About Us

As one of the nation’s most respected research centers focused on mental health, investigators at the Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research (NKI) study the causes, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of severe and persistent mental illnesses.

As a facility of the New York State Office of Mental Health, founded in 1952, NKI has earned a reputation for its landmark contributions in psychiatric research, especially in the areas of psychopharmacological treatments for schizophrenia and major mood disorders, dementia research, clinical trials methodology, neuroimaging, therapeutic drug monitoring, and the application of computer technology to mental health services.

A broad range of studies is conducted at NKI, from basic laboratory science to clinical trials and translational research.

Our basic research focuses on the genetic, molecular, and neurological underpinnings of mental disease.

Our patient-oriented research programs emphasize screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and care of severe and chronic mental disorders.

In addition, NKI conducts research on the cost, quality, disparities and effectiveness of mental health services in New York State and beyond.

Currently, some of our major fields of research and disorder-specific programs focus on:

  • Schizophrenia and Cognition
  • Memory Disorders, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Dementia
  • Brain Imaging Across the Lifespan
  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Emotional Brain Health
  • Mental Health Services and Solutions
  • Clinical Trials Data Management