NAMI Raises Concerns Over Proposed Federal Budget Cuts for Mental Health Services in FY 2026

NAMI's Alarm at Proposed Funding Cuts for Mental Health in 2026

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has voiced its grave concerns following President Trump's proposal for funding cuts across the federal budget for fiscal year 2026. The early outlines of this budget, released recently, signal drastic and potentially devastating cuts to critical mental health services that millions rely on each year.

The Scope of the Proposed Cuts

The proposed budget outlines a significant reduction of more than $163 billion in federal non-defense spending. Among the most alarming recommendations is nearly $18 billion (a 40% cut) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and a reduction of around $1.1 billion (15%) from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This is particularly worrying as SAMHSA has been vital in providing support and resources for individuals struggling with mental health issues.

NAMI has previously expressed its apprehension regarding modifications to SAMHSA's structure that would shift its programs under a new Administration for a Healthy America within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Additionally, significant personnel cuts at SAMHSA and other HHS branches have already taken their toll, raising concerns about the diminishing capacity to address the mental health crisis effectively.

A Bipartisan Concern

Hannah Wesolowski, NAMI’s Chief Advocacy Officer, emphasized that mental health care garners substantial bipartisan support, as countless families are affected by mental health challenges, overdose, and suicide crises within the United States. Wesolowski stated, “Cuts of this magnitude would disrupt critical research and programs that support individuals with mental illness, resulting in worsened symptoms and increased homelessness, incarceration, and emergency room visits.”

In a leaked draft of the president's budget from last month, many essential services face elimination, such as funding for specialized support aimed at LGBTQ+ youth through the 988 Lifeline, Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs), Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) initiatives for individuals suffering from severe mental illness, and Consumer and Family Network Grants. While the recent budget proposal doesn’t detail specific cuts, NAMI remains apprehensive about the overall impact of these reductions on mental health services.

The Path Forward

The president’s budget serves as a high-level blueprint for legislative priorities, but it ultimately falls to Congress to decide on appropriations for FY 2026, which commences on October 1. NAMI urges Congress to fight for the preservation of funding for essential mental health research, life-saving services, and initiatives aimed at preventing incarceration among those with mental health issues.

Wesolowski stressed the urgency of understanding these proposed cuts as more than just numbers on a page, reiterating that “These cuts will directly harm people with mental illness and their families.” NAMI's advocacy continues as they rally for the rights and needs of those affected by mental health challenges, drawing attention to the severe repercussions that could stem from funding reductions.

The budget proposal raises significant alarm for mental health advocates. As discussions continue in Congress, the focus will remain on ensuring adequate support for those in desperate need, reaffirming NAMI’s commitment to safeguarding mental health services across the nation.