About Us

What is the Illawarra Institute for Mental Health?

The Illawarra Institute for Mental Health (iiMH) is aresearchunit within the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciencesat the University of Wollongong. It provides a centrefor researchersand teachers with an interest in mental health and drug and alcohol related research. 

The iiMH has close research and training linkages with a wide range of mentalhealth and D&A service providers. Since 1989 the University of Wollongong and the local area health service (currently, South Eastern Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service) have collaborated in the provision of mental health and drug and alcohol education and training. The iiMH was established in 1998 and the degree of collaboration between the partners has increased significantly with a greater emphasis on the use of research to inform training and service development. With its rich and dynamic mix of researchers and clinicians from academic and applied service settings, the emphasis is onclinically relevant appliedresearch. However, theory and 'basic' research are highly valued and there are close links with other groups within the faculty conducting research into the role of brain functions in mental disorders:  BBRI and Centre for Translational Neuroscience (CTN). 

Vision

The Vision of iiMH is to become an institute of international excellence in research, training and service development in Mental Health and Alcohol and other drug related issues.

Mission

The Mission of iiMH is to improve the quality of life for those affected by mental health or alcohol, drug and other related problems by promoting quality research and training to improve service delivery.