What is the purpose of SAMHSA?

• A. To build and sustain programs, policies, and data that promote behavioral health treatment through all levels of prevention.
• B. To regulate medications
• C. To conduct laboratory research exclusively
• D. To fund private hospitals only

Answer: (A)

SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, aims to strengthen the nation’s behavioral health by building and sustaining programs, policies, and data that promote behavioral health treatment across prevention, treatment, and recovery support. It works within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help communities prevent substance use disorders, provide effective treatment, and support recovery for individuals and families. It doesn’t regulate medications (that’s the FDA’s role), isn’t focused on laboratory research, and isn’t limited to funding private hospitals only; instead, it supports a broad range of public and nonprofit programs, data efforts, and evidence-based practices to reduce the impact of substance use and mental illness.