The mission of this division is to reduce the burden of psychiatric disorders through research, education, and service. The research mission involves studying the risk of psychiatric disorders and related disability associated with genetic, social, and environmental factors and developing interventions and programs to reduce these risks. It also encompasses educating eh public regarding mental health issues and informing public policy.

Research methods cover the range of epidemiology and include but are not limited to genetic studies, clinical trials, clinical and community epidemiological surveys including trend analyses, secondary analysis of health care utilization data to assess the incidence and describe the course of psychiatric disorders, develop and test primary prevention and treatment interventions, and analyze social systems and health care delivery patterns. The educational mission includes the training and development of students and young investigators to promote interdisciplinary collaboration, generate and interpret epidemiologic information, and contribute to the reduction of psychiatric disease burden. The service mission involves providing service as advisors and consultants to health professionals, health organizations, and agencies at the state, national and international levels.