Community Support Programs Branch

Mental Health Transformation State Incentive Grant Program

The Community Support Programs (CSP) Branch administers the Mental Health Transformation State Incentive Grant (TSIG) program. The program provides oversight and technical assistance to 9 state grantees. These grants help states change their mental health service delivery systems to better meet the needs of individuals and families.

These grants are unique. They support new and expanded planning and development to promote the principles of mental health recovery and meet the needs of consumers.

State grantees are encouraged to:

Increase the flexibility of resource use at the state and local levels by encouraging innovative uses of Federal funding and flexibility in setting eligibility requirements.
Increase accountability at the state and local levels of government that affect consumers and families.
Expand options and services for consumers and families.

In October 2005, seven states were awarded Mental Health TSIGs: Connecticut, Maryland, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Washington, and Texas.

In October 2006, two additional 5-year awards were made to Hawaii and Missouri.

The Mental Health TSIG program provides infrastructure funds to support the transformation of state mental health systems addressed in the six goals of the New Freedom Commission:

Goal 1: Americans understand that mental health is essential to overall health.
Goal 2: Mental health care is consumer and family driven.
Goal 3: Disparities in mental health services are eliminated.
Goal 4: Early mental health screening, assessment, and referral to services are common practice.
Goal 5: Excellent mental health care is delivered, and research is accelerated.
Goal 6: Technology is used to access mental health care and information.

In Year 1 of the program, the first seven grantees completed a needs assessment and inventory of their state system. This included all agencies and organizations that offer mental health services and supports.

This information was used to build a Comprehensive Mental Health Plan. The plan is used to transform the state’s mental health system in line with the New Freedom Commission goals. Two states funded in 2006 will be completing their needs assessment and comprehensive plans in 2008.

In each of the nine states, the governor appointed members to a Transformation Working Group (TWG). The group includes the senior, cabinet-level, and/or executive leadership from all state agencies that offer mental health services and/or supports, adult and older adult consumers, family members, and youth. The TWG will guide the work of the TSIG states as they carry out activities to transform their state mental health systems.

The TSIG program is aided by consultants that assist the states in determining program directives, working with consumers, youths, and families, and identifying technical assistance needs. Also in September 2007, the CSP Branch contracted with Policy Research Associates to coordinate technical assistance and provide program support to the TSIG program.

For more information on specific state activities:

Connecticut: http://www.dmhas.state.ct.us/transformation.htm
Ohio: http://www.anewdayohio.org/
Oklahoma: http://www.okinnovationcenter.org/
Texas: http://www.mhtransformation.org/
Washington: http://mhtransformation.wa.gov/