Research
Project Spotlights
Funding the Lifeline: How States Are Sustaining 988 and Transforming Crisis Care
The launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline marked an important federal milestone as suicide rates continue to rise in the country. Researchers, Sachini Bandara, PhD, MS, and Elizabeth Stuart, PhD, AM, are leading a national study to uncover how state-level financing decisions shape 988 Lifeline services.
National Study Highlights COVID-Era Housing Policies on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder
Postdoctoral fellow, Yimin Ge, shares how data-driven insights from the HOusing Policies Evaluating Substance use disorder study (HOPES) could shape future housing and mental health policy.
LLMs and National Cannabis Patient Registry Power New NIDA-Funded Cannabis Study
As cannabis legalization expands, Johannes Thrul, PhD, MS, leads a NIDA-funded study to track real-world cannabis use and health outcomes.
K01-Funded Study Highlights Mental Health Access for Older Adults in Medicare Advantage Plans
NIMH K01 awarded economist and Assistant Professor Mark Meiselbach, PhD shares his work on provider networks and Medicare Advantage policies affecting mental health care access for older adults.
CLIMB Study Tracks Long-Term Mental Health Trends Across the U.S.
Researcher and Assistant Professor, Catherine Ettman, PhD helps lead national efforts to uncover how social, economic, and physical assets shape population mental health. The CLIMB study is one of the few nationally representative longitudinal studies tracking mental health trends and life stressors.
Areas of Focus
At CMAP, faculty conduct research to drive policy changes that improve outcomes for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. Our work focuses on three key areas:
Health Services and Financing
We study how insurance, payment systems, and clinical services influence the quality and cost of mental health and substance use treatment.
Social Policy, Public Opinion, and Systems
We investigate how laws, public attitudes, and organizational structures affect access to care and policy responses for mental health and addiction.
Innovative Research Methods
We develop and use scientific techniques to gain new insights into mental health and addiction needs and guide informed decision-making.
Suicide Prevention Policy Research Hub
In 2024, CMAP received a 3-year Bloomberg American Health Initiative award to carry out innovative research projects aimed at reducing suicide. The award marks a milestone for the Center, strengthening its capacity for policy translation and establishing a research hub dedicated to suicide and health policy.
Year 1 Projects (2024-2025)
- Mobile Crisis Services for Medicaid (PI: Andrew Anderson)
- Telehealth Policy & Suicide Risk (PI: Catherine Ettman)
Year 2 Projects (2025-2026)
- Suicide Prevention in Jails (PI: Olivia Sugarman)
- Suicide Prevention Policy for Black Youth (PI: Sabriya Linton)
Year 3 Projects (2026-2027)
- Medicare Part D & Suicide in Older Adults (PI: Mark Meiselbach)
- Walk-in Mental Health Clinics (PI: Karen Shen)