Research

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.

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.

Ongoing Research Projects

Housing Policies and their Impact on Substance Use Treatment and Overdose Risk during the COVID-19 Pandemic Faculty: Matthew Eisenberg

Implementation of the Federal 988 Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Hotline Policy Faculty: Liz Stuart