Federal Government Funds Nine Behavioral Health Data Exchange Pilot Programs

Nine pilot programs are participating in the federal Behavioral Health Information Technology (BHIT) Initiative to test health IT standards that strengthen behavioral and physical health integration through improved data exchange. BHIT is funded through a $20 million investment from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The behavioral health IT standards were developed by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ASTP/ONC).

The projects were announced on February 2, 2026. During 2026, the pilots will test behavioral health-specific data elements in real-world behavioral health settings . . .