Overview The Office for Disparities Research and Workforce Diversity (ODWD) coordinates two significant priorities at NIMH: 1) reduce mental health disparities and promote equity both within and outside of the United States and 2) further efforts to diversify the mental health research workforce. The Office’s combined focus allows NIMH to support and advance practices that encourage equity in mental health research and address the needs of individuals and communities that are underrepresented and underserved in both research and the workforce. Mental Health Disparities Research An essential element in promoting equity is to build a valid evidence base to ensure effective treatment and care. This requires an inclusive environment where members of racial, ethnic, and sexual and gender minority groups, and individuals from lower socioeconomic strata, are represented in basic, translational, effectiveness, and services research studies. Analyses of data from these research studies can improve our understanding of disparities in risk and trajectories for mental illnesses as well as responsiveness to preventative and treatment interventions. In addition, since individuals from underserved and underrepresented communities frequently experience reduced access to quality mental health services, it is vital to examine accessibility, engagement, and follow-up in a variety of provider settings.