The centerpiece of the program are twice weekly seminars which bring the trainees together with leading authorities in mental health and health policy and research and provide trainees with an understanding of the dynamics of mental health problems and their treatment and the social, political, and economic constraints in developing policy options. Speakers also include Institute faculty members, who are at the cutting edge of both research and policy-making in mental health services research. Seminars provide important interactions between trainees and participants with a broad range of mental health interests. In addition, a number of seminars focus on current methodological issues in mental health services research. The mix of participants facilitates an exchange of viewpoints and an optimal mix of academic and applied perspectives.
Postdoctoral trainees represent a talented and productive group.
In the past five years trainees have authored over one hundred publications including books, chapters in books, and articles that have appeared in the leading journals of social science and psychiatry. Those trainees who have completed the program have obtained good academic and research positions. The Institute anticipates current trainees will also become major contributors in mental health services research and policy.