Conducting collaborative research locally, nationally and globally
Scientists at the Institute for Mental Health Policy Research undertake collaborative research on communities, populations, health systems and global health. Our work also involves developing and evaluating initiatives focused on mental illness prevention and intervention. The Institute is committed to an equity-based approach, as informed by the social determinants of health.
Dr. Samantha Wells
Senior Scientist and Senior Director, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research
We provide evidence to drive system and policy change, and reduce the burden of mental health, substance use and addiction challenges, across populations.
The Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (IMHPR) is a key driver in building the knowledge base for policy decisions, development of mental health interventions, and health system improvement. Our experts track mental health, substance use and addictions at the population level, and identify the social and economic factors impacting these challenges. We are dedicated to providing evidence to both inform policy and improve the healthcare system for people with mental health, substance use and addiction challenges. We also develop and evaluate community and population-level interventions that aim to reduce these challenges. Building collaborations and partnerships within and outside CAMH to promote research synergies and enhance the reach and impact of our work is at the core of what we do.
What we do
Monitor mental health and substance use at the population level
Examine the drivers of population mental health
Develop and evaluate novel preventive, population and community mental health interventions
Conduct innovative experimental studies to understand the health and social harms associated with substance use, such as our driving simulator lab research
Examine healthcare administrative data to measure the quality of healthcare performance and associated costs, and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of care interventions
Work closely with diverse, under-served and marginalized communities, with our research centred around the voices of people with lived and living experiences
This work creates scientific evidence that can be used to inform policy, interventions and health system improvements to reduce the burden of mental illness, substance use and addiction challenges, at both individual and societal levels.
Our surveys
IMHPR is home to two of the longest-running surveys of the Ontario population, shedding light on critical trends in mental health and substance use patterns among Ontarians.
The Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS)
The longest-running Canadian survey, the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) shows trends in student substance use, and mental and physical health.
The OSDUHS is a population survey of Ontario students in grades 7 through 12. It began in 1977 and is the longest on-going school survey in Canada—and one of the longest in the world. This self-administered, anonymous survey is conducted across the province every two years with the purpose of identifying epidemiological trends in student drug use, mental health, physical health, gambling, bullying, and other health-related behaviours, as well as identifying risk and protective factors. Typically, the OSDUHS surveys thousands of students in over 200 elementary and secondary schools across Ontario.
Learn more here: Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) | CAMH
The CAMH Monitor
An ongoing survey of mental health and substance use among Ontario adults, the CAMH Monitor, first conducted in 1977, is the longest ongoing survey of its kind among adults in Canada.
The survey is designed to serve as the primary vehicle for monitoring substance use and mental health problems among Ontario adults. The CAMH Monitor provides information on epidemiological trends in alcohol, tobacco and other substance use; problem use; public opinion regarding substance use issues and related policies; and mental health among Ontarians.
Learn more here: CAMH Monitor | CAMH
