Mental Health Block Grant (MHBG)

The MHBG is allocated from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to provide mental health treatment services to adults with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and children with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED). Mercy Care receives funding as a pass through grant to ensure access to covered behavioral health services.

Funding targets the following populations:

• Adults (18 and older) with a serious mental illness (SMI)
• Children (17 and under) with a serious emotional disturbance (SED)
• Individuals experiencing a First Episode of Psychosis (FEP)

Additional Guidance

• AMPM Policy 320-T1 (azahcccs.gov)
• AMPM Policy 320-T2 (azahcccs.gov)
• Exhibit 300-2B, AHCCCS Covered Non-Title XIX XXI Behavioral Health Services
• Non-Title Enrollment Reference Guide
• Crisis/State Only Membership Reference Guide

Adults with serious mental illness (SMI) include persons 18 years and older who have diagnosable behavioral, mental, or emotional condition. Their condition interferes with or limits one or more major life activities listed below:  

• Basic daily living (eating, dressing, hygiene) 
• Instrumental living (taking prescribed medications or getting around in the community) 
• Participating in family, school, or workplace 

Children with serious emotional disturbance (SED) include persons up to age 18 who have a diagnosable behavioral, mental, or emotional issue. Their condition interferes with or limits a child’s role or functioning in family, school, or community activities.

First Episode Psychosis (FEP) refers to a person experiencing psychosis for the first time. Psychosis can differ from person to person. Some common symptoms include:

• Having thoughts or belief that are unusual or bizarre
• Hearing or seeing things that others around you don’t
• Feelings of someone watching you or being watched
• A change in personality
• Difficulty sleeping
• Isolating yourself from others

If you or someone you know may be experiencing some or all of these symptoms, it's important to get help early.

Research indicates that early treatment can help to slow down or stop the symptoms of psychosis and improve recovery. 

You can call Mercy Care Member Services at 602-586-1841, toll free at 1-800-564-5465 or TTY/TDD: 711 to get connected to care. Representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.