Purpose
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) encourages studies that develop and test the effectiveness of strategies for implementation and sustainable delivery of evidence-based mental health interventions and services to improve clinical and functional outcomes for underserved populations in under-resourced settings in the United States. Studies should identify and use innovative approaches to remediate barriers to provision, receipt, and/or benefit from evidence-based practices (EBPs) and generate new information about factors integral to achieving equity in mental health outcomes for underserved populations. Research generating new information about factors causing/reducing disparities are strongly encouraged, including due consideration for the needs of individuals across the life span. NIMH intends to commit $2,000,000 in FY 2020 to fund 3-4 awards.
Background
Evidence-based mental health treatment and preventive interventions and services (EBPs) are effective in improving clinical and functional outcomes for a wide variety of people. Ample research suggests, however, that EBPs are often not delivered in low-resource settings and in settings where clients are predominantly from traditionally underserved populations. These populations are also more likely to have worse mental health outcomes, and more inpatient hospitalizations and emergency room use for psychiatric crises. While the prevalence of some mental disorders may be lower among racial and ethnic minorities, the course of illness is often more severe, persistent, and disabling. Recent research also suggests that disparities in receipt of mental health treatment and services may be increasing. Based on these findings, this announcement solicits research intended to improve access to evidence-based mental health care in low-resource areas and for underserved populations as a strategy for achieving greater equity in mental health and related functional outcomes and reducing disparities.
Key Dates
Filed Under: Funding Opportunities