“The mission of the Mental Health Division is to promote recovery and safety.”
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Research
Students interested in obtaining research experience can choose from several exciting opportunities.
Medication Alliance
Western State Hospital is currently developing a research study to examine medication adherence in a psychiatric population and methods to improve the nearly 50% non-adherence rate in patients with chronic mental health conditions. We are collaborating with a group from the University of Wallongong who has developed a training program, titled Medication Alliance, to maximize patient treatment adherence. We plan to implement this training program and monitor its effectiveness. Students could potentially be involved in the organizational challenges of implementing a large research project, management of the database, statistical analyses, and/or various writing projects.
Neuropsychology
The Neuropsychology Clinic at WSH has an active research program. Clinical databases are currently being developed, particularly in the area of geriatric neuropsychology, to empirically investigate a number of clinical questions. Recent projects, presentations, and papers have included topics such as the rates of unrecognized delirium in a hospital setting, memory performance in delirious patients, cognitive deficits associated with insight, psychometric issues with the Frontal Assessment Battery, and the use of the WRAT-3 versus the AMNART to estimate premorbid intellectual functioning. Students interested in research in the Neuropsychology Clinic would be asked to learn select neuropsychological measures and participate in patient screenings. This growing database of neuropsychological screening information would be available to students to develop their own research projects.
Performance Measurement and Information Office (PMIO)
The Performance Measurement and Information Office (PIMO) gathers and analyzes data on a wide variety of patient-related factors. These often include factors such as seclusion/restraint, unauthorized leave, and injuries. The PIMO is especially interested in psychology student assistance. For more information, contact Barbara Hawkins.
The Washington Institute for Mental Health Research and Training
Students interested in other types of research also may want to check with the Washington Institute for additional opportunities.
9601 Steilacoom Boulevard SW
Tacoma, WA 98498-7213
(253) 582-8900
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For more ways to get in touch with the Department of Mental Health Services, go to the DSHS Contact Information Web page. Mental Health Related Questions Contact:
