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Behavioral health

Supporting mental health in primary and specialty care

Our behavioral health research program is a national and local model for integrated research and practice. We collaborate in studies that guide major improvements in behavioral health care. We play a leadership role in the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)-funded Mental Health Research Network (MHRN). The MHRN is developing a model for learning health care organizations and networks by developing strong relationships with other care systems.

Areas of focus include:

  • Predicting and preventing suicide
  • Evaluating smartphone apps for people with depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder
  • Guiding primary care in the treatment of opioid use disorder
  • Improving depression care in primary care
  • Other medical conditions for patients with serious mental illness

Investigators

Key projects

Reducing Cardiovascular Risk in People with Serious Mental Illness

This NIMH-funded study examines whether a decision support tool can improve heart health for primary care patients with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. This study involves patients at Park Nicollet, HealthPartners and Essentia Health clinics.

Treating Opioid Use Disorder in Primary Care Settings

Researchers at HealthPartners and Hennepin County Medical Center are developing a clinical decision support tool based on current guidelines to help clinicians screen, diagnose and treat opioid use disorder in primary care settings. This pilot study is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Suicide Prevention Outreach Trial

Researchers at four health care systems are conducting a trial of between-visit outreach programs to prevent suicide. Patients at high risk are invited to choose one of three treatment options. They are randomly assigned to usual care, online behavior therapy or a risk assessment and care management program.

DIAMOND

Researchers studied the effects of a natural experiment among 100 primary care practices to spread the collaborative care model: a systematic approach to depression care. It involved the integration of care managers, consulting psychiatrists and primary care providers. All participants learned from the trial, but we found no effect on depression. This project was funded by NIMH and led by the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement.

COMPASS

The goal was to spread the use of collaborative care for patients with depression and uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease. We assessed 18 medical groups in 12 states that are funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. We documented improved outcomes for patients with complex conditions, learned about implementation and calculated cost savings.

Key publications

Learn more about our Behavioral Health investigators and their publications by visiting Knowledge Exchange.