The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has announced the Accelerating Solutions to Improve Access and Quality of Empirically-Supported Practices for Youth Mental Health funding opportunity. This initiative addresses the urgent youth mental health crisis in the United States by inviting applications for research on methods to increase access to and improve the quality of empirically-supported mental health practices. The funding supports projects focusing on optimizing assessment, interventions, and service delivery strategies; addressing workforce shortages and systemic barriers; and integrating mental health services into settings such as schools, pediatric care, and community organizations.

The program will fund R01 research projects with both pilot-stage and full-scale studies accepted. Applications may involve clinical trials or focus on other approaches. Projects should aim to enhance intervention scalability, evaluate implementation strategies, and address systemic barriers to care. Research must also align with NIMH priorities, including improving services for underserved populations, such as those in rural or economically disadvantaged areas, racial and ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ+ youth. Studies targeting critical transitions, such as from adolescence to adulthood, and innovative service models like task-sharing are particularly encouraged.

Eligible applicants include public and private higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, local governments, and other organizations. Non-U.S. entities are not eligible. Applicants must complete required registrations with SAM.gov, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov before submission. Applications must adhere to NIH’s data-sharing policies and propose data management plans, including contributions to the NIMH Data Archive. Budgets should align with project needs, and while budgets are unlimited, they must justify requested amounts.

Applications will be evaluated based on their significance, innovation, feasibility, and investigator expertise. Studies must demonstrate robust methodologies, scalability, and clear alignment with public health needs. Proposals should include plans for addressing disparities in mental health access and outcomes. Multi-site trials and projects utilizing existing infrastructure for data collection and participant recruitment are encouraged to maximize resource efficiency and relevance.

Key deadlines include a letter of intent due 30 days before the application due date, with submission windows starting January 21, 2025. Standard NIH submission dates apply, and applicants may submit multiple scientifically distinct proposals. Projects may last up to five years, though shorter durations are preferred to ensure efficiency. Successful proposals will demonstrate alignment with NIMH’s mission and goals, as outlined in the NIMH Strategic Plan for Research.

Awardees are required to comply with NIH policies on human research protection, data safety, and clinical trial registration. For questions, applicants are encouraged to contact the scientific, peer review, or grants management contacts listed in the announcement.