The Behavioral Health Research Center of the Southwest (BHRCS) was established in 1997 to design and implement quality research and apply public health discoveries in behavioral health to actually change lives. In 2006 BHRCS became a center of Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation.

Over the years, BHRCS has managed projects in the area of substance abuse treatment interventions, alcohol and related mental health problems, screening programs for impaired driving offenders, impaired driving recidivism rates, pregnancy education, prenatal substance abuse, youth drug use, youth screening programs for drug abuse and other mental health problems, methadone maintenance effectiveness, homeless alcohol abuse treatment interventions, and substance abuse interventions for health care workers. One major research focus is the impact of cultural factors on interventions and substance use and abuse.

Our track record of success has led to the acquisition of a permanent site for BHRCS.  In October 2002, BHRCS purchased a medical office building located in the Encino Place/ Medical Arts neighborhood affording us close proximity to the University of New Mexico. The area is an established medical community that is convenient to the interstates, airport, local hospitals and the heart of downtown Albuquerque. The property contains thirty-four parking spaces with mature landscaping. The office is approximately 5,000 square feet consisting of a large reception area with an adjoining library/mini conference room that contains over 12,000 journal articles. Additional rooms consist of a 500 square foot conference hall with adjoining media room, twelve private offices, a kitchenette/break room with an outdoor dining patio, a business office, an area housing multiple work stations, a copy machine/printer/fax/mail communications venue, laboratory, three exam rooms and a refrigerated computer server room.

Our team’s productivity demonstrates the ongoing commitment and purpose of our directors, staff, and consultants. Our mission is to improve lives through research and to promote healthy behaviors.  Our Center’s values include high quality and socially relevant research, scientific integrity, public trust, and a sustainable and productive environment.  Our vision is to be the leading center that cultivates discovery, collaboration, and informed policy in behavioral health.

BHRCS is staffed with a cadre of research scientists with strong interests in all behavioral risk areas including alcohol and drug use prevention, intervention, and epidemiology. BHRCS’ multidisciplinary research team includes public health researchers, physicians, and PhD-level personnel with backgrounds in evaluation, biostatistics, psychology, and anthropology. The team has a history of NIH funding and provides an ideal environment for carrying out serious research that culminates in the resolution of real-world problems. The scientific team at BHRCS has published nearly 150 peer-reviewed publications, books, book chapters and numerous reports since its inception in October 1997.  Additionally, the clinical trials division is staffed by physicians, registered nurses, and certified clinical research coordinators.