thank you for all you contribute to NASMHPD and to the field.
- No-Cost Technical Assistance Available Through the State TA Project
Via SAMHSA’s State TA Project, State Mental Health Authorities are invited to request technical assistance and training to support successful program implementation of the mental health block grant. The State TA Project can provide many types of TA, including a mix of in-person, offsite, or virtual, and peer-to-peer options. This TA can help increase capacity to navigate issues and improve practices in many areas. There is no cost to access these services and supports.
Learn more about the State TA Project. If you would like to make a TA or Training request, please send an email to SAMHSAStateTA@jbsinternational.com. If you would like additional information on the TA or Training request process, please contact Timothy.Tunner@nasmhpd.org.
- 2026 Sponsor & Exhibitor Prospectus
On behalf of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD), we
cordially invite potential Sponsors and Exhibitors to participate in our Annual Meeting, taking place Sunday, July 26th and Monday, July 27th, 2026 at the Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf. Our theme this
year is “Together Towards Tomorrow: Innovating Mental Health Solutions”. - NASMHPD Update – December 5, 2025
