Mental Health Systems Improvement Collaborative

The Mental Health Services Training Center is part of the Mental Health Systems Improvement Collaborative (MHSIC) and a joint venture between the Mental Hygiene Administration (MHA) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB).

The Mental Health Systems Improvement Collaborative (MHSIC) was created in 2001. This new program evolved from the longstanding training partnership between UMB and MHA, the Mental Health Services Training Collaborative (MHSTC). In response to the success of this activity in supporting the development of the Public Mental Health System (PMHS), leaders of the two organizations explored other possibilities for collaboration. The new Collaborative is the result of that mutual deliberation.

Two new Centers have been established; they are the Evidence-Based Practice Center and the Systems Evaluation Center. It is expected that the three Centers will work in partnership, in conjunction with MHA, to foster and support the continued development of the PMHS. This combination of Centers will provide an opportunity to initiate changes in system management, policy development, and service delivery through the Mental Health Services Training and Evidence-Based Practice Centers while assessing and analyzing system performance through the Systems Evaluation Center.

MHSIC faculty and staff believe that involvement of representatives of the mental health community in the State will enhance the success of the Collaborative’s initiatives. Consumer and family members, providers, administrators, and other advocates will be asked to participate in work groups related to specific projects. The MHSIC welcomes comments and ideas from anyone who has an interest in our activities.

Howard Goldman, MD, PhD – Director

The Evidence-Based Practice Center
Eileen Hansen, MSSW, Director

The Systems Evaluation Center
Sandra Sundeen, RN, MS, Director of Administration
Diana Seybolt, PhD, Assistant Director of Research

The Mental Health Services Training Center
Eileen Hansen, MSSW, Director
Wendy Baysmore, MSHSA, Assistant Director