WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 14, 2026 - Late last night, critical programs supporting mental health and substance use treatment and services in communities across America were eliminated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Among these programs are two administered by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF): the APA Workforce Development Initiative (SAMHSA MFP), and APAF's Notice. Talk. Act.® at Schools Program. Reporting today indicates that this is part of about $2 billion in cuts to mental health programs across the country.

"Overnight cuts to thousands of programs nationwide are nothing short of catastrophic, placing millions of Americans with unmet mental health and substance use disorder needs at even greater risk," said APA President Theresa M. Miskimen Rivera, M.D. "The United States continues to face a mental health crisis across all age groups, with drug overdose and suicide among the leading causes of death. Our programs, which only represent a fraction of what's been cut, establish a vital pathway for psychiatrists to serve those in need, especially in areas experiencing mental health professional shortages, and in schools."

The Workforce Development Initiative includes a Resident Fellowship Program, a Summer Medical Student Program, and others, reaching college and high school students who are considering the field of psychiatry. Many of the members of the Resident Fellowship Program, which has been in existence since 1973, serve in rural communities, where mental health service shortages exist.

The APAF's Notice. Talk. Act.® at School Program provides free mental health training for K-12 school staff. The training has been accessed by school districts across the country and has delivered results, including reductions in truancy, discipline referrals, and major mental health events among youth.

"Our Workforce Development Initiative has touched the lives of so many of our members who've gone on to careers serving Americans in rural and urban communities who are struggling with mental health. Notice. Talk. Act.® at School has meant school employees, whether they are teachers or bus drivers, can feel more confident helping young people talk about mental health," said APA CEO and Medical Director Marketa M. Wills, M.D., M.B.A. "We can only imagine the good that the thousands of other programs that were eliminated were doing, and we call on the administration to reinstate the funding immediately."

American Psychiatric Association

The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 39,200 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental illnesses. APA's vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit www.psychiatry.org.