National Association of State
Mental Health Program Directors
Serving the Needs of the Nation’s
Public Behavioral Health System
Founded in 1959 and based in Alexandria, VA, the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) represents the public mental health service delivery system in all states, territories, Pacific Jurisdictions, and the District of Columbia. NASMHPD (pronounced “NASH-bid”) is the only national association to represent state mental health commissioners/directors and their agencies.
What’s New
- Input Requested: NASMHPD Survey on Abnormal Involuntary Movements Screening
Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) who are prescribed antipsychotics are at risk for developing tardive dyskinesia (TD), a movement disorder that causes a range of repetitive movements outside of an individual’s control that can significantly affect quality of life.
Although screening tools such as the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) have long been available, screening remains inconsistent across care settings. NASMHPD is conducting a survey of mental health providers and systems leaders to better understand barriers and facilitators to abnormal involuntary movement screening and ultimately support timely intervention, informed treatment decisions, and improved quality of life for individuals living with SMI. Findings from this survey will inform NASMHPD guidance and recommendations. Survey responses will be aggregated and reported without attribution.
Please complete the survey by March 6th.
Please contact Elizabeth Hancq with any questions.
- NASMHPD Update – February 20, 2026
- 2026 Sponsor & Exhibitor Prospectus
On behalf of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD), we
cordially invite potential Sponsors and Exhibitors to participate in our Annual Meeting, taking place Sunday, July 26th and Monday, July 27th, 2026 at the Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf. Our theme this
year is “Together Towards Tomorrow: Innovating Mental Health Solutions”. - Join us for Crisis Now 4: “What Works”
Crisis Now 4 is taking place July 28–29, 2026, immediately following the NASMHPD Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. Hosted by RI International in partnership with NASMHPD, the Global Leadership Exchange, and NEAMI Australia, this year’s summit continues a decade of global collaboration to improve behavioral health crisis care. This year’s focus, “What Works,” will showcase effective strategies that save lives, alleviate system strain, and promote sustainable care pathways. Together we can examine how communities worldwide foster compassionate and efficient responses to crises. Space is intentionally limited to preserve the depth of dialogue and connection this work requires.
- CrisisTalk — the podcast — is live.
For over six years, CrisisTalk has been a go-to resource for articles on 988 and mental health and substance use crisis systems. Now, we are pivoting to a podcast format. This includes the same interview-style readers are used to, as well as narrative-driven episodes.
This is a new endeavor and we are learning as we go. Listeners can help by giving us feedback. You can do so by emailing us at editor@crisisnow.com.
Our first series is on AI and mental health. You’ll hear from leaders in the space, like Dr. John Torous, and from guests on how they’re using AI to work through mental health and personal challenges.
You can find us wherever you get your podcasts. That includes Apple, Spotify and iHeart.
- No-Cost Technical Assistance Available Through the State TA Project
Via SAMHSA’s State TA Project, State Mental Health Authorities are invited to request technical assistance and training to support successful program implementation of the mental health block grant. The State TA Project can provide many types of TA, including a mix of in-person, offsite, or virtual, and peer-to-peer options. This TA can help increase capacity to navigate issues and improve practices in many areas. There is no cost to access these services and supports.
Learn more about the State TA Project. If you would like to make a TA or Training request, please send an email to SAMHSAStateTA@jbsinternational.com. If you would like additional information on the TA or Training request process, please contact Timothy.Tunner@nasmhpd.org.