Research & innovation that
moves mental health forward
Advancing science to improve mental health care
Mental illness impacts millions, yet access to effective treatment is still out of reach for many. We’re advancing research that translates cutting-edge discoveries into real-world solutions—helping more people get the care they need and deserve.
Opening in 2027, the new Mental Health Translational Research Building will help accelerate groundbreaking research into faster, more accessible mental health treatments for people everywhere.
Huntsman Mental Health Institute
Advancing knowledge to transform lives
Research teams are helping to solve one of our nation’s greatest challenges: untreated mental health conditions. If we better understand how the brain works, we can uncover new treatments to bring hope to children and adults.
Research Priorities
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AI in Behavioral Health
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Altitude
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Anxiety Disorders
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Autism Spectrum Disorders
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Behavioral Genetics
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Borderline Personality Disorder
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Central Nervous System Disorders
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Child and Adolescent Mental Health
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Crisis Care
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Environment
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Fusion of Psychiatry and Neuroscience
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Interventional Psychiatry
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Maternal and Infant Mental Health
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Mood Disorders
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Neuroimaging
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Rural Mental Health
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Substance Use and Addiction
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Suicide and Suicide Prevention
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Trauma
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Treatments for Pain
Additional Research Areas
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ADHD
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Brain and Behavior
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Cancer-Related Fatigue
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Cognitive Impairment and Resilience
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Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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Computational Psychiatry
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Creatine
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Dementia
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Functional Magnetic Resonance
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Gender and Sex Differences in Psychiatric Symptoms
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Genetic Epidemiology and Genetics of Psychiatric Disorders
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Human Psychoneuroimmunology
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Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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Massage
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Molecular Pharmacology of CNS Receptors and Ion Channels
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Neurobiology of Disease
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Neurochemical Changes in Mood and Substance Use Disorders
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Neurocognitive Disorders
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Neuropsychology of Sleep
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Neuropsychiatric Illnesses in Drosophila
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Obesity
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Psychiatric Epidemiology
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Psychopharmacology
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Remote Neural Interfacing
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Resilience and Recovery
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Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors (SITBs)
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Spatial Statistics and Statistical Genetics
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Stigma
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Veterans’ Mental Health
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Women’s Mental Health
The Translational Research Building
A hub for discovery, policy, and impact
Opening in 2027, the Translational Research Building will drive evidence-based solutions to mental health challenges—reducing stigma, improving care, and informing policy. With support from the Utah Legislature and private donors, this facility will unite researchers, clinicians, and communities to turn insights into action.
Mental health resources are scarce in many rural areas. The TRB will study innovative ways to deliver care to underserved regions, helping ensure that geography is no longer a barrier to support, healing, and recovery.
Fund cutting-edge discoveries that improve care for millions.
Early intervention is critical. The TRB will support research to improve the mental well-being of children and adolescents, especially those affected by trauma, domestic violence, or abuse, so that they can thrive at home, in school, and in life.
Research must drive policy. With an emphasis on data and evidence-based approaches, the TRB will support the development of more effective mental health and substance use policies that lead to real-world change.
Suicide is preventable. By identifying risk factors, exploring intervention strategies, and supporting crisis prevention, the TRB aims to reduce suicide rates and provide hope for individuals in their darkest moments.
We need more trained professionals to meet growing mental health needs. The TRB will support research focused on workforce development, enhancing recruitment, training, and retention of those who care for our communities.
Advanced imaging.
Real-world impact.
The TRB will feature a state-of-the-art 7 Tesla MRI, accelerating groundbreaking brain research and clinical innovation. This high-powered tool will bring together engineers, physicians, and researchers from across the globe—breaking down academic silos and fostering collaboration. The building’s flexible design and neighborhood-inspired layout encourage shared discovery, facilitating the rapid transition of new ideas from theory to practice. It’s all part of a bold mission to bring hope, healing, and breakthroughs to the millions struggling with mental health challenges.
Your donation fuels discovery
Your generosity supports a new era of brain research—one that transforms lives through innovation, clinical breakthroughs, and empowered scientists.
Advanced research methods
Your support powers cutting-edge tools like imaging, genetics, epidemiology, and big data analysis—giving researchers unprecedented insight into the brain and mental health.
Translation to clinical care
By bridging the gap between research and treatment, your gift helps turn breakthrough discoveries into real-world therapies that improve quality of life for those facing mental illness.
Empowering researchers
With your generosity, researchers can push the boundaries of what’s possible—unlocking innovative solutions that bring hope to individuals and families everywhere.
Join the mental health movement
Get updates on breakthroughs, events, and stories of hope.
Join the mental health movement
Get updates on breakthroughs, events, and stories of hope.
Your generosity ignites change
No matter the size, every donation plays a powerful role in transforming mental health care. Here’s what your support makes possible:
Your support helps us challenge stigma and push for real change in policy and public perception.
Fund cutting-edge discoveries that improve care for millions.
Help those facing mental health and substance use challenges find healing and hope.
Fuel education and awareness that foster empathy and understanding across communities.
Need help or support?
Mental heath resources for all
Find services and programs available at Huntsman Mental Health Institute
Emergency medical services
Call for immediate life-threatening emergencies
Suicide & crisis lifeline
Available 24/7 for mental health emergencies