The new Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (OSAMH) supports programs and projects to address behavioral health issues across all DHS programs, determine need for new programs, and ensure that funding is used to meet the needs of Arkansans across the state. It oversees the following programs and facilities:
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services — This section is responsible for distributing federal grant funds for Substance Abuse Disorder treatment and contracting to provide community-based prevention, treatment, and recovery services in Arkansas.
- Mental Health Treatment Services — This section funds and oversees the public mental health system in Arkansas and supports behavioral health providers across the State. Staff ensures that quality, client-centered treatment is available regardless of where someone lives or how much money they have.
- Forensic Services — This section oversees the process of ensuring that people charged with crimes are evaluated to see if they are mentally fit to go through a criminal proceeding and are criminally responsible for the acts they are accused of committing. For persons found not competent, court ordered restorative services are conducted in both secured and community settings.
- Substance Use Disorder Prevention Services and the State Drug Director’s Office — This section focuses on funding and building prevention efforts through collaboration with state agencies, community organizations, and others working to prevent alcohol and other drug problems.
- Arkansas State Hospital