NIMH History
The mission of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure.
To fulfill this vital public health mission, the Institute supports biomedical and behavioral research, health services research, research training, and health information dissemination with respect to the causes, diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of mental illnesses. This approach aims to turn scientific breakthroughs into real-world benefits for all people impacted by mental illnesses.
NIMH History
In 1946, President Harry S. Truman signed the National Mental Health Act. This landmark piece of legislation, with its broad purpose of improving "the mental health of the people of the United States," enabled the founding, three years later, of NIMH. Since its inception, NIMH has played a pivotal role in advancing the understanding, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses.
NIMH’s commemorative booklet: Learn about NIMH events, research programs, and initiatives.
NIH Almanac - NIMH : Visit NIMH's entry in the NIH Almanac for information on important NIMH events, legislative chronology, directors, and programs.
NIMH budget and legislative activities: View NIMH congressional justifications by fiscal year and federal legislation relevant to NIMH and NIH.
NIMH’s Impact
NIMH-funded research has advanced our knowledge of mental health and improved the lives of people affected by mental illnesses. Learn about NIMH research through:
Feature stories: Get an in-depth look at the way NIMH has made lasting contributions to our understanding of mental health and hear the personal stories of people whose lives have been impacted by mental illnesses.
Science updates: Read about recent NIMH-supported research discoveries and institute updates.
Podcasts: Listen to the stories behind some of NIMH’s most impactful discoveries.
NIMH Celebrates 75 Years
Throughout 2023 and 2024, NIMH celebrated its 75th anniversary, which included a year of events commemorating this milestone:
The Evolution of Mental Health Research: The Evolution of Mental Health Research Symposium on September 13, 2023, kicked off NIMH’s year-long 75th anniversary celebration. The symposium brought together leading experts in the field to explore cutting-edge discoveries, novel approaches, and the transformative impact of NIMH initiatives. Watch a recording of the event on the NIH Videocast webpage.
Amplifying Voices and Building Bridges: This symposium brought together people living with mental illness, clinicians, and communities to reflect on past and present challenges in mental health research and chart a more inclusive path forward. A full recording of the event will be available soon. Watch a recording of Session 1 , Session 2 , and Session 3 on the NIMH YouTube channel .
Inspiration and Aspiration: NIMH culminated its 75th-anniversary celebration with a third and final symposium featuring dynamic presentations by rising stars and trailblazers in the scientific community.