• Maintain the highest ethical standards
• Provide benefits to Thresholds members or the mental health field
• Do not intrude upon or violate any member rights

The IRB operates under federal guidelines that govern the conduct and protection of human subjects (i.e., members) participating in research. Along with the Thresholds Research Department, the IRB reviews any proposed research at the agency and oversees approved, on-going projects.

For more information on what sorts of activities require IRB approval please click here.

For studies requiring IRB review, click here for a list of application categories.   

Applications are due to the IRB by the first Wednesday of each month; the board meets every third Thursday of each month. In order to be eligible for review, ALL forms must be completed and submitted to the IRB. Incomplete forms will NOT be reviewed.  You may contact the TIRB coordinator (Shirley Helm at shelm@thresholds.org) or chairperson (John Hilburger at jhilburger@thresholds.org) to request forms.  Materials should be requested at least one week in advance of the due date. 
Following is a checklist of necessary documents:

Principal Investigator Checklist  

The Principal Investigator is the person, whether internal or external to Thresholds, who is primarily responsible for the design, implementation, and dissemination of research.  The ultimate responsibility for the ethical and appropriate conduct of research rests with the Principal Investigator and the institution with which the PI is affiliated. 

1)      Cover letter summarizing the study

2)      Thresholds or Primary IRB Application

3)      Human Subjects Protection Certificate

4)      Copies of Informed Consent (click here for informed consent checklist & sample consent form)

5)      Copies of all recruitment material

6)      Signed research agreement form (will be emailed upon request)

7)      If applicable, official approval letter from IRB of record

Anyone wishing to verify compliance can do so at the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP).