Psychiatry - UNC School of Medicine
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Clinical Research Unit at Central Regional Hospital
Partnership between UNC Psychiatry and the Clinical Research Unit at CRH (Central Regional, formerly Dorothea Dix, Hospital)
Under the guidance of internationally renowned faculty, research on psychotic disorders is conducted in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. Research volunteers receive free, state-of-the-art clinical care while contributing to the advancement of scientific understanding of such conditions as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. The Clinical Research Unit at Central Regional Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a jewel in the crown of the public-academic partnership between the University and Central Regional Hospital. Thanks to this alliance, UNC-CH faculty provide highly individualized care in the most appropriate location and setting.
The CRU at CRH
809 Ruggles Drive
Raleigh, NC 27603
The Clinical Research Unit (CRU), located in the Edgerton Building of the former Dorothea Dix campus (now called Central Regional Hospital) serves as a 16-bed inpatient and outpatient psychiatric research facility. Established in 1975, the CRU is affiliated with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Psychiatry. Research at CRU is carried out by a multidisciplinary team of professional staff and is supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health, foundations, the pharmaceutical industry, and private philanthropy.
The CRU focuses on treatment of adult men and women diagnosed with schizophrenia, and other related disorders. Certain studies are designed to treat different phases and levels of illness, including those with new onset of disease, people with chronic illness, and those searching for changes in current treatments.
Patricia and Teresa demonstrate the centrifuge
All research activities are reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine to ensure the safety of each study protocol. Study participation is strictly voluntary and a patient may withdraw at any time. Informed written consent shall be obtained from every candidate for participation in a research project. In some studies, if a candidate is interested in participating and has a legal guardian, the legal guardian may sign consent.
Inpatient as well as outpatient treatment is available. Participation is based in part on a patient’s clinical needs, and on the particular entry criteria of a given study. Each patient will receive an assessment to determine if they qualify for study participation, which includes a physical exam and diagnostic procedures. In most cases, treatment is provided free of charge in outpatient and inpatient settings. Specific studies may offer a limited financial incentive to reimburse for the time and effort spent participating, and transportation for outpatient visits.
The CRU is the only treatment program in North Carolina that provides inpatient and outpatient research opportunities along with expert psychiatric assessment and treatment for patients with schizophrenia. Our staff provides a safe and caring environment based on the individual needs of each patient and their families. We educate participants and their families to help them understand mental illness, medications and treatment options, and optimal discharge planning.
Our mission is to provide the highest level of care while also advancing knowledge and understanding in order to improve the quality of life for each individual, family member, and loved one affected by mental illness.
Gazebo where patients may meet visitors and family
Patients' recreation room in the Clinical Research Unit 
For information about the studies at the Central Regional CRU, please contact McLean Kram or Kelly Moore at 919-733-5227.