Department of Mental HealthDepartment of Mental Health

Congressional Social Work CaucusPrevention, Treatment and Services

Research

Steve Baron, DirectorDepartment of Mental Health

Washington, DC

May 25, 2011

Department of Mental Health

Public Sector Tools for integrating research findings into the public system

Rules

Rates

Training

Accountability

Department of Mental Health

Examples of Research informing service delivery

• Treatment Programs– Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)-for adults with

serious and persistent mental illness that have not been well served by the public mental health system

– Supported Employment-for adults with serious and persistent mental illness with a focus on securing competitive employment

– Multi-Systemic Treatment (MST)-for youth who have had involvement with the juvenile justice system

Department of Mental Health

Prevention and Early Intervention

• Public systems are much stronger in providing services to those with the most severe needs

• Research has helped inform and guide prevention and early intervention activities

• The research findings provide a framework and body of knowledge that guide the structure of the intervention activities

Department of Mental Health

Examples of Evidence-Based Services in the Department of Mental Health

• Prevention Programs– Botvins Life Skills Training Program-for elementary

students that addresses the most important factors leading children to use drugs

– Connect with Kids-focus on student behaviors– Signs of Suicide-depression awareness program for

middle and high school students

Department of Mental Health

Examples of Evidence-Based Services in the Department of Mental Health

• Early Intervention Programs– Incredible Years-for parents for children 12 and

younger– Primary Project-targets youth PreK through 3rd grade

who are displaying early adjustment difficulties