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Mental Health and Illness

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Many diseases, injuries, and maladies are associated with psychological or physical impairment that affect mental health. RAND research covers a broad range of mental health and illness topics, including autism spectrum disorders, teen depression, disparities in mental health care, and post-traumatic stress (PTSD) among military veterans and survivors of natural disasters.

Commentary

Amidst a Pandemic, a Mental Health Crisis May Be Looming

Apr 1, 2020

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care workers' mental health could be significant and may weaken the health care system's ability to resolve the crisis and survive over the long term. Interventions to promote psychological well-being should be implemented now.
Research Brief

Veterans with Both Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders Need Integrated Treatment

Jul 22, 2020

Co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders are common among post-9/11 veterans. But treatment programs typically specialize in one issue or the other. Integrated treatments are more effective and have become more available, but it's critical that veterans have access to facilities that are equipped to treat them.

Explore Mental Health and Illness

Journal Article

Advancing Policy to Build a Behavioral Health Workforce That Addresses the Needs of Older Adults

This study draws from an evaluation of how older adults are served by California's public mental health delivery system, and a review of state planning documents and academic literature, to describe gaps and deficiencies in the workforce that serves older adults.

Dec 20, 2019
Tool

Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder in Mental Health Settings

This tool reviews how clinicians who work in mental health settings can provide pharmacotherapy treatment for an alcohol use disorder that co-occurs with a primary mental health condition.

Dec 13, 2019
Testimony

Proposition 63 and the Future of Mental Health Funding in California

Proposition 63 greatly increased funding for mental health in California, including an extensive expansion of prevention and early intervention (PEI) programming. Could the state benefit from an even larger investment in PEI? Lessons from RAND's eight years of evaluating Prop. 63 offer insights into its successes and challenges.

Dec 12, 2019
Tool

User Guide for the Training in Psychotherapy (TIP) Tool 2.0

The Training in Psychotherapy (TIP) Tool assesses how well psychotherapy trainings for community-based providers include elements of trainings identified as potentially effective. This guide provides an update of the TIP Tool based on pilot testing.

Dec 11, 2019
Journal Article

Health, Homelessness Severity, and Substance Use Among Sexual Minority Youth Experiencing Homelessness: A Comparison of Bisexual Versus Gay and Lesbian Youth

We examined subgroup differences in homelessness severity, depression, physical health, and substance use, focusing on differences between bisexual and gay/lesbian youth, among homeless youth in Los Angeles.

Dec 11, 2019
Tool

Teaching Skills to Reduce DUI Recidivism

The RE-thinking Avenues for Change (REACH) program is a cognitive behavioral therapy protocol developed to prevent drinking and driving after a first-time driving under the influence (DUI) offense.

Nov 19, 2019
Report

Exploring the societal burden of multiple sclerosis: A study into the non-clinical impact of the disease, including changes with progression

We looked at the non-clinical impacts of multiple sclerosis (MS) on the individual with MS, their carers and wider society, focusing on disease progression. We used a rapid evidence assessment and key informant interviews.

Nov 18, 2019
Report

Development and Evaluation of Candidate Standardized Patient Assessment Data Elements: Findings from the National Beta Test (Volume 5: Mental Status and Pain)

This report, part of a series, describes patient assessment data elements developed and tested by RAND on behalf of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services to comply with the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014.

Nov 15, 2019
News Release

Capacity Limits in Australian Health Care System Could Delay Widespread Access to a Future Alzheimer's Treatment

As in other countries, the Australian health care system has limited capacity to rapidly move a future treatment for Alzheimer's disease from approval into wide clinical use, which could leave thousands of older people without access to transformative care if such a breakthrough occurs.

Nov 11, 2019
Report

Australia Is Not Prepared to Deliver an Alzheimer's Treatment

As in other countries, the Australian health care system has limited capacity to rapidly move a future treatment for Alzheimer's disease from approval into wide clinical use. That could leave thousands of older people without access to transformative care if such a breakthrough occurs.

Nov 11, 2019
Journal Article

Growth and Distribution of Child Psychiatrists in the United States: 2007–2016

Despite the increased ratio of child psychiatrists per children over the past decade, a shortage remains, particularly in places with lower levels of income and education.

Nov 6, 2019
Essay

More Can Be Done to Save Veterans from Suicide

A decade of research at RAND has sought to focus the national conversation about suicide in general, and veteran suicide in particular, around solutions that work. The overwhelming message: We could do more to save the lives of veterans like Daniel Somers. Here is his story.

Nov 4, 2019
Periodical

RAND Review: November-December 2019

This issue spotlights research on veteran suicide; liability implications of driverless cars; and new approaches to improving the post-incarceration experience. The Giving column highlights a million-dollar gift to fund research on homeless veterans.

Oct 28, 2019
Commentary

Review of Behavioral Health Technician Training, Policies, and Practice Identifies New Opportunities

Behavioral health technicians are trained to be an essential part of the mental health clinical team, serving as provider extenders who work alongside and support licensed mental health providers. What are the factors that affect these roles? And how can the Military Health System most effectively incorporate them into mental health care settings?

Oct 15, 2019
Journal Article

With Small Power, Comes Great Responsibility: Lessons Learned from an Evaluation of Veteran and Military Mental Health Public Awareness Campaigns

This study was conducted to determine the feasibility of conducting a cost-benefit evaluation of federally-funded media campaigns encouraging mental health help-seeking among United States military personnel and veterans.

Oct 15, 2019
Journal Article

Social Marketing of Mental Health Treatment: California's Mental Illness Stigma Reduction Campaign

The California campaign increased service use by leading more individuals to interpret symptoms of distress as indicating a need for treatment.

Oct 10, 2019
Research Brief

Military Behavioral Health Technicians: Understanding and Optimizing Their Role

Military behavioral health technicians provide clinical services alongside licensed independent behavioral health providers, but they may not get the training and support they need or opportunities to use their full range of skills.

Oct 7, 2019
Report

Understanding Behavioral Health Technicians Within the Military: A Review of Training, Practice, and Professional Development

Are military behavioral health technicians adequately prepared for their roles? Are their skills being put to the best use? The authors examine selection, training, and responsibilities and offer recommendations to optimize training and roles.

Oct 7, 2019
Blog

Drug Prices, China, Workplace Harassment: RAND Weekly Recap

This weekly recap focuses on U.S. prescription drug prices, how not to confront China, sexual harassment in today's workplace, and more.

Sep 27, 2019
Article

Navigating Mental Health Care for Veterans

Findings and resources from RAND's vast body of research provide insights on how to help more veterans receive the mental health care they need.

Sep 25, 2019

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RAND Topic:
Mental Health and Illness

Research conducted by

RAND Health Care