Brain, Behavior and Technology (BBT)

The iHEAT Center for Brain, Behavior and Technology (BBT) is dedicated to improving mental health outcomes and advancing the field of mental health care through cutting-edge research and innovation. One of the key priorities of the center is to identify gaps and challenges in the current mental health system and develop solutions to address these issues. One major focus of the center is to prioritize prevention and early intervention in mental health care. This involves identifying risk factors and early warning signs for mental health conditions, as well as developing effective screening tools and interventions to promote early detection and treatment. By addressing mental health concerns early on, the center aims to prevent more serious and chronic mental health issues from developing. 

Another priority of the center is to promote more personalized and patient-centered approaches to mental health care. This involves developing tools and technologies that can help providers tailor treatments to individual patients based on their unique needs and preferences. For example, the center is exploring the use of artificial intelligence to predict treatment outcomes and recommend personalized treatment plans. The functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a non-invasive brain imaging technique that measures changes in blood flow and oxygenation levels in the brain, has been applied in Vietnam, contributing to a large cohort of mental health care globally. Through this technology, iHEAT’s Center on Brain, Behavior and Technology is working to develop more personalized and effective treatments for mental health conditions, as well as exploring the potential of digital mental health care to improve access to care for individuals around the world. By bringing together experts from a range of disciplines and leveraging the latest advancements in technology, iHEAT is at the forefront of efforts to improve global mental health. 

In addition to these priorities, the iHEAT Center on Brain, Behavior and Technology also advocates for a more integrated and holistic approach to mental health care. This involves recognizing the complex interplay between mental health and physical health, as well as the impact of social determinants of health on mental well-being. The center is working to promote a collaborative approach to mental health care that involves not just mental health providers, but also primary care providers, social workers, and other professionals. Overall, the iHEAT Center on Brain, Behavior and Technology is committed to advancing the field of mental health care through innovative research and technology, while prioritizing prevention, patient-centered care, and a holistic approach to mental health.