Better environments begin with better conversations
Mental health environments have to respond to complex and sometimes competing needs.
They must support safety, dignity, operational requirements, recovery, privacy, autonomy, connection and care.
No single profession sees that whole picture.
DiMHN-NA exists to bring different forms of expertise into the same conversation, including knowledge gained through lived experience, clinical practice, research, design, facilities management, product development and system leadership.
As the Network develops, membership will create opportunities to:
- Connect with people working across disciplines and sectors.
- Learn from lived experience and professional expertise.
- Stay connected to emerging research, ideas and practice.
- Share knowledge, projects and case studies.
- Take part in webinars, discussions and future events.
- Contribute to conversations about better standards, environments and outcomes.
- Build relationships with others committed to improving mental health environments across North America.
Our full membership benefits and pricing structure are currently being developed for a wider launch in 2027.
A Network shaped by different forms of expertise
DiMHN-NA is being built for individuals and organizations involved in creating, operating, delivering care in, supplying, studying or experiencing mental and behavioral health environments.
- People with lived experience
- Family members and caregivers
- Mental health clinicians
- Architects, designers and planners
- Health systems, owners and facilities leaders
- Facilities, operations and maintenance professionals
- Researchers and academics
- Manufacturers, suppliers and industry partners
- Consultants and advisors
- Policymakers and system leaders
- Students and emerging professionals
Different members will bring different knowledge. What connects them is a shared interest in creating environments that offer better opportunities for dignity, safety, care, connection, healing and recovery.
Keep up with the Network
Follow us on LinkedIn for Network updates, and join the mailing list for events, research and news from across North America.
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Membership in 2027
Developing the model
We are developing a membership model during 2026 before formally launching individual and organizational memberships in 2027. That gives us time to make sure the structure reflects the needs of a genuinely multidisciplinary Network.
Formal launch
Current plans include individual and organizational membership, with final pricing, benefits and participation arrangements being developed ahead of launch. We will share full details in 2027.
We are also working toward an accessible model that recognizes the importance of participation from people with lived experience, caregivers and students, for whom free membership is currently intended as part of the developing structure.
Help build the Network from the beginning
While annual membership will launch in 2027, Founding Sponsorship is open in 2026.
Founding Sponsors are organizations choosing to support the development of DiMHN-NA during its formative stage and help create the foundations for a strong, independent and multidisciplinary North American Network.
The approved Founding Sponsor program includes a range of contribution levels and recognition opportunities.
Depending on the level of support, recognition may include:
- Recognition on the DiMHN-NA website
- Use of a Founding Sponsor digital recognition badge
- Inclusion in launch and year-in-review communications
- Recognition in selected educational programs and events
- Invitations to appropriate roundtables and discussions
- Opportunities to propose topics or research questions for consideration
- Opportunities to contribute to appropriate panels, case studies or conversations
- Recognition as a supporter of selected DiMHN-NA initiatives
Sponsorship supports the Network. It does not purchase influence over DiMHN-NA policies, research, educational content or professional standards.
Already part of the UK Network?
Building connections across borders
DiMHN-NA, while independently managed, has developed in collaboration with the UK’s Design in Mental Health Network.
Our organizations share a commitment to improving mental health environments through evidence, lived experience, collaboration and better design, while recognizing that North America has its own healthcare systems, regulatory frameworks, practices and priorities.
We are currently exploring how membership might work for people and organizations with interests in both the UK and North America. For now, the two Networks remain distinct, and further information about any future joint or coordinated membership options will be shared as that work develops.
Design in Mental Health Network – North America
Design in Mental Health Network – UK
Membership and governance
DiMHN-NA is a Board-governed not-for-profit organization.
Membership provides a way to participate in, contribute to and support the Network, but it does not confer governance rights or influence over DiMHN-NA policies, research findings, educational content or professional standards.
We want people and organizations to contribute ideas, experience, evidence and challenge, while protecting the integrity of the Network’s work.
Be part of what comes next
DiMHN-NA is at the beginning of its development. That makes this an important time to become part of the conversation.
Whether you bring lived experience, clinical knowledge, design expertise, operational insight, research, manufacturing capability or system leadership, we would like to hear from you.
Register your interest now and we’ll keep you informed as membership develops toward its formal launch in 2027.
