The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recognizes the importance of behavioral health for older adults and the key role states and communities play in addressing the needs of this vital and growing population. Administrators need clear and concise information to plan, implement, and evaluate effective prevention and
treatment efforts in their states.

The Older Adults Behavioral Health Profiles help states and communities identify focus areas for behavioral health plans, select population-level goals, and coordinate and target services to address priority issues. The profiles compare state trends with those in the region and the nation. State and community administrators, planners, and providers can use the information in these profiles and their own data, knowledge, and experience to establish and implement policies that improve the health and future of our valued older citizens.