The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the federal agency responsible for advancing the behavioral health of the nation and improving access to mental health and substance‑use treatment services. As part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA leads national efforts to reduce the impact of mental illness and addiction through funding, training, policy guidance, and evidence‑based resources. Its mission centers on ensuring that people affected by mental health or substance‑use conditions receive effective care and achieve long‑term well‑being SAMHSA.
For professionals working in corrections, SAMHSA plays a critical role in strengthening both staff readiness and inmate care. SAMHSA’s Sequential Intercept Model provides structured guidance for supporting individuals with mental or substance‑use disorders at every point of the justice system, including community corrections and reentry. These frameworks help correctional agencies improve training, enhance crisis response, and build partnerships with community behavioral‑health providers.
SAMHSA also develops national standards and training resources that correctional staff can use to better understand mental illness, substance‑use disorders, trauma, and recovery. This includes guidance on peer‑support models, mental‑health awareness, and evidence‑based treatment approaches that reduce recidivism and improve safety. Recent SAMHSA initiatives directly support FBOP’s efforts to manage addiction and reduce overdose risk among incarcerated individuals.
For correctional employees, SAMHSA’s resources strengthen professional competence, reduce workplace stress, and improve outcomes for the populations they supervise - ultimately contributing to safer facilities and healthier communities.