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Sad News Regarding the Passing of Dr. Roger Boulay

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of our esteemed colleague, Dr. Roger Boulay, at the age of 97. Dr. Boulay passed away this morning, leaving behind a remarkable legacy within the Department of Psychiatry and the broader medical community.
 
Dr. Boulay was truly a pioneer in the medical care of psychiatric patients. His vision led to the development of a unique medical service that delivered essential primary care to patients within the psychiatric hospital. Not stopping there, he later established an outpatient primary care clinic, ensuring that these same patients received continuous follow-up care after discharge through the MIPS Primary Care Office. This innovative approach significantly improved the health and well-being of a vulnerable patient population.
 
Beyond his groundbreaking contributions, Dr. Boulay was the epitome of a gracious and compassionate physician. His dedication to patient care was unwavering, and his kindness touched countless lives. He was so persistent and committed in his goal of delivering much-needed preventive care to these patients that the earliest version of the MIPS primary care clinic involved providing flu vaccines from the back of his Honda Civic at 1100 Elmwood Avenue. He was a teacher and mentor to many of us, and we will continue his legacy by carrying forward the lessons he taught.
 
As Eric Caine, MD so aptly put it: “When I asked him to develop an embedded primary care clinic in psychiatry, he brought unbounded enthusiasm and expertise, along with his great skill in connecting with our diverse patients. He helped shape the unique identity of our department.”
 
For those of us fortunate enough to have known him, we will deeply miss his wisdom, leadership, and compassionate spirit. For those who did not have the opportunity to meet him, reminders of his accomplishments can be felt throughout our department whenever you hear about MIPS.

We will share details regarding memorial services or arrangements as they become available. Our thoughts are with Dr. Boulay’s family and loved ones.

Susan McDaniel to Step Down as the Dr. Laurie Sands Distinguished Professor and Institute for the Family Director

Friday, February 27, 2026

Susan H. McDaniel, PhD, the Dr. Laurie Sands Distinguished Professor of Families & Health, will be stepping down from her position as the Director of the Institute for the Family and Chief of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry on June 30th of this year. Dr. McDaniel received a PhD in 1979 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in clinical psychology, did an internship at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, and was a postdoctoral fellow in family therapy at the Texas Research Institute for Mental Services in Houston after which she moved to Rochester.

Dr. McDaniel has been a member of our faculty for nearly 45 years, during which time she became tenured and has served in numerous leadership positions both within and outside the University. In addition to her role as Director of the Family Therapy Training Program and then Institute for the Family Director, which she has held since 1999, she also served as Associate Chair and later Vice Chair of Family Medicine, Academic Chief of the Division of Collaborative Care and Wellness, Chief Psychologist, and Director of the Rochester Physician Faculty Communication Coaching Program, which she founded in 2011 as part of her participation in the national leadership program for women in academic medicine, ELAM. She is known nationally and internationally for her extensive and impactful scholarship and service. Integrating her early learnings from George Engel and Lyman Wynne, a biopsychosocial systemic approach has been the foundation of her scholarship.

Dr. McDaniel was a pioneer in establishing and advancing the practice of Integrated Behavioral Healthcare, and a co-founder of Medical Family Therapy.  She’s published over 150 papers and 19 books.  She was Editor of the journal, Families, Systems, and Health for 12 years, and Associate Editor of the American Psychologist for 10.   In addition, she has served on numerous boards and committees on national medical and mental health associations, including serving as Chair of the Commission on Accreditation of Marriage and Family Therapy Education, as President of the American Psychological Association in 2016, and she’s completing a term this summer as President of the International Association of Applied Psychology Practice Division. Over the years, she has trained and mentored countless faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, and residents – psychologists, physicians, marriage and family therapists -- whose professional contributions carry forth the biopsychosocial principles and systemic lens through which she helped them view the world.

Dr. McDaniel will transition to a part-time position focused on the continued development of the Physician Communication Coaching Program. The department plans to celebrate Dr. McDaniel and her extraordinary career later this year.

Psychiatry Awarded Grant for Peer Bridger Project Led by George Nasra

Thursday, February 26, 2026

We are proud to announce that the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) Department of Psychiatry has been awarded $1.5 million over five years by the New York State Office of Mental Health to expand Peer Bridger Services across the Finger Lakes region.

This award, issued under the Expansion of Peer Bridger Services (MH253007) initiative, supports enhanced post-discharge transition services for individuals hospitalized for acute psychiatric care. The program will serve Monroe and eight surrounding counties, strengthening continuity of care across a diverse and geographically broad region.
The Peer Bridger model embeds certified peer support professionals, individuals with lived experience of recovery, into the inpatient psychiatric units at Strong Memorial Hospital to begin engagement prior to discharge and provide intensive, relationship-based support for up to 90 days in the community.

The project will be led by George S. Nasra, MD, MBA, Associate Chair for Adult Ambulatory Psychiatry at URMC, who will serve as Principal Investigator.

The goal is to:

• Improve post-discharge follow-up and outpatient engagement
• Reduce avoidable readmissions and crisis recidivism
• Strengthen housing, benefits, and community resource linkage
• Promote recovery, self-advocacy, and long-term stability

We are grateful to OMH for their partnership and investment in recovery-oriented, community-based behavioral health services. This award reinforces our commitment to trauma-informed, culturally responsive care and to improving transitions for some of our region’s most vulnerable patients.

Bill Watson Discusses Functional Neurologic Disorders, Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTP)

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Bill Watson, PhD recently presented several international lectures, including: 

• "An Experiential, Emotion-focused Approach to FND: A Case Example of a 10-year-old and Her Mom" at the British Columbia Children's Hospital Vancouver's Psychology Rounds 
• "Being Imperfect: Openness, Receptivity and Induced Countertransference in Group," a lecture for second- year trainees at the Institute for Psychodynamic Coaching in Moscow, Russia

In addition, Dr. Watson will be speaking at:

• The annual meeting of the North Carolina Neurological Society, where he will deliver an invited address, "Controversies: Functional Neurologic Disorders," alongside Lynn Liu, MD of UNC Health
• The American Group Psychotherapy Association's 2026 AGPA Connect meeting in New York City, where he will lead a one-day workshop, "Deepening Emotional Experience in Group with ISTDP and Modern Analysis"

Wilfred Pigeon, PhD receives the AASM's 2026 Research Mentor Award

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Wilfred Pigeon, PhD was selected for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine's 2026 Research Mentor Award. This award recognizes leaders who are fostering the next generation of researchers in the field of sleep and circadian science.

Barb Olesko to Retire May 2026

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Barbara Olesko, MS, RN, NP will be retiring as of May 22, 2026 following a career in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing spanning 40 years in the Department of Psychiatry. Barbara has a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, a Master’s degree in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing and a Post-Master’s Certificate as an Adult Health Nurse Practitioner all from the University of Rochester.

Barb was one of the first clinicians to work in the HIV Mental Health Clinic, which was started by Ann Zettelmeier Griepp, MD and eventually became the Director of the clinic. Barb started the role of the psychiatric consultant in the ID Clinic while in this position. Barb then moved to the Psychiatric Consultation Liaison Service where she has worked for the last 23 years. In addition, Barb worked briefly in APHP and CPEP to help when staffing was challenged. She has been an active preceptor and mentor for both undergraduate and graduate nursing students.

Barb’s other accomplishments include securing NYS Ryan White Title II Grants (2000, 2001, 2002) to provide mental health care for HIV/AIDS patients who were uninsured or underinsured, worked on an IRB approved research grant looking at Namenda as Prevention for Post-Operative Delirium (2005) with Mike Privitera, MD as well as an IRB research grant to provide interventions to decrease AMA discharges in Cardiac Surgery patients with IV injection related endocarditis (2018, 2019).

Barb has been awarded the Distinguished Community Service Award from East House (1990), the Nursing Practice Award for Fostering Professionalism (1998), the Nursing Practice Paul ‘Pat’ Burdick Award for Excellence in Care for People with AIDS (1998), the Innovation Award (2001) presented by the American Psychiatric Nursing Association, the Joanne Ruiz Achievement Award for Excellence in Clinical Practice (2002) presented by the American Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, the Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Nurse of the Year Award (2008) presented by SMH Nursing Practice, the Excellence in Clinical Care Award (2010) presented by the Department of Psychiatry, The Social Work Award for Excellence for Interdisciplinary Collaboration (2017) presented by the Department of Social Work, the Rochester Academy of Medicine Current Health Crisis Prize (2018) presented by the Rochester Academy of Medicine and was promoted to Senior Nurse Practitioner in 2020. Barb has served on many committees within the hospital and has been a strong advocate for individuals with mental illness.

Melissa Heatly, PhD awarded 2025 School Mental Health Champion Award

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Melissa Heatly, PhD was awarded the National Center for School Mental Health's 2025 School Mental Health Champion Award at the Annual Advances in School Mental Health Conference. The center highlighted her work advancing school mental health by developing data-driven, equitable school mental health systems that expand access, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and improve outcomes for children and families. Heatly serves as Co-Director of our school-based mental health programs. 

Mary Andolesk to Retire March 31st

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of Mary Andolsek, NP whose extraordinary career spanning almost 40 years in the Department of Psychiatry has left an indelible mark on the University of Rochester Medical Center and the field of psychiatric nursing.  Her last day will be March 31, 2026.

Mary began her academic journey at D’Youville College in Buffalo, NY, where she earned her undergraduate degree.  She later completed her master's degree and post graduate degree at the University of Rochester School of Nursing. Her dedication to advancing mental health care and her commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration have been evident throughout her career.  She joined the department of psychiatry as a staff nurse in 1986.  Upon completing her master’s degree, she moved to the outpatient clinic where she was one of the original clinicians in what was previously known as the Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities Clinic, working alongside Nancy Cain, MD for nearly a decade. She later joined the Psychiatric Consultation Liaison Service as a Nurse Practitioner, continuing to provide compassionate and expert care to patients and families Her contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including:  The Award for Excellence in Nursing Practice (1995); The Nancy Kent NP Award (2009);  Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner of the Year Award (2007, 2012); The Excellence in Interdisciplinary Collaboration Award by the Department of Social Work (2017).

Mary’s impact extends beyond clinical care. She has published articles and delivered presentations at national, local, and hospital levels, sharing her expertise and advancing the field of psychiatric nursing. One of her most cherished roles has been serving as a clinical preceptor and mentor to Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner students, inspiring the next generation of clinicians with her knowledge, compassion, and dedication. As Mary embarks on this new chapter, we celebrate her remarkable career and express our deepest gratitude for her contributions to our institution and the broader community.  Please join us in congratulating Mary on her retirement and wishing her all the best in the years ahead.

Celebrating National Recreational Therapy Month

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

February is National Recreational Therapy Month, and we would like to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable contributions of our Recreational Therapists across the Department of Psychiatry. This year’s theme, “Waves of Connection,” beautifully reflects the heart of recreational therapy practice.

Through creative, experiential, and strengths-based interventions, recreational therapists foster meaningful connections — helping patients reconnect with themselves, with others, and with activities that support recovery, resilience, and overall well-being. Their work promotes engagement, empowerment, and community, reminding us that healing often happens through shared experiences and authentic human connection. Moreover, the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) states, “Humans are wired to connect. Social connectedness helps buffer stress, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and even improves physical health. Recreational Therapists turn loose ideas about belonging into structured, evidence-informed experiences that engage and empower. Through Recreational Therapy, participants experience connection, belonging, meaning, purpose, discovery, joy, and flow.” 

Bridge Art Gallery Call for Art- "Finding Community"

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

The Bridge Art Gallery is excited to announce a new call for art for our next show, Finding Community. 

Accepted works will be shown in the gallery from March to June 2026. 

As always, due to the limitations of our gallery, only 2D mediums will be considered. Locked frames are provided in two sizes, 18"x20" and 20"x24", in preset orientations. Artists must mat work to fit these frame sizes. We reserve the right to reject pieces that do not meet specifications.
If you are unable to mat your pieces, please contact us to discuss accommodations. 

Read More: Bridge Art Gallery Call for Art

Caroline Silva Awarded NIMHD Grant To Study Social Disconnection and Suicide Risk

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Social disconnection is a common experience among adults in the second half of life and is one of the strongest risk factors for suicide for this group.

Caroline Silva, PhD was recently awarded a grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities that will support research into how daily, and even hourly, social behavior after age 40 can impact adults’ sense of belonging, loneliness, and whether they see themselves as a burden on others in order to decrease suicide risk. 

“Understanding how social factors alleviate suicide risk,” says Dr. Silva, “can inform suicide prevention interventions targeting social connection for adults in middle to later life.”

Why Teens With ADHD Are So Vulnerable to the Perils of Social Media

Sunday, February 1, 2026

Research has found that teens with ADHD are particularly prone to using social media in unhealthy ways, including long hours of compulsive scrolling or sharing personal information.

Meredith Gansner, MD was among the professionals who spoke with Nature on how parents of kids with ADHD can navigate safe social media use without making their teens feel isolated.

J. Richard Ciccone, MD to Retire

Friday, January 30, 2026

Joseph R. Ciccone, MD will be retiring as of June 30th, 2026, after an extraordinary career of almost 57 years with us. His founding of the Department’s Program in Psychiatry and Law and the Steinberg Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship are enduring contributions. 

Dr. Ciccone has been described as a pioneering leader who played an important role in creating the academic discipline of forensic psychiatry.  He was President of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (1986-87), and founder of AAPL’s Forensic Psychiatry Course (1980-1992). He was President of the Association of Directors of Forensic Psychiatry Fellowships (1992-1996). He was chair of the APA’s Commission on Judicial Action (1993-2000), providing amicus briefs to the United States Supreme Court, and he chaired the APA Commission on Public Policy, Litigation, and Advocacy (2000 – 2002). 

 For his outstanding teaching and contributions to psychiatry, Dr. Ciccone has received many awards. Among them, in 2002, he was awarded a Special Presidential Commendation by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in recognition of his work on behalf of forensic psychiatry and patient advocacy.  In 2013, the APA named him the recipient of the Isaac Ray Award for outstanding contributions to forensic psychiatry and psychiatric aspects of jurisprudence. In 2016, the Rochester Academy of Medicine presented him with the Academy’s highest honor, the Albert David Kaiser Medal, for distinguished service and contributions t o the medical community as "a gifted clinician, inspiring teacher and visionary leader."

Chat with the Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy at a Graduate Program Open House

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Our Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy program will be among the programs at the University of Rochester's Graduate Program Open House. If you are considering a career as a marriage and family therapist or just want to learn more about some of the graduate programs at the University of Rochester, stop by on February 6th!

Welcoming New Faculty and Staff to the Department of Psychiatry

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

In January 2026, we welcomed our newest faculty members at our annual New Faculty Orientation and Reception!

For those new to Rochester, we welcome you to our City and our department. For those who have been around a while, we're excited to have you on our team!

Orientation continued as we welcomed the newest staff members to our department with our inaugural Staff Orientation!
Thank you to all those involved in organizing this opportunity for new employees to learn about all we do, to connect with each other, and explore the resources available to them!

Deniz Altunsu Awarded PCR Biosystems Grant

Thursday, January 22, 2026

We're proud to share that Deniz Altunsu, PhD, was recently awarded a grant from PCR Biosystems to support her research. Dr. Altunsu’s project focuses on improving early and accurate detection of the beginning stages of psychosis by looking at biomarkers in the blood. 

“We are studying small particles in the blood called extracellular vesicles, which carry molecular signals from the brain and may reflect early biological changes linked to psychosis,” explains Dr. Altunsu, “By developing tools (called PCR-based assays) to measure these signals, our goal is to create a minimally invasive and scalable approach that could support earlier diagnosis and decision-making in healthcare."

Strong Minds Leadership Transition

Thursday, January 15, 2026

We are excited to highlight an exciting next phase in the growth of our clinical programs within the Department of Psychiatry.

Annabel Fu, MD will be transitioning out of her role as Medical Director of Strong Minds to focus her efforts on the continued development of our Interventional Psychiatry services. Effective January 12, 2026, Dr. Fu will officially assume the role of Director of Interventional Psychiatry Services. In this expanded role, she will help lead the development of a comprehensive Interventional Psychiatry service, continue to advance our Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) program, further expand Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and support the launch of a new Esketamine program. This work represents a critical strategic priority for the department, and we are deeply grateful for Dr. Fu’s leadership, clinical expertise, and vision in helping to build this next phase of care.

At the same time, Tyler Fleming, DO, MPH will be stepping into the role of Medical Director of Strong Minds, effective April 1, 2026. Dr. Fleming brings deep experience in outpatient psychiatry, psychotherapy supervision, and program leadership. He will continue in his current roles as Medical Director of Strong Family Therapy and as supervisor of the psychotherapy program for our psychiatry residents, ensuring continuity and strong alignment across our outpatient and educational missions.

To support a smooth and deliberate transition, effective January 12, 2026, Dr. Fleming will begin serving as Associate Medical Director of Strong Minds, working closely with Dr. Fu and departmental leadership. This phased transition is designed to maintain stability for patients, faculty, and staff while allowing Dr. Fu protected time to thoughtfully and sustainably develop our interventional psychiatry programs. The full leadership transition for Strong Minds will be completed on April 1, 2026.

Sarah Gibson and Natsuko Yamagata Named 2026 AAGP Scholars

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

We're excited to share that two of our residents, Sarah Gibson, MD and Natsuko Yamagata, DO, have been named as 2026 American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) Scholars! This competitive program provides mentorship and career support for trainees interested in pursuing a Geriatric Psychiatry fellowship to provide psychiatric care to aging adults. 

Rochester First | Monthly Checkup: Help for having difficult conversations with kids

Friday, January 9, 2026

Allison Stiles, PhD, spoke to Rochester First (Jan. 9) about how parents can navigate conversations with children around grief, loss, mental health, and distressing news. “The more we start those conversations, the more we can make sure they have accurate information,” Stiles said. “They know they can come back to us for more in the future.

Watch Interview - Monthly Checkup: Help for having difficult conversations with kids

BHP Blog | Resolution Reset: The Year of Realistic Wins

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

The new year is a great time to reflect and grow, but success comes from goals that fit your life, not ones that box you in. This year, challenge yourself to set goals that nurture progress. The best resolutions are about doing what matters, in ways you can sustain.

Read BHP Blog | Resolution Reset: The Year of Realistic Wins