The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) was established by Congress under Public Law 102-321 on October 1, 1992, to strengthen the Nation's health care capacity to provide prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services for substance abuse and mental illnesses. SAMHSA works in partnership with States, communities, and private organizations to address the needs of people with substance abuse problems and mental illnesses as well as the community risk factors that contribute to these illnesses.

SAMHSA serves as the umbrella under which substance abuse and mental health service centers are housed, including the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), and the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). SAMHSA also houses the Office of the Administrator, the Office of Applied Studies, and the Office of Program Services. To learn more about SAMHSA and its centers, visit Who We Are.

To join SAMHSA's A Family Guide To Keeping Youth Mentally Healthy & Drug Free listserve, send an e-mail to familyguide@listserve.health.org. If you'd like to contact the staff of Keeping Youth Healthy and Drug Free, send an e-mail to A Family Guide.