A national study of state-supported psychiatric research institutes

States have funded psychiatric research through a variety of mechanisms, including psychiatric research institutes. The authors identified and surveyed 33 such institutes to obtain information on their organizational characteristics. Twenty-nine institutes responded; more than half were organizationally located within a university setting, and a similar number were involved in research, education, and direct services. Clinical research was the most prevalent type of research conducted, and annual state revenue appropriations were the major source of funding. Because budgetary problems have threatened their future funding in some states, the authors believe the institutes should increase efforts to demonstrate their relevance to state mental health needs.