The History and Development of Australia's Black Dog Institute

ObjectiveTo overview the development of the Sydney-based Black Dog Institute.MethodsThe strengths and limitations of the Institute's predecessor (the Mood Disorders Unit) gave way to a more ambitious Black Dog Institute, and this article gives an overview of the Institute's structural and functional components.ResultsIt is argued that the Institute serves as a model for modern psychiatric service delivery.ConclusionsThe Institute's model of linking clinical, research, education and community activities to advance the understanding, diagnosis and management of mood disorders is detailed for wider consideration.