Behavioral Health System Shaken by Trump Funding Whiplash

Jan. 16, 2026, 10:00 AM UTC

Behavioral health services are dealing with whiplash after the Trump administration reversed a decision to terminate $2 billion in discretionary grants to their services.

Even with the administration moving to restore the grants late Wednesday, behavioral health professionals said they worry about the volatility impacting their workforce and services.

Earlier in the week, organizations received termination notices that said their federal awards did not align with the priorities at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which is housed within the Department of Health and Human Services, according to a SAMHSA official who spoke on anonymity.

After receiving criticism ...

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