Institute for Behavioral Health

Welcome to the Institute for Behavioral Health

Since the Heller School began, both faculty and students have studied mental and substance use disorders. Formalized in 2003, IBH focuses on the intersection of health, behavior, and systems of care, with an emphasis on their linkages. Its underlying premise is that these systems can be better used to promote healthier lifestyles and assist individuals to engage in behaviors which lead to better health.

Our focus is broadening to include other issues that are affected by behaviors which can be targeted by interventions and have an impact on health and wellness. In addition to studying systems of care, we investigate health outcomes that are associated with behaviors, and also develop and test methods to evaluate the effects of behaviors on health.

We consider a variety of systems of care, including health care delivery, as well as criminal justice, education, social services, housing, military and the workplace.

We hope that you find this site useful as you learn more about our research staff and our activities in behavioral health.

Constance M. Horgan, ScD, Founding Director

Connie Horgan and Stuart Altman are pleased to share that Mary Brolin will assume the position of IBH Director for the next academic year. Mary will oversee and manage the research operations, faculty, and staff within IBH and in collaboration with Schneider Institute and Heller leadership. Mary has been with IBH for more than 20 years and has led the IBH Division of Program and Community Evaluation for the past 4 years. Mary was trained and mentored by Connie Horgan, the founding Director of IBH, under the NIAAA health services research training grant in the Heller PhD program. Mary follows current IBH Director Sharon Reif, who is stepping down to focus on her research, teaching, and mentoring,  and will continue to support IBH as a senior researcher. Mary looks forward to working with her IBH, Schneider and Heller colleagues in this new role.