NIH 1998 Almanac/The Organization/NIMH/
National Institute of Mental Health : Mission
Provides leadership at a national level on brain research, mental illness, and mental
health. It plans, conducts, fosters, and supports an integrated and coordinated program of
research, investigations, research training, and services research relating to the causes,
prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illnesses, and supports basic research in
related scientific areas.
Provides grants-in-aid to public and private institutions and individuals in fields
related to its areas of interest, including research project, program project, and
research center grants.
Conducts a diversified program of intramural and collaborative research in its own
laboratories and clinics.
Provides contracts for the funding of research and research support projects in areas
related to the brain, mental illness, and mental health.
In many years of work with animals as well as human subjects, NIMH researchers have
advanced understanding of the brain and vastly expanded the capability of mental health
professionals to diagnose, treat, and prevent mental and brain disorders.
The institute also conducts information and educational activities, including the
dissemination of information and educational materials on mental illness, for health
professionals and the lay public, and maintains relationships with professional
associations international, national, and state and local officials and voluntary agencies
and organizations working in the areas of mental health and mental illness.
