Evidence-based Practices
Despite growing evidence that certain service programs are effective, few public
mental health systems have implemented the programs in their states. The PRC is
partnering with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration, the National Institute of Mental Health
and Johnson & Johnson. The project will promote the implementation of
research-based interventions for the care of persons with severe mental
illnesses in routine community-based mental health practice settings like
community mental health centers. The areas of evidence-based practices (EBPs)
are: (1) medications, (2) teaching illness self-management, (3) case
management based on principles of assertive community treatment, (4) family
psychoeducation, (5) supported employment, and (6) substance abuse treatment
integrated with mental health treatment.
The West Institute
The West Institute, a new division of PRC, will be closely linked with the
Evidence-Based Practices Project. Funding from the state of NH and a private
foundation (the West Foundation) will be used to staff the Institute. Services
will include education, consultation, supervision, and training for
administrators, consumers, families, and mental health staff in NH and elsewhere
regarding the use of the specific practices defined in the EBP Project. We are
currently helping administrators and clinicians from several states to implement
EBPs, primarily supported employment and dual diagnosis programs, in their
centers.
The Behavioral Health Policy Institute
The Behavioral Health Policy Institute (BHPI) is a new division of the PRC,
officially beginning in August of 2000, that will focus on mental health,
substance abuse and long-term care policy. A major focus of the BHPI's work is
improving the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of behavioral health and
long-term care for New Hampshire Medicaid recipients. However, we also hope to
develop knowledge that will inform behavioral health policy and practice
nationwide. All work will focus on developing knowledge about the Medicaid
population that is of direct benefit to policy makers. Projects currently
underway include a longitudinal analysis of cost, financing, and treatment of
severe mental illness and substance use disorders; a description of costs and
prevalence of behavioral health disorders in the elderly population; analysis of
prescription trends and practices for psychotropic drugs.