Better mental wellbeing for Nursing Home residents
starts here.
The necessity to enhance the care of nursing facility residents with mental health and substance use issues is becoming increasingly apparent.




the center of excellence
for behavioral health
in nursing facilities (COE-NF)
Established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in partnership with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the COE-NF offers Certified Medicare and Medicaid Nursing Facility Staff a centralized resource hub with easy access to trainings, technical assistance and additional resources, at no cost.
What We Do
We help nursing facilities to improve the quality of life and care provided for residents who are experiencing a variety of behavioral health conditions, with a focus on Serious Mental Illness (SMI), Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Co-Occurring Disorders (COD).


Who we help
We provide direct technical assistance, evidence-based training, and resources that are appropriate for every member of your long-term care facility — from those providing day-to-day direct care, to clinical and administrative staff.
News & Events
COE-NF Newsletter – September 2023
This month’s newsletter will define recovery and provide key principles and approaches to supporting the recovery process. This approach will provide a higher quality of care to residents with behavioral health disorders and also help nursing facilities comply with regulatory guidance.
COE-NF Newsletter – August 2023
In this month’s newsletter, we will recognize International Overdose Awareness Day and explore overdose prevention measures that can be taken to support residents who are prescribed an opioid.
COE-NF Newsletter – July 2023
In this month’s newsletter, we will define trauma and learn how a trauma-informed model can address the unique needs of residents with a history of trauma and triggers. This approach will provide higher quality care to residents and be compliant with nursing facility regulatory guidance regarding trauma-informed care.