Founded in 1969, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing is a membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of nearly 3,500 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 10 million children, adults and families they serve. We advocate for policies to ensure equitable access to high-quality services. We build the capacity of mental health and substance use treatment organizations. And we promote greater understanding of mental wellbeing as a core component of comprehensive health and health care. Through our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program, we have trained more than 2.5 million people in the U.S. to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
Premier Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery Association
Despite overwhelming need, nearly 30 million people across the U.S. don’t have access to comprehensive, high-quality, affordable mental health and substance use care when they need it. By promoting mental health, recovery from substance use challenges and equitable access to high-quality care we will ensure that mental wellbeing is a reality for everyone.
The National Council thrives to make mental wellbeing, including recovery from substance use challenges, a reality for everyone.
The National Council is a 501(c)(3) association that advocates for policies that ensure people who have mental health and substance use challenges have access to comprehensive, high quality services. We also offer state-of-the-science education and practice improvement consulting and resources to ensure services are efficient and effective. We achieve this in several ways:
- Mental Health First Aid USA – 2.5 million people have learned the skills to identify and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges.
- Center of Excellence (CoE) for Integrated Health Solutions – Nationwide technical assistance on integrating primary health care with mental health and substance use treatment.
- Advocacy on Capitol Hill – Work toward policies that ensure people living with mental illnesses and substance use challenges can access comprehensive health care services.
- Consulting – Leading state-of-the-science education and practice improvement to drive integrated care and ensure services are efficient and effective.
- NatCon, the National Council Conference – The best in leadership, organization development and excellence in mental health and substance use practice.
- National Council Webinars – Meet experts on key mental health and substance use challenges online.
- Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research – Examines the organization, financing, delivery and outcomes of mental health and recovery from substance use challenges services.
Transparency and Accountability
To provide transparency, The National Council is committed to sharing several important resources.
- Most recently filed annual tax information (IRS Form 990)
- September 2019 Board Action Items
ANNUAL REPORT
In many ways, 2020 was a year like none other. The COVID-19 pandemic created obstacles that tested our resolve as a community and resilience as an organization. Despite the challenges, we forged ahead. We fought for financial relief. We helped expand telehealth. We leaned into digital learning, delivered innovative resources and brought life-saving legislation to the finish line. We were stronger together.
Building Healthy Communities
There’s a rich history behind community behavioral health care. Learn more about President John F. Kennedy’s Community Mental Health Act and its impact felt today, nearly 60 years later.
