Evaluation: Studies of System Functioning and Needs
An important effort of the Evaluation Team is an ongoing effort to evaluate the functioning of Washington State's mental health services delivery systems. This includes conducting studies of major areas of need, gaps in resources, and perspectives of consumers and families. Examples of studies that have been conducted include:
- An overall state mental health needs assessment and resource inventory
- A study of statewide workforce adequacy and disparities
- A survey of the use of evidence-based practices in Washington
- A study of rural – urban disparities in access to mental health and substance abuse services
- A study of criminal recidivism of adults with mental health and substance abuse problems
Read Fact Sheets about the above studies.
Additional reports on the functioning of the state’s mental health system can also be found at the Department of Social and Health Services Research and Data Analysis Division website. Studies that focus on additional information needs, identified by the Evaluation Team and MHTP staff, will continue to be conducted in the remaining years of the MHTP. Some of these research priorities include:
- Documenting trends in services access and utilization
- Identifying major barriers to mental health and substance abuse services
- Assessing employment of individuals with mental health concerns
- Evaluating implementation of peer-to-peer and family support in Washington State
