Missouri Division of Behavioral Health
The Missouri Division of Behavioral Health manages programs and services for people who need help for a mental illness or alcohol or drug problem. Services available are prevention, education, evaluation, intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Most prevention and treatment services are provided by programs in the community that have a contract with the Division. These programs must meet federal and state requirements in order to provide mental health and substance use treatment services.
The cost of services is based on the individual's ability to pay. Those who have first priority for mental health services are:
- People with a serious mental illness;
- Individuals and families in crisis;
- People who are homeless and mentally ill;
- Individuals committed for treatment by the court system; and,
- Children with severe emotional problems.
For substance use treatment, priority is given to:
- Pregnant women;
- Intravenous (IV) drug users; and,
- Certain referrals from other state agencies.
Prevention and education programs are available across the state. These programs help to educate people about mental illness and substance use and addiction as well as where to find help. Prevention of substance use and mental illness, suicide prevention, and Mental Health First Aid are some of the programs and educational materials that are available.
The Division and its contracted programs offer services that have been proven to help people with mental illness and substance use problems. Those services help to prevent crime and make communities safer, reduce emergency room visits, and prevent school drop out. Many people are able to keep their job or get help finding a job when they receive services.
The Division of Behavioral Health wants all Missourians to receive the mental health services they need to live a happy, healthy, and productive lifestyle of their choice.