SAMHSA was established in 1992 by Congress as part of a reorganization stemming from the abolition of Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration (ADAMHA).

The 1992 ADAMHA Reorganization Act consolidated the treatment functions that were previously scattered amongst the NIMH, NIAAA, and NIDA into SAMHSA, established as an agency of the Public Health Service (PHS).

Rear Admiral Eric Broderick served as the Acting Director upon Dr. Cline's departure,[4] until the arrival of the succeeding Administrator, Pamela S. Hyde, J.D.

served as Acting Director of SAMHSA[7] until Dr. Elinore F. McCance-Katz was appointed as the inaugural Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

[12] CMHS is the driving force behind the largest US children's mental health initiative to date, which is focused on creating and sustaining systems of care.

For example the SPF Rx grant program provides resources to help prevent and address prescription drug misuse within a State or locality.

CSAP was established in 1992 from the previous Office of Substance Abuse Prevention by the law called the ADAMHA Reorganization Act.

CSAT supports a variety of activities aimed at fulfilling its mission: CSAT works with States and community-based groups to improve and expand existing substance abuse treatment services under the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Program.

[18] The Center is directed by Dr. Naomi Tomoyasu, Ph.D.[19] CMS has its headquarters outside of Rockville, Maryland[20] with 10 regional offices located throughout the United States:[21][22]