Contributing Editors

Authors may wish to contact the column editor regarding the suitability of a topic before submission. With the exceptions of Frontline Reports and Personal Accounts, which should be submitted directly to the column editors, submissions should be sent via ScholarOne Manuscripts. Because most columns must fit onto three typeset pages, submissions are limited to 2,400 total words, including 2–3 highlights, approximately 10 references, and a 100-word abstract. Exceptions to these limits are noted below for specific columns. With the exception of Personal Accounts, all submissions are subject to peer review.

Controversies in Psychiatric Services: Matthew D. Erlich, M.D., [email protected]; Patrick Runnels, M.D., M.B.A., [email protected]; Rachel M. Talley, M.D., [email protected]

This column highlights topical areas to the field of psychiatry where there may be debate, disagreements, or divisiveness. Submissions should focus on framing a clear argument supporting or opposing the selected topic and highlighting substantive, meaningful differences or areas of disagreement. The goal is to foster new perspectives, promote further discourse, and, hopefully, generate new conclusions—while maintaining the civility and intellectual rigor appropriate to an academic journal. Topics will be chosen by editors based on the timeliness and importance of the controversy. Interested authors should submit papers arguing one viewpoint on the topic, with a word limit of 1,200 words, 5 references, and no abstract, tables, or figures. The editors may also reach out to individuals to request column submissions based on specific topics.

Culture & Mental Health Services: Roberto Lewis-Fernández, M.D., [email protected]; and Deidre M. Anglin, Ph.D., [email protected]

Culture & Mental Health Services aims to clarify the ways that culture shapes the utilization, delivery, and organization of mental health services. Submissions may examine the influence of culture at the level of the individual and families seeking care (e.g., the impact of a person’s and family’s cultural views of illness on treatment choice and level of engagement), the provider (e.g., the role of implicit biases related to race, ethnicity, and gender identity on diagnostic and treatment practices), the program (e.g., how local socioeconomic and organizational factors influence access to care, treatment guidelines, and the package of services offered at a health facility), or the mental health system (e.g., how political forces affect health workforce training, design and funding of services, and reimbursement structures that determine availability of services). Papers that focus on aspects of culture related to interpretation (meaning-making), social group identity (e.g., race/ethnicity, language, sexual orientation), and social structures and systems are welcome. The goal of the column is to make visible the social-contextual framework that shapes care. Length

Datapoints: Tami L. Mark, Ph.D., [email protected]; and Alexander J. Cowell, Ph.D., [email protected]

Datapoints are one-page articles with one figure or small table that “speaks for itself” regarding relevant and timely clinical and policy issues in psychiatry. Topics may include trends in prevalence rates, service use, policies, practice patterns, financing, and so on. They may highlight meaningful differences—for example, in demographic characteristics, geography, payment source, and clinical characteristics. Analyses should be straightforward, so that the data displayed tell a clear story without extensive statistical analysis. The text should follow the standard research format and include a brief introduction, description of the methods and data set, description of the results, and comments on the implications or meanings of the findings. Because Datapoints are limited to one printed page, they have a 400-word limit. Because of space constraints, if submissions include multiple authors, affiliations may require truncation.

Economic Grand Rounds: Steven S. Sharfstein, M.D., [email protected]; Haiden A. Huskamp, Ph.D., [email protected]; and Alison Evans Cuellar, Ph.D., [email protected]

Economic Grand Rounds aims to provide information to clinicians, researchers, and policy makers to elucidate economic aspects and consequences of current policies and practices. The column welcomes submissions describing findings of empirical analyses of economic issues, policy discussions of economic issues, or review and commentary on literature focused on economic issues. Examples include the impact of federal parity and health reform legislation on access, spending, and quality of care; diffusion of new mental health and substance use disorder treatments; the effects of supported employment interventions for individuals with severe mental disorders on use of mental health services, total expenditures, and quality of life; the consequences of cost-effectiveness studies for mental health policies; and the impact of new models of organizing and financing health care, such as bundled payments to accountable care organizations. Length

Frontline Reports: Stephen M. Goldfinger, M.D., [email protected]; and Yaara Zisman-Ilani, M.A., Ph.D., [email protected]

Frontline Reports feature short descriptions of novel approaches to mental health problems or creative applications of established concepts in different settings. Any statements about program effectiveness must be accompanied by supporting data within the text. Length: Material submitted is limited to 700 words, with a maximum of three authors and no abstract, references, tables, or figures.

Global Mental Health Reforms: Pamela Y. Collins, M.D., M.P.H., [email protected]; Matías Irarrázaval, M.D., M.P.H., [email protected]; Helen E. Jack, M.D., [email protected]; and Lola Kola, Ph.D., [email protected]

The Global Mental Health Reforms column explores the impact of innovative policies, services, and approaches to research or practice across the globe and aims to raise awareness about these initiatives beyond national borders. The column provides an opportunity to present innovative programs to policy makers, health care administrators, and practitioners. The editors welcome contributions that describe progress in mental health and related areas, such as social services, education, and employment, and that aim to improve population well-being or quality of care for people with mental disorders. Also welcome are contributions that highlight policy and social interventions to support the mental health, well-being, and inclusion of vulnerable populations or marginalized communities around the world. Especially welcome are program evaluations with generalizable findings. Length

Integrated Care: Benjamin G. Druss, M.D., M.P.H., [email protected]; Gail Daumit, M.D., M.H.S., [email protected]; and Carrie Cunningham, M.D., M.P.H., [email protected]

The Integrated Care column publishes overviews of emerging issues at the mental health/general medical interface. Submissions may describe new clinical models or policy innovations affecting delivery of mental health care in primary care settings or delivery of general medical care in specialty mental health care settings. Submissions that address care integration at the local, state, or federal level in U.S. settings are encouraged, as are submissions addressing care integration in non-U.S. settings. Length

Law & Psychiatry: Paul S. Appelbaum, M.D., [email protected] (please contact in advance of submission)

Law & Psychiatry offers descriptions and explanations of major legal issues related to psychiatry, including judicial decisions, legislation, and regulation. Legal issues addressed in the column may affect mental health practice or the application of psychiatric knowledge in the courts. The column does not serve as a venue for the publication of original empirical data, although citation of empirical studies in support of an argument is welcome. Columns should be written so that clinicians unfamiliar with legal writing will find them comprehensible. Length

Lived Experience Inclusion & Power in Services & Research: Morgan C. Shields, Ph.D., [email protected]; Jonathan P. Edwards. Ph.D., L.C.S.W., [email protected]; Keris Jän Myrick, M.B.A., M.S., [email protected]

This column aims to publish critical analyses, case reports, and/or empirical studies that focus on describing and addressing issues of inclusion and power imbalance among stakeholders in mental health services and research. Specific topics include aligning incentives with person-centered care principles, quantitative and qualitative descriptions of the lived experience, disability justice, novel or innovative peer support and peer-led interventions, case studies of lived experience leadership roles, participatory research efforts that center meaningful involvement, inclusion of scholars with lived experience in the research workforce, empirically informed lived-experience perspectives on topics related to the ethics and impacts of interventions and services, and the role of patients’ rights. We have a strong interest in the perspectives of individuals with multiple historically underrepresented or marginalized identities. All submissions should include psychiatric disability/lived-experience lead authors or coauthors.

Personal Accounts: Patricia E. Deegan, Ph.D., [email protected]; and William C. Torrey, M.D., [email protected]

People who have experienced psychiatric illnesses, their family members, and professionals engaged in providing care are invited to submit first-person accounts of their lived experiences for the Personal Accounts column. The editors are looking for articles that create conversations and move the field forward. Authors may publish under a pseudonym if they wish. Material is not subject to peer review. Length: Maximum length is 1,600 words.

Promoting High-Value Mental Health Care: Marcela Horvitz-Lennon, M.D., [email protected]; and Kenneth Minkoff, M.D., [email protected]

Promoting High-Value Mental Health Care seeks submissions focused on (a) emerging and promising behavioral health screening, assessment, or treatment practices and (b) clinical, organizational, or policy interventions aimed at improving quality of mental health care. Examples of such interventions include (but are not limited to) those that seek to promote the uptake of underused evidence-based practices, reduce the overuse of interventions lacking supporting evidence, improve the safety and efficiency of mental health care, and improve processes and outcomes of care through data-driven continuous quality improvement and population management strategies. Submissions must include some evidence of feasibility or effectiveness of the intervention. Length

Psychiatric Services From Pages to Practice podcast: Josh Berezin, M.D., M.S.

Racism & Mental Health Equity: Michael Mensah, M.D., M.P.H., [email protected]; Lucy Ogbu-Nwobodo, M.D., M.S., [email protected]; Ruth S. Shim, M.D., M.P.H., [email protected]

Racism & Mental Health Equity examines the intricate ways that structural racism is embedded in psychiatry and investigates strategies to mitigate the impact of structural racism on mental health service delivery. Contributions to the column will explore antiracism and antioppression frameworks of practice and organizational change in relation to service delivery. Submissions that consider how the intersections of race, ethnicity, class, gender, gender identities, and sexual orientation shape mental health experiences and access to psychiatric services are welcomed. Authors are encouraged to present innovative strategies and solutions to transform and dismantle structures of racism across different dimensions of mental health, including (but not limited to) clinical services, education, training, research, and advocacy. Length

Research, Community, & Services Partnerships: Debra A. Pinals, M.D., [email protected]; Enrico G. Castillo, M.D., M.S.H.P.M., [email protected]; and Ayorkor Gaba, Psy.D., [email protected]

Research, Community, & Services Partnerships aims to illustrate how partnerships among various stakeholders can improve psychiatric services and outcomes. Stakeholders can include but are not limited to administrators, policy makers, clinicians, educators, people with lived experience, and family members. The column welcomes descriptions of the processes and challenges that come with initiating, enhancing, and sustaining effective partnerships. Since this column primarily examines the partnerships themselves, process or outcome data are not required but are welcomed if relevant. The editors invite descriptions of partnerships across the spectrum of psychiatric services and initiatives. Partnership descriptions can encompass a variety of domains, such as the development of a new clinical program, educational effort, academic and public service initiative, research opportunity, systems improvement activity, advocacy, or other psychiatric services that involve partnership. The editors look for text and narrative that will help others replicate or learn from the partnership experience and for innovative strategies and impact. The editors welcome submissions that describe strategies to address racism and promote health equity, diversity, and inclusion via partnerships. Length

Social Determinants of Mental Health: Ruth S. Shim, M.D., M.P.H., [email protected], Michael T. Compton, M.D., M.P.H., [email protected], and Eric Rafla-Yuan, M.D., [email protected]

Social Determinants of Mental Health aims to focus on clinical and policy issues as they relate to social justice in psychiatry and the social determinants of mental health, with a specific focus on mental health disparities and evidence-based strategies to improve mental health equity across population groups. Initiatives taking place in hospitals, clinics, health systems, and insurance plans will be emphasized. Ways in which clinicians and mental health services can address social determinants of mental health will be highlighted. Manuscripts that emphasize specific social determinants of mental health, including discrimination, adverse early life experiences, poverty, social exclusion, low employment status, and low educational attainment, to name a few—and particularly how these determinants connect to mental health outcomes and can be addressed by mental health services—are particularly welcome. Length

State Mental Health Policy: Marvin S. Swartz, M.D., [email protected], and Michael Flores, Ph.D., M.P.H., [email protected]

State Mental Health Policy aims to help administrators, policy makers, and clinicians understand how state policies affect the delivery of effective treatment and support services and how innovation can be translated into effective state policy. Variation in the implementation of federal policy at the state level can also be a substantive area for submissions. Lessons learned or barriers surmounted are useful components of successful submissions. The column will accept single-site descriptions of treatment or support programs when they can be linked to statewide implementation or state policy reforms. Program and policy descriptions must be placed in the context of the state in which they occur and address the generalizability of the practice or policy across states. Length

Technology in Mental Health: Dror Ben-Zeev, Ph.D., [email protected]

Technology in Mental Health focuses on technology-based or technology-assisted approaches in the assessment, treatment, monitoring, or prevention of mental health problems (e.g., mHealth or eHealth, decision support tools, wearable devices, social media, and training programs). The column aims to expose readers to innovative technologies and strategies for using existing technology to improve mental health outcomes in a timely manner. Submissions may include informed opinion pieces, empirical efforts, policy papers relevant to the use of technology, and first-person accounts from users of technology in mental health (i.e., patients, providers, and administrators). Authors are encouraged to explore, debate, and demonstrate how to capitalize on and build new technologies that will redefine the field by generating new science and practice. Submissions may include one small table or figure. Length

Statistical Consultant

Melanie M. Wall, Ph.D.

Qualitative Reviews Consultant

Jocelyn Marrow, Ph.D.

Systematic Reviews Consultant

Yaara Zisman-Ilani, Ph.D., M.A.

Editorial Consultants

Michelle S. Franklin, Ph.D., M.S.N.
Shirley M. Glynn, Ph.D.
Morgan C. Shields, Ph.D.

Editor’s Advisory Group on Structural Racism

Leah Adams, Ph.D.
Chyrell Bellamy, Ph.D., M.S.W.
Andrew D. Carlo, M.D.
Pat Deegan, Ph.D.
Ayorkor Gaba, Psy.D.
Jessica Isom, M.D., M.P.H.
Maga Jackson-Triche, M.D.
Nev Jones, Ph.D.
Keris Myrick, M.B.A., M.S.
Grayson Norquist, M.D.
Mariana Pinto da Costa, M.D.
Ken Rogers, M.D.
Rebecca Rossom, M.D., M.S.
Jack Tsai, Ph.D.
Carlton Whitmore
Yaara Zisman-Ilani, Ph.D., M.A.

Policy Advisory Group

To improve health services for people with mental and substance use disorders, policy makers increasingly rely on evidence-based solutions. The journal plays a crucial role in peer reviewing and publishing high-quality research and pieces from thought leaders that help advance evidence-based policymaking. The Policy Advisory Group will guide the journal on how to maximize its relevance and impact on mental health policy in the following ways:

• Request submissions on policy-relevant topics;
• Invite commentaries addressing the policy implications of original research articles, including opportunities to influence policy mechanisms such as legislation, regulation, financing, licensure, and accreditation;
• Serve as a resource to authors who have submitted policy-relevant articles and have agreed to consider suggestions for feasible, actionable policy ideas that might be addressed in the manuscript; and
• Act as a deliberative body to contemplate the ethics and boundaries of publishing pieces with explicit policy recommendations in an academic journal.

The Policy Advisory Group will benefit from a wide range of perspectives and will be comprised of a diverse, multidisciplinary membership, including 2 early career psychiatrists. Participants will serve 3-year terms that are renewable. Selection will be overseen by the Editor-in-Chief and applications will be reviewed by current members of the group. The group will convene 4-5 times per year via teleconference and communicate by email.

Benjamin Barsky, J.D., M.B.E.
Amy A. Brinkley
Benjamin G. Druss, M.D., M.P.H.
Matthew L. Goldman, M.D., M.S.
Miranda G. Greiner, M.D., M.P.H.
Heath Holt Hayes, M.H.R.
Marcela Horvitz-Lennon, M.D.
Shea Jorgensen, M.D.
Cameron Kiani, M.D.
Hunter L. McQuistion, M.D.
Grayson S. Norquist, M.D., M.S.P.H.
Debra A. Pinals, M.D.
Jonathan Purtle, Dr.P.H., M.S.C.
Stephanie Rolin, M.D., M.P.H.
Marvin S. Swartz, M.D.

Early-Career Psychiatrist Advisory Committee

Lilanthi Balasuriya, M.D., M.M.S.
Mariana Pinto da Costa, M.D., Ph.D.
Sophie C. Feller, M.D.
Kate Filia, Ph.D.
Michael W. Flores, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Carrie Fry, Ph.D., M.Ed.
Brent J. Gibbons, Ph.D.
Brian Holoyda, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A.
Danielle S. Jackson, M.D., M.P.H.
Shea Jorgensen, M.D.
Cameron Kiani, M.D.
Joseph Kim, M.D.
Nicole Kozloff, M.D. (Collections Editor)
Nathaniel Morris, M.D.
Lucy Ogbu-Nwobodo, M.D., M.S., M.A.S.
Eric Rafla-Yuan, M.D.
Saadia Sediqzadah, M.D., S.M., F.R.C.P.C.
William R. Smith, M.D., Ph.D.

Editorial Staff

Managing Editor
Demarie S. Jackson, [email protected]

Senior Editor
Corey Parker
Brendon MacBryde

Production Manager
Wendy Lieberman Taylor, [email protected]

Editorial Support Services Manager
Heidi Koch-Bubel, [email protected]

Publisher
Simone Taylor, Ph.D.

Editorial Director, Journals
Michael D. Roy

Editorial Assistant
Linda LaCour

Editorial Assistant/Permissions Coordinator
Hanna Al-Kowsi

Online Content Manager, Journals
Aaron van Dorn

Contact Psychiatric Services

To reach our editorial office, contact:

Psychiatric Services
800 Maine Avenue, S.W., Suite 900
Washington, D.C. 20024
Phone: 800-368-5777, 202-459-9722
Fax: 202-403-3094

E-mail: [email protected]

For questions about manuscript submission and review through Manuscript Central, contact Heidi Koch, 703-907-7885; [email protected].
For other editorial inquiries, contact [email protected].

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