The Community Mental Health Evaluation Initiative (CMHEI) is the first multisite evaluation of community mental health programs in Canada. It was planned and is being conducted with the involvement of a wide range of players, including government, community providers, family and consumers. It is designed to provide information relevant to policy.

CMHEI was conceived in 1997 by the Ontario Mental Health Foundation, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario. CMHEI is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

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Project Description

The project involves six separate evaluation studies of community mental health programs and one methods study, joined together through use of a common data collection protocol. In addition, a multisite comparison of programs is being conducted under the leadership of the Health Systems Research & Consulting Unit, located at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Participating programs are diverse and include both formal services (Assertive Community Treatment Teams, Intensive Case Management) and peer support organizations (consumer and family support initiatives). There are three major thrusts in the evaluation process: to identify program activity, monitor progress, and evaluate cost-effectiveness.

The progress of individuals enrolled in the studies is being monitored over time, with assessments at program entry (baseline), nine and 18 months. To date, baseline assessments have been completed on over 800 individuals and the bulk of nine month assessments are completed.

In addition to generating new knowledge, this project is producing a network of experienced researchers and community partners poised for future research and evaluation. Consumers and family members are making valuable contributions – in defining research questions, interviewing and assisting in interpretation of findings. Tools and methods are emerging which will contribute to future evaluation and quality improvement activities at the program and system.

See the Projects page for more information about individual projects.