Mission Statement
Our aim is to engage scientists and practitioners in basic and applied research on addiction and mental health, train the next generation of service providers and experts, and provide high quality patient care in order to improve the lives of afflicted people and help heal the wounds that are inflicted on Israeli society.
The Need for Establishing an Academic Center for Addiction and Mental Health
Mental health problems among children, adolescents, and adults are public health crises in multiple countries in the Western world. The term “mental health problems” includes not only classic mental disorders (such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, addictions) but also neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and attention deficit disorders, and neurodegenerative disorders, such as dementia, Alzheimer, and Parkinson. In all these disorders, there is solid scientific evidence on dysfunctional neural activity, impairments in the individual’s mental state and occupational and social functioning, and destructive implication for their close environment. Therefore, there is a need to research and treat the neurobiological, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social aspects of mental health problems.
Epidemiological data show a steady increase in the rates of mental health problems since 1960 and a worrying increase since 2011, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, only a minority of those suffering from mental health problems receive treatment that suits their condition. There are many reasons for the lack of appropriate treatment. First, there is still a lack of understanding of the genetic, neurobiological, psychological, and social mechanisms behind the development of mental health problems and the recovery process from them. Other reasons include the cost of treatment, lack of access to mental health services, and stigma surrounding the issue. Additionally, the resources allocated in Western countries for the prevention and treatment of mental health problems are very limited. Such minimal investment is not only bad for the individual but also destructive for communities and the economy.
Regarding the need for research, lack of treatment response, personal suffering, and socio-economic burden, the addiction crisis is perceived as more severe than the general mental health crisis. The social stigma and socio-economic consequences related to addiction are more severe and widespread than those related to other mental health problems. Furthermore, research and treatment of addictions require a more complex approach that includes addressing mechanisms related to co-occurring mental health issues (double diagnosis). This necessitates the formation of multidisciplinary research teams, special training of the treatment team, and long-term support. To meet these demands, special emphasis must be placed on the field of addiction within the entire spectrum of mental health problems.
Addressing the mental health and addiction crisis requires basic, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary research involving fields of knowledge such as genetics, molecular biology, neuroscience, cognitive sciences, data sciences, and psychology. Clinical studies are also needed to develop and improve therapeutic means, including medications, psychotherapy methods, and treatment technologies. Additionally, epidemiological studies are required to identify risk factors and early indicators of disorder development, and studies in social work, education, and social sciences and humanities can improve our understanding of ways of coping with stress and trauma and lead to the development of better preventive and therapeutic interventions that can be tailored to the specific needs of different populations (e.g., by gender, age, cultural background).
In response to the mental health and addiction crisis, the Hebrew University, in collaboration with the “Israeli Center for Addiction” (ICA) and thanks to a generous donation from the Foundation, established a new academic center – The Israel Center for Addiction and Mental Health (abbreviated as ICAMH).
ICAMH leverages the extensive research expertise of the Hebrew University and ICA’s experience in treatment, training, and prevention to:
Advance basic research
Advance basic research on the factors that accelerate or inhibit the development and recovery from mental health problems and addiction as well as applied research aimed at enhancing the quality and effectiveness of preventive and therapeutic interventions;
Promote evidence-based treatment
Promote evidence-based treatment and optimal professional training in the fields of mental health and addiction
Vision and Goals of ICAMH
The vision of ICAMH is to advance research and treatment in the fields of mental health and addiction in Israel and worldwide, significantly promoting the Hebrew University’s contribution to these fields. More than 180 senior faculty members at the university actively participate in ICAMH activities. These researchers come from a wide range of disciplines including, among others, medicine, pharmacy, pain research, genetics, molecular biology, computational biology, neuroscience, cognitive sciences, public health, occupational therapy, psychology, social work, education, criminology, data sciences, and philosophy of mind.
ICAMH offers researchers and students resources to conduct groundbreaking multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research. Additionally, the center trains the next generation of clinical researchers and therapists by developing and evaluating evidence-based treatment methods. By integrating research, training, and treatment, ICAMH aims to be one of the leading centers in the world.
The goals of ICAMH include:
Groundbreaking Research
ICAMH aims to promote multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research in the fields of addiction and mental health at the university. The center also supports applied research focused on developing new technologies, medications, and therapeutic techniques to achieve more effective evidence-based treatments.
Evidence-based Treatment
ICAMH aims to offer personalized and evidence-based treatments in the fields of addiction and mental health and to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments.
Academic and professional training
ICAMH aims to train the next generation of researchers in the fields of addiction and mental health by developing workshops, lectures, seminars, and courses for undergraduate and graduate students at the university. In collaboration with ICA, the center intends to provide tools and knowledge to the next generation of professionals in the fields of medicine, psychology, social work, occupational therapy, public health, nursing, and education, with an emphasis on evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
Promoting applied clinical research in Israel
ICAMH aims to promote applied clinical research in the fields of addiction and mental health in Israel. The center offers research consultation and support to institutions and organizations engaged in the promotion of resilience and subjective well-being or the prevention and treatment of addiction and mental health problems. By forming research partnerships with these organizations, ICAMH attempts to advance evidence-based interventions and reduce the suffering and pain resulting from addiction and mental health problems in Israel.
