About

IIBHR was founded in 2024 with the mission to advance interdisciplinary research that improves access, quality, and outcomes in mental and behavioral health through evidence-based, translational, and population-focused approaches. Housed within the College of Health Sciences at Western University of Health Sciences, our work prioritizes health equity and underserved populations, generating evidence that informs clinical practice, policy, and training while contributing to solutions for the behavioral health workforce shortage.

The Opportunity and Need

Mental and behavioral health challenges represent one of the most pressing public health issues of our time, affecting millions across clinical, community, and population settings. Despite growing demand for services, behavioral health systems face persistent workforce shortages, limited integration with primary care, uneven access across rural and underserved communities, and enduring disparities driven by social and structural determinants of health. Evidence-based practices are often slow to translate into real-world settings, and training models frequently lag behind evolving service delivery needs. The Institute aims to address these gaps by advancing implementation and health services research that strengthens integrated care models, informs workforce development strategies, and reduces inequities in access, quality, and outcomes.

Mission and Strategic Focus

The Institute is a research-centered entity with applied expertise in implementation and outcomes research, designed to strengthen mental and behavioral health systems through evidence generation and translational impact. The Institute advances interdisciplinary research that improves access, quality, and outcomes in mental and behavioral health through evidence-based, translational, and population-focused approaches.

Strategic Pillars

The Institute's work is organized around four strategic pillars:

1. Research & Scholarship: Original research, systematic reviews, and implementation science
2. Workforce Development & Training: Curriculum development, continuing education, and interprofessional training programs
3. Community Engagement & Health Equity: Partnerships with community behavioral health organizations, federally qualified health centers, and small businesses
4. Policy & Advocacy: White papers, policy briefs, and legislative consultation