PhD in Mental Health - Social Determinants of Mental and Behavioral Health in Baltimore United States | Johns Hopkins University

The PhD is an advanced research-focused doctoral program. During the initial two years, candidates enroll in foundational courses covering Mental Health, Biostatistics, and Epidemiology, along with research ethics training and regular departmental seminars. Requirements include passing a written comprehensive examination (typically in January of year two), a preliminary exam, delivering two academic presentations, and completing a final dissertation with its defense. We strongly advise all doctoral candidates to engage with at least one research team within our key departmental focus areas: Substance Use Epidemiology, Global Mental Health, Mental Health and Aging, Mental Health Services and Policy, Research Methodology, Prevention Science, Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetic Epidemiology, Psychiatric Epidemiology, and Autism and Developmental Disorders.
The Social Determinants of Mental & Behavioral Health specialization explores how societal and structural elements—including stigma, social connections, systemic racism, and policies related to housing, substance regulation, and justice systems—influence mental and behavioral outcomes both nationally and globally. This concentration also seeks to uncover root causes of racial/ethnic mental health disparities, develop community-based and policy-level solutions to address these inequities, and fosters active collaboration between students, faculty, and community partners to advance mental health equality through research, advocacy, and practical interventions.