SAMHSA Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (CBHSQ)

SAMHSA's Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (CBHSQ) is the lead Federal government agency for behavioral health data and research. CBHSQ conducts national surveys tracking population-level behavioral health issues. CBHSQ also provides statistical and analytical expertise; both activities support the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and the Secretary of HHS. CBHSQ maintains several data collection systems and surveys on key topics in U.S. behavioral health, including:

• The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which measures behavioral health indicators across the United States; and
• The Behavioral Health Services Information System, which collects information on the U.S. behavioral health treatment system and connects people with substance use and mental health treatment through the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator.
• The Drug Abuse Warning Network is a nationwide public health surveillance system to monitor emergency department visits related to recent substance use, including those related to opioids. Authorized by the 21st Century Cures Act, this program provides vital information on emerging substance use trends across the country.

CBHSQ coordinates an integrated data strategy, which includes collecting data each year on the national incidence and prevalence of various forms of mental illness and substance use. CBHSQ promotes basic and applied research in behavioral health data systems and statistical methodology, designs and carries out special data collection and analytic projects to examine issues for SAMHSA and other federal agencies, and participates with other federal agencies in developing national health statistics policy. To learn more about CBHSQ responsibilities, please check out its latest data dissemination activities . CBHSQ is designated as a Federal Statistical Unit and complies with the November 2014 OMB Statistical Policy Directive No. 1, and its data collection authority/mandate is from Section 505 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290aa-4). Please check the SAMHSA RDC webpage (opens in new tab) for information and resources related to restricted use data.

For more information on SAMHSA Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (CBHSQ) products and programs, email RDCA@samhsa.hhs.gov. All SAMHSA RDC users should carefully read "Guidelines for SAMHSA RDC Data Users" (PDF link) before accessing RUF data.