Welcome to the Institute for Behavioral Health

Constance Horgan

Since the Heller School began, both faculty and students have studied mental and substance use disorders. Formalized in 2003, IBH focuses on the intersection of health, behavior, and systems of care, with an emphasis on their linkages. Its underlying premise is that these systems can be better used to promote healthier lifestyles and assist individuals to engage in behaviors which lead to better health.

Our focus is broadening to include other issues that are affected by behaviors which can be targeted by interventions and have an impact on health and wellness. In addition to studying systems of care, we investigate health outcomes that are associated with behaviors, and also develop and test methods to evaluate the effects of behaviors on health.

We consider a variety of systems of care, including health care delivery, as well as criminal justice, education, social services, housing, military and the workplace.

We hope that you find this site useful as you learn more about our research staff and our activities in behavioral health.

Constance M. Horgan, ScD, Director

IBH Activities

Maureen Stewart, PhD'09, Scientist

New publication from Washington State Hub & Spoke project

The Hub and Spoke Care Model is associated with improved access to opioid treatment.

Boston University-Heller School research collaboration

Exploring the intersection of disability and alcohol use
Xylazine test strip

IBH researchers & Mass DPH collaboration

Harm reduction programs addressing the dangers of xylzine
Sharon Reif, PhD'02, and Cindy Thomas, PhD'00

New study published in JAMA

People with Disabilities and Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

New publication: Bohler, Freeman, Villani et al.

The Policy Landscape for Naloxone Distribution in Four States Highly Impacted by Fatal Opioid Overdoses
Photo illustration of five researchers among a colorful bar chart

Drinking in the data

The Winter 2023 issue of Heller Magazine features Heller's NIAAA training program.

Connect with us at upcoming conferences

Rx and Illicit Drug Summit

April 1-4, 2024 
Atlanta, GA

American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting

May 4-8, 2024   
New York, NY