Using a “whole body, whole lifespan” approach, we will investigate how alterations in the immune and endocrine systems induced by prenatal alcohol exposure may be key drivers of early-onset health and functional deficits in adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), the purposeful, direct damage of one’s body without the intent to die, is a pervasive public health concern with clinically significant long-term consequences. Mindfulness – a core skill in DBT, an evidence-based treatment for NSSI, is designed to target emotion dysregulation and rumination and may be particularly relevant due to the proliferation […]
Longstanding gaps between science and practice in schools have contributed to a persistent “last mile” problem in which education research consistently fails to reach the individuals for whom it was intended. Implementation research is an emerging scientific study in education of methods to promote the systematic uptake of research findings and evidence-based programs and practices […]
People with psychosis are admitted more frequently to inpatient psychiatric units and have a longer length of stay once admitted compared to those with other psychiatric conditions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) reduces hospital admissions when delivered in outpatient settings and facilitates quicker symptom improvement when delivered in inpatient settings. Despite this, implementation of […]
This project will begin foundational work to inform the development of a family-focused lifespan clinic at UW serving adults and children with ADHD.
The proposed F32 aims to conduct a secondary analysis of time-intensive daily data (MPIs: Lee/Patrick; R01AA025037) to elucidate the roles of affect and affective dynamics on simultaneous alcohol and marijuana (SAM) use outcomes among a sample of high-risk adults (N = 409). We will test whether theoretically-relevant affective dynamic processes (affective instability, negative emotion differentiation): […]
The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a new online program called ASSIST – Alcohol-focused Support of Survivors In Sororities Training. The training is designed to help sorority members learn how to support friends who have had an unwanted sexual experience, both during the initial discussion of the experience and when navigating […]
All Patients Safe, an interactive, online suicide prevention training that meets Washington State’s licensure requirements for health care providers, has trained nearly 1900 providers to date. The training provides practical skills for medical professionals, perspectives of real patients, and concrete steps for practice change. Partners in development include the AIMS Center, Forefront Suicide Prevention, the Department of […]
With the rise in opioid use disorder (OUD) and overdose, racialized disparities in buprenorphine access and use are a significant concern nationally—studies estimate that Black patients with OUD are 50-60% less likely to access buprenorphine compared to White patients, and similar disparities have also been observed for Hispanic/Latinx patients. COVID-19-related policy changes increased flexibility in […]
This project will help families and friends learn how to help their loved ones access and stay on medications that treat opioid use disorder.
The aims of the current project are to: 1) Engage stakeholders to identify targets for ACT SMART redesign to optimize its fit for middle and high school providers who serve autistic adolescents; 2) Conduct prototyping and usability field testing of the redesigned ACT SMART and iteratively refine to ensure usability, feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness for […]
The purpose of this multi-site study is to develop and evaluate a multi-phase implementation and sustainment strategy to support evidence-based practice use across different interventions for individuals with autism, settings, and ages. *In partnership with UCLA, UC Davis, Rochester, Penn, Drexel, and Kansas
Our goals for this project include (1) Design competency framework and learning objectives that define the role and scope of practice for a BHSS; (2) Scale the role for Washington state by creating processes for integrating the BHSS Clinical Training Program into existing four-year degree programs in the behavioral healthcare field; (3) Partner with Washington […]
The goal of this study is to adapt and test the feasibility and potential efficacy of a theory-driven pre-implementation intervention to address individual-level barriers to evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation – Beliefs and Attitudes for Successful Implementation in Schools (BASIS) – designed to improve school-based mental health providers’ implementation of EBP. The BASIS-T project will develop a teacher-focused […]
This clinical trial is designed to pilot an electroretinogram (ERG) biomarker for predicting treatment response to SSRIs in PTSD. Serotonergic brain centers project to the retina, and ERG allows assessment of brain serotonergic signals via retinal signals. In this study we are characterizing the ERG waveform in veterans with PTSD before and after SSRI administration. […]
The goals of this project are to 1) determine which validated bipolar disorder patient-reported symptom measure is most acceptable and helpful to patients and clinicians in clinical care, 2) demonstrate that the preferred measure can be used to monitor outcomes with high fidelity in routine care, and 3) assess the feasibility of comparing effectiveness of […]
This project aims to develop and test a mobile health (mHealth) intervention designed for caregivers of young adults with early psychosis who are unengaged in services, and specifically to examine whether it can help aid caregiver treatment facilitation.
citiesRISE is a global platform committed to transforming the state of mental health policy and practice in cities and beyond to meet the mental health needs of populations across the world. To achieve significant, measurable improvements in mental health – especially among young people – citiesRISE is scaling up proven methodologies and tools and harnessing […]
The gold-standard intervention for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). Because more patients with OUD need access to MOUD in primary care, the AIMS Center at the University of Washington is testing a Collaborative Care model to treat mental health disorders and OUD concurrently in primary care settings. The CHAMP study addresses […]
Los Angeles Maternal Mental Health Access (LAMMHA) is a five year program (2022 – 2027) funded by The California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) to support health centers in Los Angeles to identify and treat common perinatal mental disorders (CPMD) and reduce the risk of suicide. The LAMMHA initiative is a collaboration between Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles […]
Asian Indians, are one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the country, growing from 1.9 million (2000) to 4.6 million (2020). With a median household income of $119,000, Asian Indians are highly educated (43% have a postgraduate degree), are proficient English speakers (82%) and are often touted as a “model minority”. While these data […]
The COBRA study seeks to identify the specific neural circuits that are altered in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our experiments test the strength of “divisive normalization”, a measure that describes how neurons in the brain suppress each other. Our hypothesis is that suppressive interactions are reduced in individuals with ASD. Because suppressive neural interactions are […]
This project examines changes in young adult substance use, related health risk behaviors, and substance use-related risk factors from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic among young adults in WA state (where alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis sales and use are legal for adults age 21 and over) using the accelerated longitudinal cohort sequential data from […]
This project will evaluate the effect of a debriefing workshop on the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of giving debriefs after adverse events among physicians and their trainees.
This multiphase project aims to 1) understand more about cues that young adults experience that influence their decisions while drinking that may lead to unwanted outcomes or experiences; and 2) use human center design and young adult feedback to develop and assess the feasibility of an electronic program or resources to focused on reducing these […]
This project will develop and pilot an emerging clinical role – the mHealth support specialist (mHSS) – equipped specifically to support caregivers to youth with early psychosis.
Although several randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that digital mental health (DMH) tools are highly effective, most consumers do not sustain their use of these tools. The field currently lacks an understanding of DMH tool engagement, how engagement is associated with well-being, and what practices are effective at sustaining engagement. In this partnership between Mental […]
This project is initiating a collaboration between clinicians and law enforcement for dementia crisis intervention in order to establish appropriate safety measures to be enacted in WA communities.
Perinatal depression affects 10-15% of pregnant and postpartum individuals, with detrimental impacts on both parent and infant. In response to this, our department developed a perinatal consultation line for providers, PAL for Moms, to increase access to specialty perinatal psychiatric expertise and care. The purpose of the Evaluating Lifeline4Moms (ELM) is to assess comparative effectiveness […]
Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent and disabling conditions affecting Veterans. One of the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA’s) most pressing national clinical priorities is to increase access to non- pharmacological pain management and improve the safety of opioid prescribing. The National Pain Management and Opioid Safety Program (PMOP) is implementing virtual interdisciplinary pain […]
This project will conduct a formal evaluation of a group intervention program for caregivers of transgender and gender diverse adolescents which will inform future implementation and evaluation of this program in pediatric gender clinics across the United States.
In an effort to address the significant challenges in access to and engagement with evidence-based psychosocial interventions for adolescent depression, the proposed research is piloting the use of Asynchronous Remote Communities (ARC) supported behavioral activation (BA) to treat adolescent depression. We aim to 1) build and conduct usability testing on a functional and robust ActivaTeen […]
The purpose of this project is to enhance the usefulness and cultural relevance of the Spanish version of the PMQ-9, a questionnaire that assesses manic symptoms in individuals with bipolar disorder.
Engaged in early relationship-building with Can Tho University of Pharmacy and Medicine (CTUMP), and Can Tho Children’s Hospital (CTCH) in Can Tho, Vietnam to develop training, research, and clinical service delivery models for psychiatry and mental health in the region. As is true throughout Southeast Asia, persons with mental illness in Vietnam suffer from stigmatization […]
The purpose of this study is to: 1) compare schools randomized to the RUBIES intervention or a usual-care in-service training on teacher burnout and disruptive behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder; and 2) test RUBIES’ mechanisms of change (knowledge and skills) on teacher (burnout), child (disruptive behavior), and implementation outcomes (fidelity).
This project will develop training that will include an orientation to having a loved one who is psychiatrically hospitalized and will teach families and caregivers practical communication skills while their loved one is in our care.
This study is looking at individuals who carry a rare gene event and their biological family members, with the the goal of exploring the differences between individuals with one of these gene events and their biological family members.
Project HOBS is examining associations between sports betting, mental health, and substance use among young adults. Surveys are collected bi-weekly for one calendar year (25 follow-ups) and at a distal 15-month follow-up.
This center grant supports diverse workforce development efforts for those who provide behavioral health and addiction care services to persons with substance use disorders in HHS Region 10 states of AK, ID, OR, and WA.
The IRIS Study is a longitudinal examination of young adults who have experienced an unwanted sexual experience in the past year, and those who have never had an unwanted sexual experience. This study aims to prospectively examine how young adults’ thoughts about a recent unwanted sexual experience are shaped by and influence social relationships and […]
Though the focus of most research on dementia is the pathogenesis of cognitive deficits, neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are identified in >90% of those afflicted, resulting in hastened cognitive decline, worsened general health, reduced patient and caregiver quality of life, sooner institutionalization, and increased mortality. Affective symptoms, including depression, are the most common NPS in Alzheimer’s […]
We will analyze Veterans Health Administration electronic medical record data to determine the effects of medical marijuana laws (MML) and recreational marijuana laws (RML) on cannabis (use and cannabis use disorder); opioids (prescriptions, fatal and non-fatal overdoses, opioid use disorders); and psychotropic medication prescriptions, providing important information on MML and RML effects in VA patients […]
The purpose of this project is to test the effects of BASIS-T (Beliefs and Attitudes to Support Implementation in Schools – Teachers) on the implementation and student outcomes of evidence-based prevention programs (EBPP) via a hybrid type 3 implementation-effectiveness trial. Failing to address individual-level motivational factors of implementers is especially costly, as individual behavior change […]
This project aims to examine health disparities in substance use and factors influencing the health and well-being of Latinx youth residing in rural and small-town communities of the United States, a growing but understudied and underserved population.
The goals of the proposed research are to 1) distinguish sexual and gender minoritized (SGM) subgroups and intersections at heightened risk for alcohol use (AU; e.g., bisexuals and trans persons, SGM young women of color), 2) assess the role of state policies in moderating AU risk, and 3) delineate moderators and mechanisms of heightened AU […]
Extensive opioid use and repeated abstinence increases the likelihood of severe withdrawal and contributes to the risk of relapse. Previously we found that microglia, the innate immune cells in the brain, have dramatic changes in gene expression and signaling during opioid tolerance and withdrawal. We propose to use fentanyl and a recently developed transgenic mice to […]
Schizophrenia is a common and devastating neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by genetic heterogeneity. In this project, genes that are disrupted by rare, damaging mutations in individuals with schizophrenia will be evaluated using CRISPRi in iPSCs. Cell lines will be evaluated for phenotypes relevant to schizophrenia. A patient-derived iPSC line will be created that harbors a mutation […]
This Hybrid Type 1 Trial will test the effectiveness of MOVE!+UP, a behavioral weight management intervention tailored to address PTSD-based weight loss barriers. The trial will compare MOVE!+UP to VA’s standard weight loss program on weight and PTSD symptom changes. The study also will identify implementation barriers and facilitators to help understand effectiveness findings and […]
The NIDA Clinical Trials Network (CTN) is a means by which medical and specialty treatment providers, treatment researchers, participating patients, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse cooperatively develop, validate, refine, and deliver new treatment options to patients. The Network consists of 16 regional Nodes, including the Pacific Northwest Node located at the UW Addictions, […]
The proposed research project proposes to develop and test a mobile intervention, Normalizing Orientation to Treatment and Help-Seeking (NORTH) designed to impact knowledge and attitudes to encourage help-seeking among young adults at risk for psychosis. This project involves (1) a needs assessment to understand barriers, interests and preferences related to mHealth and in-person treatment, (2) […]
This project seeks to compare the effectiveness of the Parent-Child Assistance Program (PCAP) to services as usual in the state of Oklahoma using a randomized, controlled design.
This project will survey community pharmacy staff and behavioral healthcare providers in Washington State to assess the acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility of long-acting injectable antipsychotics administration in community pharmacies.
PTSD is one of the most common mental health conditions affecting Veterans and is associated with significant burden. Highly effective treatments exist for PTSD, evidence-based psychotherapies, but very few Veterans receive them. Although VA has trained over 8,500 providers in evidence-based psychotherapies for PTSD over the past 10 years, only 6% of the 650,000 VHA […]
This project will develop a telephonic collaborative care model for opioid use disorder and depression and then conduct a pragmatic trial to test the model of care management primary care clinics in Washington state and Indiana.
Project includes activities surrounding the provision of evaluation, training, and consultation services to PHSKC. These include developing, conducting and analyzing a needs assessment for mental health providers and agency leads to further refine a tier 2/3 model of care. Training and consultation supports will be provided.
Project includes the design and development of survey instruments for the provider-level skills and agency-level readiness needs assessment and analyzing the data.
This project will adapt the Family Bridger Program for an inpatient setting.
The co-occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and hazardous drinking (HD) can be particularly devastating; though evidence-based treatments exist, many individuals with this co-occurrence drop out from or do not or cannot access specialty care. Text-messaging is a mode of intervention delivery that is low-cost, low-burden, and accessible to most people; development and testing of […]
This is a subaward to an R34 awarded to Dr. Melissa Lewis at University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC). This project develops and tests an intervention for young adults that focuses on motivations for and quality of alcohol and marijuana protective behavior strategy use, including a daily-level examination of these processes.
Project SARAH is a randomized clinical trial providing treatment for PTSD and alcohol use in the first year following sexual assault for individuals who identify as female. The study aims to test 1) the role of fear and reward in recovery following sexual assault; 2) the efficacy of a PTSD vs an alcohol intervention for […]
The overall aim of the REACT Study is to create and assess smartphone-based cognitive tasks to examine how acute alcohol intoxication affects attention. First, we will adapt laboratory-based cognitive tasks for use on smartphones. To maximize usability, feedback will be gathered in rapid prototyping interviews with young adults. Then, we will evaluate the adapted smartphone […]
This project will 1) identify the unique barriers autistic young adults experience in accessing full-model Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for suicidal thoughts and behaviors and non-suicidal self-injury in community settings, 2) determine needed adaptations to DBT from the perspectives of service providers and recipients, and 3) user-test elements of a redesigned DBT protocol.
The proposed research will determine whether primary care clinics should offer medications or talk therapy first to treat posttraumatic stress. In addition, for patients who do not respond to the first treatment, the STEPS trial will determine what treatment should be offered next.
SPARK is an autism research study and a growing community of autistic individuals, their families, and researchers with a goal to advance the understanding of autism. This study aims to improve the lives of people with autism by identifying the causes of autism and informing more effective therapies, treatments, services, and supports.
The aims of the current project are to: 1) Engage stakeholders to identify targets for ACT SMART redesign to optimize its fit for middle and high school providers who serve autistic adolescents; 2) Conduct prototyping and usability field testing of the redesigned ACT SMART and iteratively refine to ensure usability, feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness for […]
This project will create a mentored research training program for University of Washington medical students to engage in substance use disorder-focused research and clinical practice during their medical school training.
This is a study of an app intended to support recent sexual assault survivors, called THRIVE. In a prior grant, we pilot tested THRIVE and found that it reduced risk for alcohol misuse and posttraumatic stress. In the first year of this grant, we aim to revise the app to increase usability and inclusivity. In […]
In the TIGER research study, we are learning more about individuals with genetic events associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and/or developmental delay (DD) in order to better describe how different gene disruptions impact behavior in children and adults.
ADHD often runs in families. The TPAC study focuses on parents with ADHD who also have a child with the disorder, aiming to open the door to new ADHD treatments for adults and children. All parents in the study receive training that uses behavior modification techniques and reward-based interventions to improve communication, increase compliance and […]
TNS uses a device to send currents into the brain and stimulate the trigeminal nerve. This method has proven effective to treat depression and other psychiatric disorders. The research team is working to understand if this approach could help improve executive function and reduce symptoms of ADHD. Previous studies have shown that this is effective […]
Standardized measurements of unhealthy drinking and alcohol use disorder symptoms are integral to addressing alcohol problems. However, surprisingly little is known about how measures of alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder symptoms function when they are used in real-world routine care settings and documented in electronic health records (EHRs). We propose to leverage EHRs to […]
This project aims to improve the treatment of depression in cancer patients. Up to 25% of people with cancer will become clinically depressed, significantly affecting their quality of life, functioning, and ability to tolerate cancer treatment. Unfortunately, about 75% of cancer patients with depression do not receive adequate treatment, and patients in rural settings are […]
Text messaging holds promise as a strategy for engaging older adults in depression treatment. The purpose of this project will be to develop and pilot test a text messaging intervention delivered in primary care settings practicing integrated care. Recent data shows that the vast majority of older adults have a cell phone and that about […]