The funding, to be administered by the New Mexico Health Care Authority, totals $24,473,462 and will support immediate investments to improve access to behavioral health across the regions.
Source: New Mexico Health Care Authority
Image: Courtesy
SANTA FE — New Mexico has approved $24.4 million in early access funding to expand behavioral health services statewide, allowing communities to address gaps in care while longer-term regional plans are developed.
The funding, to be administered by the New Mexico Health Care Authority, totals $24,473,462 and will support immediate investments to improve access to behavioral health across the regions.
“This funding puts decisions closer to the communities delivering care,” said Kari Armijo, cabinet secretary at New Mexico Health Care Authority. “It gives communities the ability to act now, expand services earlier and faster, and meet people where they are.”
The funding was authorized under Senate Bill 3, which passed with bipartisan support during the 2025 legislative session. It allows the 13 designated behavioral health regions to begin implementing services while comprehensive multi-year regional behavioral health plans are still in development.
Funding supports four core access shortages: residential treatment, crisis services, medication-assisted treatment for justice-involved individuals, and prenatal and perinatal substance use disorder programs. Working with community organizations, tribal partners, health care providers, and other key stakeholders, behavioral health regions developed projects and initiatives to expand behavioral health care for youth, adults and families.
Applications for funding were open from Nov. 4, 2025 through Dec.19, 2025. The Health Care Authority expects to announce awards the week of Jan. 26.
“This money will help communities accelerate efforts to improve care and support New Mexicans by reducing barriers,” said Nick Boukas, director at the Behavioral Health Services Division. “By supporting communities and the providers that work in them, we will see better outcomes across our state.”
For more information about the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act and Early Access Funding, please visit hca.nm.gov/about_the_department/behavioral-health-reform
SENATE BILL 3
Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act
Senate Bill 3 passed with strong bipartisan support during the 2025 legislative session, enacting the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act. This new law takes major steps to strengthen and rebuild New Mexico’s behavioral health system, including significant changes to how behavioral health and substance use treatment programs are managed statewide. As part of these changes, New Mexico’s Behavioral Health Collaborative will officially be sunset on June 20, 2025, when the new law goes into effect.
The Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act takes a regional approach to behavioral health care. Each region, established by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), will identify up to five behavioral health priorities and request funding to implement a four-year plan. This new structure incorporates all three branches of government and brings stakeholders to the table to strengthen our behavioral health care service system.
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