Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center

The center’s proposal from 1997 defined its mission as improving the long-term functional outcomes of veterans with chronic psychotic mental disorders, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and psychotic mood disorders.This remains as the primary mission. The Center is structured to encourage translation by addressing functioning in a program that spans basic science, clinical science, treatment development, and services research.Education and Clinical programs translate findings into improved care. This mission has worked well, and never considered a change.Although the mission and overall structure have not changed, the approach to scientific discovery, education, and improving clinical outcomes has evolved over the years.As described in this section, scientific advances, changes in the Veteran population, and new priorities from the Office of Mental Health Services and our VISN have affected every aspect of our work.

Major Areas of Emphasis

1. Translational neuroscience: developing mechanistically informed, personalized treatments

2. From social and cognitive neuroscience to improved social functioning for Veterans

3.Improving care using evidence, technology, and implementation science.

4. Needs assessment for Education Programs