SANTA FE — Today the New Mexico Health Care Authority issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for behavioral health regions across the state to apply for immediate funding to expand mental health and addiction services statewide.
Up to $26 million will be awarded to New Mexico’s behavioral health regions to support immediate investment addressing one or more of four critical behavioral health access shortages, including: residential treatment continuum of care, crisis continuum of care, medication assisted treatment for justice-involved individuals, or prenatal and perinatal substance use disorder treatment programs.
Behavioral health regions will have until with a Dec. 19 to apply for funding.
The NOFO enables regions to submit Early Access Regional Plan proposals, which will allow for immediate investment in services while the regions develop their longer-term plans. The state will announce awards the week of January 26, 2026.
“This important funding means that our communities don’t have to wait to get help,” said Kari Armijo,cabinet secretary for the Health Care Authority. “We have the opportunity to get resources to people in crisis now.”
The funding stems from Senate Bill 3, which passed with bipartisan support during the 2025 legislative session. Each of the state’s behavioral health regions must designate an accountable entity to apply on behalf of the region.
“We’re asking: How can we support what New Mexicans need today?” said Kristie Brooks, director of Behavioral Health Transformation and Innovation. “This funding bridges the gap while regions build their comprehensive multi-year plans.”
How to apply:
Applications are open at https://newmexicohsd.bonfirehub.com/opportunities/208928. The deadline is Dec. 19, 2025.
The Behavioral Health Services Division will hold two question-and-answer sessions via Zoom:
- Friday, Nov. 7, from 3–4 p.m. MST | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84883199159?pwd=Ls5NMSaL9vaGxf8fjxcbb5rybzGa2G.1#success
- Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 4–5 p.m. MST | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83564102198?pwd=waSbbUbg97Q6iliAfAU55wlcKCIEJK.1#success
For more information about the Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act and Early Access Funding requirements, please visit hca.nm.gov/about_the_department/behavioral-health-reform.
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About the New Mexico Health Care Authority
The New Mexico Health Care Authority connects New Mexicans to the care and support they need to live healthy, full lives. The agency administers Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), cash assistance, child support services, and behavioral health care across the state. HCA also oversees the State Health Benefits program for state employees and manages the Health Care Affordability Fund to help make coverage more affordable for working families. The agency licenses health care facilities, investigates complaints, and ensures providers deliver safe, high-quality care. In addition, HCA supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a variety of home and community-based programs that protect health, safety, and human rights.