National Council for Mental Wellbeing

06/12/2026

" have the potential of fundamentally changing the way community-based mental health [care] is delivered in America."

In last week's episode of The State of Mental Wellbeing, Mohini Venkatesh sat down with Andi Smith from Ballmer Group to talk about how Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics are changing lives and why investing in mental health matters now more than ever.

Watch or listen to the full episode here: https://bit.ly/3SjGYII

06/09/2026

Before heading to Capitol Hill, National Council members, advocates and partners gathered to connect and prepare for a day of advocacy on behalf of mental health and substance use care across the country.

The evening also provided an opportunity to recognize this year's Advocacy Leadership Award recipients: Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Congressman August Pfluger (R-Texas), who received Legislator of the Year honors, and Sadie Thompson, executive director of Wellbeing Initiative, Inc. and National Council board member, who was named Advocate of the Year.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to champion policies that expand access to quality mental health and substance use care for all.

Take a look at all of the photos from the reception here: https://bit.ly/4e80v6g

06/06/2026

Join our monthly To***co Use Disorder Integration Office Hours series this Tuesday, June 9 to engage with experts from the National Behavioral Health Network and the Behavioral Health and Wellness Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz. We'll exchange peer insights and learn about the latest evidence-based practices and policies in the field of to***co control. Register today: https://bit.ly/4ubfNOc

Do you want to strengthen partnerships and collaborations with mental health and substance use organizations to address to***co-related disparities? Join the monthly To***co Use Disorder Integration Office Hours series to engage in peer-to-peer learning, share insights and strategies and gain access...

06/05/2026

This past week, brought together hundreds of advocates and mental health and substance use professionals to advocate directly on Capitol Hill. Over 200 National Council members met with lawmakers and their staff, urging support for critical pieces of legislation and appropriations measures to strengthen mental health and substance use care across the country.

We also announced the recipients of the annual Advocacy Leadership Awards: Senator Tina Smith, D-Minn., and Congressman August Pfluger, R-Texas, received Legislator of the Year honors, while National Council Board Member Sadie Thompson, executive director of Wellbeing Initiative, Inc., was honored as Advocate of the Year. We are grateful for their dedication and contributions to expanding access to quality care for everyone.

Learn more about this year's Hill Day policy asks: https://bit.ly/3PNNXZL

06/02/2026

People are more than a diagnosis.

On the latest episode of The State of Mental Wellbeing, Dr. Nitin Gogtay shares a vision for the future DSM that gives clinicians greater flexibility to incorporate a person's lived experiences, circumstances, and evolving needs over time. By allowing clinicians to build a more complete picture as they get to know someone, diagnosis and treatment planning can become more personalized, nuanced, and responsive.

Watch or listen to the episode here: https://bit.ly/4d9sl2J

06/02/2026

How can the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) help advance measurement-informed care?

On the latest episode of The State of Mental Wellbeing with Mohini Venkatesh, Dr. Nitin Gogtay explains why accessible, objective measures of mental health are essential for tracking progress, improving quality of care, advancing research, and supporting better outcomes for individuals seeking care.

Watch or listen to the full episode here: https://bit.ly/4d9sl2J

05/29/2026

Mental wellbeing is a state of thriving and it takes all of us to get there.

Next week, Tramaine EL-Amin, VP of Mental Health First Aid USA, will join fellow leaders at the Social Innovation Summit in Atlanta for a roundtable discussion on Wellbeing and Mental Health. Together, Tramaine and Chuck Ingoglia will have an opportunity to connect with leaders who share our commitment to building a world where mental wellbeing is achievable for everyone. Learn more about the summit: socialinnovation.com

05/28/2026

As the technical assistance provider through SAMHSA for states and clinics, we welcome this new cohort and looks forward to seeing the incredible outcomes they achieve as they strengthen the workforce, increase access, and enhance service delivery in their communities. This expansion reflects continued momentum behind the model, which provides sustainable Medicaid funding to expand access to comprehensive mental health and substance use disorder services nationwide.

05/28/2026

We applaud New York for dedicating $17.5 million to the statewide Teen Mental Health First Aid USA program. The NYS Office of Mental Health will manage these funds to expand MHFA training, helping more New Yorkers recognize and address mental health and substance use challenges among young people.

Gov. Kathy Hochul's announcement highlights New York's ongoing commitment to youth mental health. With this funding, Teen MHFA will be offered to all 10th graders in the state, reaching more than 180,000 students each year. Read our full statement here: https://bit.ly/3RwNawM

05/27/2026

Voters across the political spectrum are sending a clear message: expand access to mental health and substance use care.

A new national poll found:
📌 3 in 4 voters support expanding funding for
📌 95% believe access to care is important
📌 67% say it’s still difficult to access services
📌 69% are more likely to support candidates who prioritize this issue

CCBHCs provide comprehensive, community-based care–including crisis services–helping people get the support they need outside of emergency departments.

With strong bipartisan backing, now is the moment for policymakers to act. Expanding the model through the Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act will help bring high-quality care to more communities across the country.

Together, we can ensure everyone has access to the care they need, when and where they need it. More details on the poll results here: https://bit.ly/3PP6Zi9