PhD in Mental Health - School based Mental Health in Baltimore United States | Johns Hopkins University

The PhD is a research-focused doctoral program. During the initial two years, candidates complete foundational coursework in Mental Health, Biostatistics, and Epidemiology, study research ethics, and participate in weekly departmental seminars. Requirements include passing a written comprehensive examination (typically in January of year two), a preliminary exam, delivering two presentations, and completing a final dissertation with its defense. We strongly advise all doctoral candidates to engage with at least one research group within the department's key research areas, which include Substance Use Epidemiology, Global Mental Health, Mental Health and Aging, Mental Health Services and Policy, Methodologies, Prevention Research, Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetic Epidemiology, Psychiatric Epidemiology, and Autism and Developmental Disabilities.
Schools serve as crucial public health environments due to their universal reach to children aged 6-16 through mandatory education requirements. There's growing acknowledgment of the value of incorporating social-emotional learning and mental health initiatives into school curricula and programs. Greater attention is also being paid to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and how trauma affects student performance. This awareness has fueled trauma-informed prevention and intervention strategies that equip youth to handle unhealthy relationships. Schools are also reevaluating their environments for students. However, persistent racial and ethnic disparities in academic and behavioral results remain concerning, particularly the disproportionate use of exclusionary discipline (like suspensions and expulsions) against Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Alaska Native students. Consequently, there's a nationwide push to foster more inclusive school environments. Department faculty conduct research across these domains, including creating and evaluating behavioral, social-emotional, and trauma-informed interventions. Studies examine both broad programs and specialized approaches (such as those targeting youth with disabilities). Faculty investigate various outcomes, from fostering positive results (like prosocial behavior, student well-being, and academic success) to preventing negative ones (including aggression, bullying, substance abuse, and mental health challenges).