"There's still so much work that needs to be done. Participating in research is important because the people we study are the people we want to help. If we can find the things that matter most to them and include those things in our interventions and treatment efforts, we can really make an impact on their lives."
Daphne Watkins, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
School of Social Work Research Faculty Member
U-M Institute for Social Research
mental health Info
Better mental health care starts with you.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE in mental health treatment.
Dana Parker-Mathis, Clinical Studies Volunteer
Researchers at the University of Michigan are working hard to unlock answers and improve treatment options for people with mental health conditions, but they can't do it alone. They need people like you to help by participating in studies.
Thanks to past study participants, we now have a range of treatments that can dramatically improve mental wellness. Unfortunately, though, these therapies have their limits: they don't work well for everyone.
Research studies are critical because they allow researchers to find out more about mental health conditions and develop the safest, most effective treatments. Participants benefit by gaining more information about their condition and, in some cases, access to the latest treatments. They also contribute to a legacy of hope and discovery that will improve the odds for future generations.
Participants are partners in care, partners-partners in discovery and partners in innovation. As in everything we do at the U-M Health System, the wellbeing of our volunteers and patients always comes first.
A nationwide shortage of research participants is slowing our progress in advancing mental health care. But you can help.
Making a Difference
in Mental Health Treatment.
Patricia Deldin, Ph.D.
Associate Director,
U-M Depression Center
Who Performs Research?
Health care professionals, scientists and research participants work together to advance knowledge with the hope of improving lives. Clinical research is performed by health care professionals in every specialty, from family practitioners to surgeons. It can be performed at large hospitals or small community clinics. The University of Michigan is proud to be home to many top research health care professionals. You can see examples of their work on this page.
Clinical research will not advance without the participation of many health care professionals throughout the country and the world.
