MENTAL HEALTH &DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES PROGRAM

Children'S Hospital Boston, Boston MA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

In this revised application, the developmental programs in Psychiatry, Institute for Community Inclusion (University Affiliated Program), and General Pediatrics at the Children's Hospital in Boston are requesting NIMH support to fund a mental health and developmental disabilities (MH/DD) research and education program. This program will aim to develop research skills and help enhance career development in MH/DD - contributing to the mission of NIMH in this neglected area. The program will be based in an internationally-recognized inter- disciplinary environment with the aim of creating a unique structure to support research training in mental health aspects of developmental disorders. The program activities will be twofold (1) Academic Year Fellowship (N=6, September-May) which will include coursework in methods/contents of MH/DD, training in diagnostic and assessment instruments relevant to MH/DD and mentored-research experiences. Eligible applicants will include advanced clinical fellows in child psychiatry, psychology, pediatrics or allied disciplines. (2) Summer Internship (N=4, June-July) which will include lectures, weekly-seminar and mentored-research experiences. Eligible applicants will include highly motivated minority undergraduate students recruited nationally. Each program tier will comprise mentorship in a research project with respect to development of research skills and achievement of appropriate time-limited goals. The program will also provide peer-experiences and mentorship in research career management and continuation of distance-based research promotion. All research will be connected to ongoing IRB-approved projects in affiliated sites. The strength of the program is based on the excellent inter-disciplinary faculty, breadth and span of research experiences in MH/DD, track record of mentoring and teaching and ability to attract top trainees. Participants must demonstrate academic accomplishments, leadership, and potential to take on significant research roles in MH/DD.