The Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMH) Program, within the Florida Department of Children and Families, is the single state authority on substance abuse and mental health as designated by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The Department’s SAMH Program oversees a statewide system of care for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of children and adults with serious mental illnesses and/or substance abuse disorders.
Our Programs
Substance Abuse
The Substance Abuse Program is governed by Chapters 397 and 394 (Part IV ) of the Florida Statutes. This program is responsible for a continuum of community-based services including prevention, treatment, and detoxification, as well as the oversight of the licensure and regulation of all substance abuse providers in the state.
Mental Health
The Mental Health Program is governed by Chapter 394 (link to Chapter) of the Florida Statutes. This program is responsible for planning, managing and evaluating a statewide program of mental health services and supports, including community programs, crisis services, state residential treatment facilities, and children’s mental health services.
Our Services
Substance Abuse
Prevention - Activities and strategies designed to preclude the development of substance abuse problems by addressing the risk factors known to contribute to substance use.
Treatment - Various levels of residential, outpatient treatment, and recovery support services.
Detoxification - Focuses on eliminating substance use by utilizing medical and clinical procedures to assist individuals and adults as they withdraw from the physiological and psychological effects of substance abuse.
Mental Health
Adult Community Mental Health - Adult services include a range of outpatient, residential and acute care services and supports for adults with serious and persistent mental illness, adults in crisis, and adults with forensic involvement.
Children’s Mental Health - Serves children and adolescents who are seriously emotionally disturbed, emotionally disturbed or at risk of becoming emotionally
State Mental Health Treatment Facilities - Serves adults who have been committed for intensive inpatient treatment by a circuit court.