Dr. Michael Polen is a health services researcher focusing on improving addictions and mental health services. Dr. Polen's background is in sociology and social work. His research explores how to facilitate coordination between primary care and behavioral health services, such as screening and referral for behavioral disorders in primary care settings.
Dr. Polen is interested in improving services for people with substance use and mental health disorders, and in the ways health behaviors affect use of health care. For example, he recently completed work on a study of how gender affects the relationship between drinking patterns and health-related attitudes, behaviors, and health service use. Another study examines patient, clinician, and health system factors affecting the adoption of buprenorphine to treat opiate dependence. He is also working on the Study of Transitions and Recovery Strategies, which identifies and describes factors that facilitate recovery among people with severe mental illnesses.
Dr. Polen holds a PhD in Social Work and Social Research from Portland State University. Prior to his current appointment, he served as Senior Research Associate at CHR, and as an Investigator in Kaiser Permanente Northern California's Division of Research. He is a member of the American Public Health Association and the Pacific Sociological Association.
E-mail: Michael.Polen@kpchr.org