Mental Health
The Department of Mental Health conducts research to advance the understanding of mental and behavioral disorders; develops, implements, and evaluates methods to prevent and control these disorders; and promotes mental health in the population.
Mental Health Headlines
OTC Narcan: A Win for Public Health
Narcan, the naloxone nasal spray used to reverse opioid overdose, was just FDA-approved for over-the-counter sale—a major victory for harm reduction advocates and public health.
7 Things to Know About Daylight Saving Time
The daylight saving time transition causes more than grogginess and foul moods. Researchers say that the change has long-term negative consequences for our bodies and minds.
Caregivers Need Care, Too
Nearly all older adults with Alzheimer’s disease rely on the help of family and other unpaid help. Experts on aging share essential tips and resources for these caregivers to also care for themselves.
What We Do in the Department of Mental Health
Our Department—the only department dedicated to mental health in a school of public health—brings together leading researchers across multiple disciplines joined by their passion for understanding, preventing, and treating mental health and substance use disorders. Faculty, students, and community health leaders in Mental Health are dedicated to educating the next generation of public health workers and scientists about the importance of mental health, the specific skills needed to address public mental health issues, and the integration of mental and physical health.
Mental Health Highlights
One-of-a-Kind Department
We are the only department dedicated to mental health in a school of public health. In 1961, we were founded as the Department of Mental Hygiene—our name has changed, but our mission remains the same.
Spanning the Life Course
Faculty, staff, and students carry out research across childhood, adulthood, and later life mental and behavioral health.
Teaching and Training Focus
We are committed to providing our students with training and mentoring to excel in a challenging but supportive way.
From Methods to Prevention
We cover a broad scope of mental and behavioral health across methods and disorders.
Mental Health Programs
The Department of Mental Health offers a doctoral program, a master's program in health science, and a combined bachelor’s/master’s program. We also offer postdoctoral training, two certificate programs, and a special Summer Institute.
Bachelor's/Master of Health Science (Bachelor's/MHS)
The Bachelor's/MHS program gives Public Health Studies majors at Johns Hopkins University an opportunity to seamlessly extend their undergraduate studies to graduate-level coursework and research.
Master of Health Science (MHS)
The MHS in Mental Health is a nine-month degree program that provides a foundation in the research methods and content-area knowledge essential to public mental health.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The PhD program provides advanced training in the application of research methods to understand and enhance public mental health.
Centers and Institutes in the Department of Mental Health
The department houses several school-based centers, and has a significant role in many others across the school. These are described below. Centers help bring together faculty, students, and community partners across multiple departments and schools to meet their particular missions in pursuit of improving public mental health.
Judith Bass, PhD '04, MPH, MIA,
is an implementation science researcher, with a broad background in sociology, economic development studies, and psychiatric epidemiology.
Faculty Openings
Upcoming Events
Support Our Department
A gift to our department can help to provide student scholarships and internships, attract and retain faculty, and support innovation.