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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Expertise in Indiana Health

Statewide Mental Health

Too many individuals experiencing mental health issues are not getting the support they need. A significant barrier to Indiana residents accessing quality mental and behavioral treatment services is the severe lack of psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers in their communities, especially in rural areas. Often, families seek behavioral health care in pediatric primary care clinics, but these facilities typically lack adequate resources and staff to meet the complex clinical needs of patients, resulting in both under-treatment and over-prescription of psychotropic medications.
15 Percent of Hoosier adults with frequent mental distress*
2 Indiana's rank on the list of most depressed states*
* America’s Health Rankings (2018)
** Indiana Physician Licensure Data Report (2017)

In the past two years, America’s Health Rankings report indicates that the number of Hoosiers experiencing persistent, and likely severe, mental health issues has increased significantly; many exhibit poor mental health for 14 or more days each month. With a clear need for solutions, Indiana University School of Medicine is setting the standard for mental health care education, research and collaboration across the state.

Education

Indiana University School of Medicine continues to improve its education and training programs to better address the myriad of issues related to mental health care throughout Indiana. This work includes MD curriculum updates, expanded residency programs and more.

IU School of Medicine has expanded the number of Psychiatry residency training slots in general psychiatry and in the triple board residency program, which covers Pediatrics, Child Psychiatry, and Adult Psychiatry. This expansion led by the Department of Psychiatry is supported in part by a $4.7M grant from the North Central Health Services in 2018 for Psychiatry Education and Mental Health Workforce Development. This grant also supports advanced training in Addiction Psychiatry, Geropsychiatry, and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.

Research

From uncovering behavioral disorder mechanisms to introducing new treatments and therapies, IU School of Medicine faculty are focused on improving mental health in Indiana. Active research encompasses several specialties and dozens of experts.

The Indiana Behavioral Health Access Program for Youth program (IN-BeHAPY) helps families in Indiana access quality behavioral health care. The program also provides support to primary care clinics and establishes a solid foundation for a program of innovative, externally funded pediatric behavioral health services research.

Collaborative Projects

As part of its commitment to improving the health of Indiana residents, IU School of Medicine is working closely with its clinical partners, including IU Health and Eskenazi Hospital, to address the recognized need for additional psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health providers (Advanced Practice Providers) throughout the state.

AHEC

The Indiana Area Health Education Centers Network improves health by recruiting, educating and retaining health care professionals for underserved communities in Indiana.

Schedule an Interview

Schedule an interview with an IU School of Medicine faculty member or request materials and resources about mental health research by contacting the IU School of Medicine media relations team.