Oral

Dr. Don Steinwachs has had a distinguished career of leadership in mental health services research. Along with colleagues at Hopkins and the University of Maryland, Don was awarded the first advanced center for mental health services research in the late 80’s. His group led the way with the Patient Outcome Research Team in mental health evaluating the adequacy of treatment for schizophrenia as part of this early AHRQ effort to develop guidelines and improve the care for chronic illnesses. During the same period, he worked with Alice Hirsch and Laurie Flynn to secure a 15% set aside in the NIMH, NIDA and NIAAA budgets for services research which had a significant impact on the development of the field. He was also instrumental in efforts to create a permanent home at Academy Health for Behavioral Health Services Research. He continues to contribute to the leadership in the field by examining issues in consumer engagement in care, training mental health services researchers to work more effectively in primary care systems and addressing issues related to the successful reform of America’s health care system with particular emphasis on the seamless integration of behavioral health care. His particular focus involves the use of information support tools to assist patients and consumers in improving the effectiveness of services.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)