Strategies for Staying in Care: Enhancing Engagement and Improving Treatment Retention in Mental Health Services - SAMHSA - 2026 Mental Health Innovations Series

This SAMHSA guide examines factors that affect engagement and treatment retention among adults with serious mental illness. It describes practical approaches for building trust, reducing barriers to participation, and supporting continuity of care. The resource emphasizes person-centered, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive services tailored to individual needs and circumstances. It also highlights the importance of coordinated care, supportive relationships, peer involvement, and ongoing communication between individuals and providers. The guide is intended to help behavioral health professionals and organizations strengthen service delivery and reduce preventable disengagement from treatment. Its recommendations should be adapted to local resources, populations, and care settings.