Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit

The Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit (CNRU) is located in the Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC). The 12-bed unit has both inpatient and outpatient facilities specifically for psychiatric research. The CNRU, which is a specialized coalition of research groups dedicated to the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Research is an integral part of the mission of Connecticut Mental Health Center. Research takes many forms at the Center, from basic neuroscience research in laboratories, to clinical trials, to in-depth qualitative research involving people receiving services. The unit brings together scientists from diverse fields are working to deepen our understanding of the underlying causes and mechanisms of mental illness and/or substance abuse, and to develop more effective treatments and policy approaches to support the millions of people worldwide who will face mental health and addiction problems in their lifetimes.

The unit admits individuals for evaluation and treatment of major psychiatric disorders. These individuals participate in research projects designed to investigate the biologic factors related to particular disease processes. They have often been refractory to prior treatment efforts and benefit from the unit’s focus on the development of more effective methods for preventing and treating a range of disorders. Individuals must be able to demonstrate understanding of the research protocol in which they wish to enroll, understand its risks and benefits, participate on a voluntary basis, provide informed consent, and be a minimum of 18 years of age.