So what are we looking for? The qualifier here is evidence-based tools. Over the past several years the National Institute of Mental Health has been developing innovative ways of understanding mental disorders in clinical studies on the basis of neuroscience, and behavioral measures rather than traditional diagnostic categories.
Research is just the first step.
Research is often so far removed from the actual practice of mental health that innovative treatments never make their way down to the public. On the for-profit side, there has been very little willingness to collaborate and work together to make sure people have access to the best combinations of tools possible.
After identifying promising research in the scientific community, our program puts together a competitive framework based on feedback from some of the top professionals in the industry.
Once we are sure the research is solid, we reach out to top labs and organizations working together to make personalized mental health tools accessible and easy to understand.
We do this by:
1. Identifying promising technological advancements in laboratory environments.
2. Accelerating these technologies by working with promising organizations in those fields to help bring their tools up to Institute standards
3. Bringing these tools to the public in a simplified, safe, and accessible way through the Institute's program.
Accelerating the transition to an evidence based mental health system is something that is good for everyone. By increasing the legitimacy of the tools in our clinicians hands and engaging with the public, we know we can change the way mental health is viewed in this country. As of last year, 60% of people suffering with a mental illness have not sought help. Of those that did, only 37% felt some improvement.
Through our work, more people will receive accurate treatments and the success of this project will allow us to achieve our goal of helping all at risk groups; our Veterans, our Youth, and the millions that have been deemed
untreatable by our current standards .