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Transforming the understanding
and treatment of mental illnesses.

Celebrating 75 Years! Learn More >>

Two-photon microscopy image of neurons colored green and magenta. Courtesy of Histed Lab.

Research

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders, supporting research that aims to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research. Learn more about NIMH-funded research areas, policies, resources, initiatives, and research conducted by NIMH.

  Notify the NIMH Press Team about NIMH-funded research that has been submitted to a journal for publication, and we may be able to promote the findings.

NIMH Strategic Plan Brain image

NIMH Strategic Plan

The NIMH Strategic Plan for Research outlines the Institute's research goals and priorities over the next five years. Learn more about the Strategic Plan.

Yellow neurons with blue nucleus

Research Funded by NIMH

NIMH supports research at universities, medical centers, and other institutions via grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. Learn more about NIMH research areas, policies, resources, and initiatives:

Pink neurons with blue nucleus

Research Conducted at NIMH (Intramural Research Program)

The Division of Intramural Research Programs (IRP) is the internal research division of the NIMH. Over 40 research groups conduct basic neuroscience research and clinical investigations of mental illnesses, brain function, and behavior at the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland. Learn more about research conducted at NIMH: