The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) announces a funding opportunity for research projects aimed at testing, implementing, and optimizing patient navigation Emergency Department (ED) diversion models for non-urgent youth mental health concerns. This initiative focuses on developing scalable interventions to address non-critical ED visits by connecting youth and their families to mental health services while providing support and resources. The opportunity is open to projects with preliminary data that meet NIH-defined clinical trial requirements.

Patient navigation models are expected to triage mental health acuity, support families through psychoeducation and emotional assistance, facilitate linkages to mental health services, and address systemic barriers. Innovative features such as the use of technology for symptom tracking and engagement in services, culturally relevant approaches, and community-based collaborations are encouraged. Projects must examine how, why, and for whom these models are effective, using rigorous methodologies like randomized controlled trials or optimization designs such as SMART or MOST.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and government entities. Foreign organizations and components are not eligible. Applications must clearly define study design, measurable outcomes, and proposed mechanisms of intervention effectiveness. Training and supervision plans for navigators, scalability, and fidelity strategies must also be detailed. Applicants are required to include plans for data sharing through the NIMH Data Archive (NDA) and adherence to experimental therapeutics approaches to assess intervention mechanisms.

Applications are due on standard NIH due dates through January 2028, with the earliest submission date being January 5, 2025. Funding amounts are contingent on NIH appropriations, with budgets expected to reflect actual project needs. The maximum project period is five years. Review criteria emphasize the significance of the research, methodological rigor, feasibility, and the expertise of the research team. Projects must adhere to NIH data and safety monitoring guidelines, especially for studies involving human subjects.

Submission requires online registration through SAM.gov, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. Applicants requesting over $500,000 in direct costs annually must consult with an NIMH representative six weeks before submission. Detailed information on application requirements and resources is available, with queries directed to designated NIMH scientific, peer review, and financial contacts.

This funding opportunity aligns with NIMH’s mission to reduce disparities in mental health outcomes, advance equity, and improve the scalability of mental health interventions. Successful applications will demonstrate innovation, public health impact, and the potential for widespread adoption in real-world settings.