Vision and Goals

The Vision

The Institute is creating a platform from which preeminent scientists can collaborate and contribute to mental health science and the promotion of mental health.  IMHR will build on existing assets in Arizona to increase research resources, expertise, and facilities dedicated to positively impacting mental health and well-being throughout life.  Interdisciplinary teams of scientists and clinicians will engage in laboratory research, clinical studies, and health systems evaluations to accelerate the understanding, treatment and, ultimately, prevention of mental illnesses.  

Located in both Phoenix and Tucson—Arizona’s two major population and research centers—the Institute has collaborated with, and provided grants to, scientists and clinicians at:

• St. Joseph’s Hospital and Barrow Neurological Institute
• The University of Arizona
• Arizona State University
• Northern Arizona University
• Banner Health
• T-GEN
• Sun Health Research Institute
• Mayo Clinic Arizona
• Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center

Mission

The mission of the Institute for Mental Health Research is to accelerate the understanding, treatment and, ultimately, prevention of mental illnesses.  The goals of the Institute include:

• Searching for the causes of mental illness, while also focusing on factors that promote mental health and well-being.
• Funding and promoting mental health research and education with a Developmental Lifespan Perspective—from childhood through late life.  (See “Research Focus” for more information.)
• Studying age, gender, and ethnic-specific genetic and environmental risk factors
• Documenting the disability and social burden associated with mental illness
• Emphasizing resilience and enhancing the ability to cope with trauma and adversity
• Identifying treatment needs and barriers in diverse populations
• Developing personalized treatments
• Understanding the socioeconomic contexts of mental illness and mental health treatment

The Institute for Mental Health Research is a research institute and does not provide clinical services at this time.  Please use the Health Resources page for links to services and information.