The behavioral health field has benefited from a substantial body of research about practices that can improve the lives of many people who experience mental illness. Yet research shows these practices are frequently not made available to those seeking treatment. The Evidence-Based Practice Center (EBPC) was established in 2001 by the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) to address this gap between science and “real world” practice. The Center’s goal is to distribute research-based information on mental health treatment to stakeholders in Maryland’s public mental health system, and to promote adoption and implementation of those practices through ongoing training and consultation.
The Evidence-Based Practice Center (EBPC) is part of the Behavioral Health Systems Improvement Collaborative in the Division of Psychiatric Services Research, Department of Psychiatry at the School of Medicine at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Through its location, the EBPC has access to a broad range of materials and key figures in mental health practice and policy research. They can be helpful to BHA’s ongoing efforts to improve practice within the public mental health system by assisting providers to implement services that promote stabilization, healing and recovery.
The EBPC provides direct training and consultation on evidence-based practices to local mental health authorities, program leaders, clinicians, consumers and family members. It serves as a resource to BHA in examining and addressing the system barriers to faithful implementation of evidence-based practices. The Center also assists BHA in responding to federal and other funding opportunities that offer an expanded capacity for research and service delivery in the state.
Amanda Jones, PhD, Director
ajones@som.umaryland.edu