Behavioral Health · Implementation · 6 min read
How can behavioral health programs use Rural Health Transformation Program funding?
Behavioral health access is scarce in rural areas, and RHTP's prevention and technology categories make telebehavioral health and integrated care attractive uses of funds. In practice, behavioral health programs can fund integrated behavioral health in primary care, tele-psychiatry and crisis lines, school- and community-based mental health, and collaborative care models for depression and anxiety. These map most naturally to the evidence-based prevention and chronic-disease management, and consumer-facing, technology-driven solutions categories, and Behavioral health providers typically sub-contract under a state behavioral health authority or integrate with rural primary care grantees.
Where RHTP fits
Behavioral health access is scarce in rural areas, and RHTP's prevention and technology categories make telebehavioral health and integrated care attractive uses of funds.
Fundable program types
RHTP can support a range of work for behavioral health programs:
- integrated behavioral health in primary care
- tele-psychiatry and crisis lines
- school- and community-based mental health
- collaborative care models for depression and anxiety
How to engage with the funding
Behavioral health providers typically sub-contract under a state behavioral health authority or integrate with rural primary care grantees.
Because states apply and are accountable; sub-recipients (providers, plans, vendors) deliver, the practical move is to track your state's solicitations and align your proposal to its plan.
A common pitfall to avoid
Tele-behavioral health that ignores broadband and device access in the served community will under-deliver on engagement.
Frequently asked questions
- Are behavioral health programs eligible for RHTP funding?
- Not directly: states hold the award. behavioral health programs participate through state solicitations as sub-recipients or partners.
- Which allowable-use categories fit behavioral health programs best?
- The evidence-based prevention and chronic-disease management, and consumer-facing, technology-driven solutions categories are the most natural fit.
Figures reflect the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program NOFO and the December 2025 award announcement. RHTP Tracker is an independent resource by Moodr Health and is not affiliated with CMS.