Washington Institute for Mental Health Research & Training

Purpose and Goals

WIMHRT exists to conduct training, research, and clinical program development of direct benefit to mentally ill persons in Washington State. Its goals are to:

1. Expand training and technical assistance for state hospitals, community mental health providers, RSN's, and the Mental Health Division.

2. Promote bilateral understanding between state hospitals and community mental health providers.

Research Activities

WIMHRT strives, through research, to improve the care and treatment of mentally ill persons in Washington State by determining the effectiveness of new methods of care and treatment and evaluating the impact of changes in public policy. Our activities include studies of: 

• Effectiveness of multiple-family education and support programs on consumer and family outcomes.
• Implementation of behavioral health care outcomes for managed care.
• Services to at-risk youth.
• Development of treatment outcome technologies.
• Effectiveness of new drug treatments.

Educational Activities

Our educational activities are directed to improving the quality and competence of persons providing care and treatment to mentally ill persons. These programs include:

• A week-long introduction to the provision of care in residential programs.
• A week-long case management and MICA (mentally-ill, chemically-affected) case management academies.
• Specialized workshops on new and innovative educational and therapeutic interventions.
• Video, audio, and curriculum libraries.
• Doctoral and post-doctoral training in mental health services research, forensic services, and health services research.
• Family education programs. 

A Team Effort

The Institute is a collaboration among the Department of Social and Health Services, Mental Health Division; University of Washington; Washington State University; Western State Hospital; Eastern State Hospital; Child Study and Treatment Center; Regional Support Networks; and community mental health programs.

Community Links

• Department of Social and Health Services, Mental Health Division
• Regional Support Networks Service Information
• Mental Health Transformation Project
• Center for Healthcare, Improvement for Addictions, Mental Illness and Medically Vulnerable Populations (CHAMMP)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
• Statewide Action for Family Empowerment (SAFE WA)