Center for Research on Cultural and Structural Equity in Behavioral Health

The NKI Center of Excellence in Culturally Competent Mental Health is housed in the Statistical Services Research Division of the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYSOMH) Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research in Orangeburg, NY. The Institute is affiliated with New York University.

In November 2007, the Nathan Kline Institute (NKI) for Psychiatric Research received funding from the New York State Office of Mental Health to establish a Center of Excellence in Culturally Competent Mental Health. The NYS legislature had proposed the formation of Centers to “identify, assess the outcome, and disseminate best practices of demonstrated behaviors, attitudes, policies and structures” that work effectively cross-culturally across varied modalities of care.

Dynamic research collaboration is key for the Center. Community representatives, consumers and family members serve on an advisory panel and participate in Center projects. Linkages to advocacy groups, the NYS Multicultural Advisory group, the NYSPI Center of Excellence in Cultural Competence, and the NKI Center for the Study of Recovery in Social Contexts along with national groups involved in cultural competency are promoted.