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
- All 50 States Apply for Rural Health Transformation Program
CMS has announced that all 50 states submitted applications for the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, designed to enable states to expand access, enhance quality, and improve outcomes for patients through sustainable, state-driven innovation in rural healthcare. The application period closed on November 5. All submitted applications will now undergo CMS review. States that have approved applications will receive baseline funding—representing 50% of total available program funds—distributed equally among approved states. Applications that meet baseline criteria will then undergo an additional review for the remaining 50% of available program funds. CMS will announce approved awardees by December 31, 2025, with funding distributed over five years beginning in federal fiscal year 2026. As states begin implementation, program officers from CMS’s Office of Rural Health Transformation will provide technical assistance and ongoing support to help states design, launch, and sustain initiatives that best serve their rural communities.
- NASMHPD Update – October 31, 2025
- 988 Fee FAQs: Updated for 2025
Last year, NASMHPD developed a 988 Fee FAQs document for State Behavioral Health Authorities to use as a reference guide when answering questions and addressing concerns related to a 988 telecommunications fee. As of late 2025, thirteen states have successfully implemented 988 fee legislation, with many others exploring the possibility. These FAQs have now been updated for 2025 and include information on the purpose and importance of 988, different types of 988 telecommunications fees, methods of oversight for 988 fees, and strategies states have used to successfully pass a 988 fee.
- Behavioral Health Workforce Resource Guide: Updated for 2025
NASMHPD is excited to release an updated version of our Behavioral Health Workforce Resource Guide! This new version includes additional innovative ideas and successful workforce strategies being implemented by states and territories and provides updates on outcomes of initiatives described in the prior iteration of the guide. Collectively, these strategies have the potential to improve the public behavioral health sector’s ability to recruit and retain staff, while simultaneously improving the system of care for individuals served. Many thanks to all the States, Territories, Pacific Jurisdictions, the District of Columbia, and the many federal, national, and other partners that developed the information shared in this document!