The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has established a clear vision for its work—a life in the community for everyone. To realize this vision, the Agency has sharply focused its mission on building resilience and facilitating recovery for people with or at risk for mental or substance use disorders. SAMHSA is gearing all of its resources—programs, policies and grants—toward that outcome.

To advance its goals, SAMHSA draws advice from public members and professionals in the field of substance abuse and mental health who share an active interest in the mission of the agency and its centers. SAMHSA administers six advisory Councils/Committees authorized by the Public Health Service Act in accordance with the rules of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA):

• SAMHSA National Advisory Council
• Center for Mental Health Services National Advisory Council
• Center for Substance Abuse Prevention National Advisory Council
• Center for Substance Abuse Treatment National Advisory Council
• Advisory Committee for Women’s Services
• Drug Testing Advisory Board

The Federal Advisory Committee Act defines an advisory committee as “any committee, board, commission, council, conference, panel, task force, or other similar group" that is "established or utilized" by the President or an agency "in the interest of obtaining advice or recommendations" for the President or one or more agencies or officers of the Federal Government.”

At this website, you can access information about each committee and its membership; laws, regulations and other applicable guidance relating to the establishment and management of advisory committees; and information concerning ethics and financial disclosure.

Thank you for your interest in SAMHSA’s Federal Advisory Committees.