Coronavirus (COVID-19)

SAMHSA recognizes the challenges posed by COVID-19 and is providing the following guidance and resources to assist individuals, providers, communities and states. SAMHSA stands ready to assist in any manner possible.

SAMHSA Resources and Information

Back to School During COVID-19

Training and Technical Assistance Related to COVID-19

Disaster Distress Helpline
People feeling emotional distress related to COVID-19 can contact this helpline for support.

Grants

Learn more about SAMHSA’s COVID-19 funded grants.

Guidance

For behavioral health providers:

Leveraging Existing Health and Disease Management Programs to Provide Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Resources During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) (PDF | 73 KB)

This document issued by CMS and SAMHSA provides information regarding expanding coverage for mental health and substance use disorder services delivered through telehealth platforms, telephone, and similar mechanisms to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Guidance for Law Enforcement and First Responders Administering Naloxone (PDF | 117 KB)

The document discusses the importance of Naloxone and a series of recommendations are provided to promote first responder safety during COVID-19.

Letter to Treatment Providers on PPE (PDF | 543 KB)

This letter serves as confirmation from SAMHSA that the ordering of personal protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, by providers of mental and substance use disorder treatment services is for a legitimate need and purpose.

COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Response and 42 CFR Part 2 Guidance (PDF | 168 KB)

In response to COVID-19, SAMHSA provided this guidance to ensure that substance use disorder treatment services are uninterrupted during this public health emergency.

For facilities:

Considerations for the Care and Treatment of Mental and Substance Use Disorders in the COVID-19 Epidemic (PDF | 125 KB)

This document offers guidance to facilities, recommending that non-urgent visits be rescheduled, while also recommending that providers perform regular checks on patients at higher severity mental illness or substance use disorder.

Considerations for Crisis Centers and Clinicians in Managing the Treatment of Alcohol or Benzodiazepine Withdrawal during the COVID-19 Epidemic: March 19, 2020 (PDF | 213 KB)

Crisis centers that are able to remain operational and dispense medications to be administered unsupervised are asked to consider this guidance to minimize the potential for overdose and/or diversion.

Managing Healthcare Operations During COVID-19

Planning for community spread of COVID-19 is critical for maintaining healthcare services during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Get tips on how to stay prepared and how to operate effectively.

COVID-19: Interim Considerations for State Psychiatric Hospitals (PDF | 210 KB)

This document provides information regarding how to keep both patients and healthcare staff during COVID-19. Specific recommendations address how to reduce morbidity and mortality.

For general public:

Virtual Recovery Resources (PDF | 98 KB)

This tip sheet describes resources that can be used to virtually support recovery from mental/substance use disorders. It also provides resources to help local recovery programs create virtual meetings.

Double Jeopardy: COVID-19 and Behavioral Health Disparities for Black and Latino Communities in the U.S. (PDF | 427 KB)

This report highlights the health disparities that have been exacerbated as a result of COVID-19. In addition, recommendations are provided regarding what communities can do.

Intimate Partner Violence and Child Abuse Considerations During COVID-19 (PDF | 328 KB)

This brief discusses how COVID-19 may create safety concerns for victims of IPV during quarantine. In addition, several SAMHSA and non-SAMHSA resources are available.