The Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc (RFMH) is a private, not-for-profit membership corporation organized in 1952, for the purpose of assisting and enhancing the research and training objectives of the New York State Department of Mental Hygiene and its component agencies; the Office of Mental Health (OMH), the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS).

RFMH is governed by a Board of Directors, composed of prominent scientists, researchers, administrators and government officials, which is responsible for setting operational policies and procedures

RFMH is separate from the NYS Department of Mental Hygiene and does not receive services provided to New York State agencies or state appropriation to support corporate functions. RFMH is responsible for its own financial, legal, and business systems, its personnel policies and employee fringe benefits program, and its payroll services. Employees of the RFMH are not indemnified under the New York State Public Officers Law, are not entitled to representation by the New York State Attorney General, and do not participate in the state's retirement and fringe benefits program. RFMH is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Through an agreement with New York State, RFMH has been designated as the organization responsible for administering and directing the conduct of all sponsored research programs carried out by scientists at Department of Mental Hygiene institutes or facilities. Sponsored research activities are carried out at the central offices of the Department as well as at the Departments three research institutes;