Participate in Research

• Improving Lives: Every study we conduct is aimed at improving the daily lives of people living with mental health conditions. Whether it’s testing a new medication, exploring the benefits of therapy, or understanding how the brain works, our research strives to find practical tools and treatments that can help.
• Providing Hope Through Innovation: Mental health care is constantly evolving. We do research to uncover new insights about the brain, finding early signs of illness, or identifying personalized treatments that work best for each individual.
• Working Together Toward Change: Research isn’t just about collecting data—it’s about collaboration. Every participant helps us learn something valuable, and together, we can drive progress that benefits the broader community. Your involvement helps create new pathways to recovery for those who need it most.
• Reducing Stigma and Misunderstanding: Through our research, we also work to break down myths and stigma surrounding mental illness. The more we learn, the better we can educate others, promote understanding, and create more supportive environments for individuals and families.

Am I eligible?
Each research study has different requirements for participation.
Determining your eligibility involves a screening process when you will be asked questions about your age, health status, past history and other factors related to the study. Some of this screening may be done on the phone while other aspects are better done in person. These steps help ensure safety of study participants and scientific validity.

I use [marijuana/illicit substances]. Can I participate in studies?
Eligibility for a research study is determined through a confidential and judgment-free process. We encourage honesty when discussing substance use; your openness helps us conduct better, more accurate research. Depending on the study, substance use may or may not affect your eligibility, but being upfront ensures the best experience for all participants.

Will I get paid?
Yes, participants enrolled in research studies receive compensation for their time and effort. The amount and form of compensation varies depending on the study, but it is typically provided as cash or check.

What about transportation?
Transportation assistance may be available for some research studies. Availability depends on the specific study, and our research team will discuss transportation options with you during the screening process.

• Brain Imaging and Thinking Studies: We use tools such as MRIs and EEG to learn more about how the brain works.These studies involve simple activities, like memory or thinking tasks.
• Inflammation and Health Research: These studies look at how your body’s immune system might affect mental health. This research can help inform clinical care and possibly create more targeted treatments in the future.
• Early Signs and Prevention Studies: These studies focus on identifying the early signs of psychosis and finding ways to help before symptoms get worse.
• Lifestyle and Wellness Studies: We explore how things like diet, sleep, and exercise can make a difference in mental health. Some of our studies also look at how talk therapy or other supportive approaches can improve overall well-being.
• Clinical Trials: We test the effectiveness of new treatments, like medications, dietary supplements, and other interventions in conditions such as schizophrenia. Some of our studies look at how various treatments can help people when others have failed.
• Long-Term Studies: Some studies involve working with people over time to learn how treatments affect their health over time. This helps us better understand how the brain and behavior change at different stages of mental illness.

• People Suffering from Mental Illness: Research participants who are living with disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and substance use disorder provide crucial information to investigators at MPRC.
• Family Members: The family members of research participants who suffer from mental illness can provide valuable information about the role of genetic risk factors.
• People without Mental Illness: Individuals without mental health concerns also play a vital role in our research by serving as “healthy controls” for some studies.