News

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Save the Date for Poster Day and Key Day!

Friday, May 22, 2026

Mark your calendars for the 13th Annual Trainee Poster Day and the 80th Annual Key Day in June!

• 13th Annual Trainee Poster Day
  June 4th, 2026
  11 AM to 1 PM
  Flaum Atrium
  Join us for the annual showcase of innovative projects from our trainees! The event will feature poster presentations, scholarly conversation, and a food truck! 
• 80th Annual Department of Psychiatry Key Day Ceremony
  June 10th, 2026
  12 PM to 2 PM
  Flaum Atrium
  Key Day is a valued ceremonial tradition of our Department during which we officially recognize trainees who are completing their educational program in 2026. Stay tuned to our Youtube page for a livestream of the event for those unable to attend in-person.
   

Tyler LePore Receives Monroe County Got Dreams Award

Friday, May 22, 2026

Sharing breaking news from our Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness team!

"We would like to give a huge shout out to staff clinician Tyler LePore on receiving the Monroe County Got Dreams Award! This recognition highlights Tyler’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to implementing Systems of Care values, particularly being youth-guided in his approach.

What makes this award especially meaningful is that recipients are nominated and selected by youth themselves, making this recognition a true reflection of the positive impact Tyler has had on the young people and families he works with.

Tyler consistently goes above and beyond in engaging youth and families in meaningful ways through his work as a clinician. His passion, advocacy, and commitment to supporting those we serve truly make a difference everyday."

Jessica Sansone Named the Clinical Coordinator for Westfall Practice

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

We are excited to announce that Jessica Sansone has been promoted to the role of Clinical Coordinator for Addiction Psychiatry's UR Medicine Westfall Practice!  In this position, Jessica will provide program level administrative, clinical, and operational leadership.  Jessica will also represent Westfall Practice within the community to strengthen partnerships and referral pathways. Her role will include both leadership and direct engagement in clinical and educational activities, reflecting her depth of expertise and commitment to our mission.

Jessica has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, professionalism, and dedication to both our patients and our teams. Her ability to navigate complex operational demands while maintaining a patient-centered focus has been invaluable, and I am confident she will continue to strengthen and grow Westfall Practice in this new role.

80's-Themed Bowling Event: Honoring Our Psych Nursing Teams

Monday, May 18, 2026

In celebration of National Nurses Week, our Psych Nursing staff gathered for an exciting 80's-themed bowling event, recognizing their dedication and hard work throughout the year. The evening was alive with neon colors, upbeat energy, and endless laughter as nurses embraced the retro spirit, showcasing their bowling skills in classic 80's attire. To add to the fun, several awards were handed out: the "Humanitarian Award for Pin Safety" for the lowest scorer, the "Kingpin GOAT Award" for the highest scorer, the "Totally Awesome Team Hype Award" for the most spirited team, and "The Ultimate 80's Icon Award" for the best 80's-themed outfit. This event provided a well-deserved opportunity to relax and connect while also honoring their exceptional commitment to patient care, resilience, and teamwork. Thank you to all our incredible nurses and techs for their unwavering dedication, compassion, and profound impact they make in the lives of our patients every day.

Click here for more photos.

Melissa Heatly, PhD, Receives Satcher Early-Stage Faculty Award

Friday, May 8, 2026

Building Healthier Communities: Satcher Awards Honor Those Making a Difference

Melissa Heatly, PhD, a clinical child and adolescent psychologist and assistant professor of Psychiatry, was honored with the Satcher Early-Stage Faculty award.  Through her work with the Rochester City School District (RCSD), she has dramatically improved access to mental healthcare for children and youth who are among our most vulnerable because of poverty and social drivers of health.

Read Full Article - Building Healthier Communities

Sharing Resources for Families at the 5th Annual Community Baby Shower

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

The Firearm Injury Prevention Program (FIPP) and Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness teams had a great time tabling at the 5th Annual Community Baby Shower on May 3rd. The programs shared resources for families and new parents on youth mental health and safe firearm storage. 

"The Community Baby Shower. . . was a huge success," says Jennifer West, PhD, Co-Director of FIPP, "we provided a lot of information/education and had great conversations with expectant and new parents."

Mental Health Awareness Month: NY Be Well Resources

Friday, May 1, 2026

Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. For tips on supporting your mental health and building your wellness your way, visit NY State's Be Well website for more resources. 

Breathing Strategies 

Managing Stress 

Patrick Seche Speaks to Rochester First About Psychiatric Service Expansion

Friday, May 1, 2026

Patrick Seche, chief administrative officer of Psychiatry, spoke to Rochester First (May 1) about how URochester Medicine will use $2.25 million in state funding to expand inpatient services at Strong Memorial Hospital. It will add a new psychiatric ICU, renovate existing facilities, and add six new beds. “In the community, [six beds] might not sound like a lot, but it’s six additional patients who will not have to sit in the emergency room if they need hospitalization,” Seche said. 

Read Rochester First Article ‘High demand’: UR Medicine, Rochester Regional Health to expand mental health services with state funding

Celebrating a Tour- de- Force - Leslie Hoff

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Leslie Hoff, Senior Administrator for Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, will be leaving the University to pursue a new adventure as Business Officer of the St. Joseph’s College of Nursing in Syracuse, a role combining her expertise in administration with her interest in nursing. Leslie has been in the department and in this role since November 2020. Her service to the University of Rochester system dates back to 2004 with a brief 8-month hiatus to Rochester Regional Health in 2017.

Through those years, she has been in various finance and administrative leadership roles between Highland Hospital and Strong Memorial Hospital. Most of Leslie’s roles in our health system have been between the Pediatrics department and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.  Her commitment and dedication to ensuring we can provide the best possible services to pediatric patients have been very evident to me in the last 3½ years that we've had the pleasure of working directly with her. 

We are grateful not only for the years of service she has provided but also for all the plans and initiatives she has developed and operationalized to support the tremendous growth in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Leslie’s administrative expertise and collegial approach have stabilized the division in a way no other administrator before her has been able to do. We'll miss you, Leslie! 

Click here for more photos. 

Employee Assistance Program Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Friday, April 24, 2026

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) celebrated its 30th Anniversary in April. University leaders and managers, alongside community partners, joined the festivities to recognize those who have helped strengthen EAP services over the years.

As part of the 30th Anniversary celebration, UR Medicine Employee Assistance Program (EAP) recognized a group of outstanding partners whose collaboration has strengthened employee well-being across our region. Each award highlights a unique contribution to building healthier, more resilient workplaces.

EAP Director Janine Rowe, PhD spoke on the celebration, saying "The 30th anniversary celebration was an opportunity to reflect on the origins and evolutions of our program, and celebrate the community parents who were a part of that growth. The most common response we heard from guests was "Wow!" as our collaborators and community liaisons reflected their appreciation for the breadth and depth of EAP services. The event highlighted the full scope of the work that came into view, and I think it was powerful for partners to recognize themselves in that story and realize they are part of a growing collaborative system of support." 

Representing URMC Psychiatry Nationally this Spring

Friday, April 24, 2026

Our faculty, staff, and trainees continue to present and learn at presentations and conferences around the country. See below for a few of the places our team members have been recently! 

Psychiatry residents and fellows, alongside several Psychiatry faculty, attended the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry's Annual Meeting in San Diego. This year's conference discussed connecting and collaborating to advance geriatric mental health. Click here to view more photos. 

Kristin Koberstein, PhD and Gabrielle Gebel, PhD attended the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy's Leadership Symposium in Atlanta, Georgia from April 16th to 18th. This event focused on fostering leadership development in the marriage and family therapy profession. 

Through her affiliation with the United Nations' NGO Committee on Mental Health, Cathy Peters, NP, MS attended the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. The overarching message of the conference session was "protecting nurses and frontline workers is essential not only for their safety, but also economic stability, societal well-being, and the quality of care that patients receive."

Marsha Wittink, MD, MBE delivered the keynote address for the University of Rochester Medicine's 19th Annual Geriatric Teaching Day, an event focused on practical strategies healthcare providers can implement in their care of older adults. She also spoke at The Society of Hospital Medicine's SHM Converge conference on improving hospital care of people with concurrent medical and psychiatric conditions. 

Announcement of New Leadership for UMHP

Friday, April 24, 2026

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Adam Brownfeld will be stepping into the role of Director of University Mental Health Practice (UMHP), effective August 1, 2026. Importantly, Dr. Brownfeld will continue in his role as Assistant Director for Behavioral Health Partners (BHP) while taking on this additional leadership position. In this role, Dr. Brownfeld will report directly to Dr. Ann Cornell, Senior Director of Employer-Based Services and Faculty Practices.
This transition also gives us the opportunity to recognize and thank Dr. Daria Alongi, who has served as Director of UMHP since rejoining URMC in July 2024. During her time in this role, Dr. Alongi has provided thoughtful leadership and important contributions to the program and the department. Dr. Alongi is anticipated to leave URMC in August 2026 as she relocates with her family to Minnesota. We are deeply grateful for her service and leadership and wish her and her family all the best in this next chapter.

Dr. Brownfeld joined our department in November 2024 as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Assistant Director for BHP. Since joining our leadership team, he has made significant contributions, most notably developing a comprehensive clinical assessment process for ADHD. This service has been highly utilized and is running smoothly due to his leadership. He has also quickly become a recognized source of expertise within the department for his work with individuals with ADHD.

Dr. Brownfeld earned his doctoral degree from Gallaudet University and his Executive MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology. He completed his internship and postdoctoral training at Jackson Memorial Hospital. He brings extensive experience providing psychotherapy to geriatric populations, Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, and those with co-morbid medical conditions. He is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Brownfeld on this well-deserved appointment, and in thanking Dr. Alongi for her leadership and service to UMHP and the Department of Psychiatry. We are excited about the continued growth and leadership ahead for both BHP and UMHP.
 

Cody Naughton Named Medical Director of Embedded Behavioral Health at Strong Internal Medicine

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Beginning April 1st, Cody Naughton, MD will serve as Medical Director of the embedded Behavioral Health clinic at Strong Internal Medicine (SIM). Dr. Naughton joined University of Rochester Medicine in September 2025 following completion of his Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and his residency training at Rush University Medical Center, where he served in chief resident roles in both education and inpatient psychiatry. Since joining our department, his clinical work has included serving as a psychiatric consultant on the inpatient MIPS unit with Aspen Ainsworth, MD as well as providing psychiatric care within Strong Internal Medicine. He will continue in these roles as part of his ongoing clinical responsibilities.

In this leadership role, Dr. Naughton will provide clinical oversight and support for the Article 31 behavioral health clinic embedded within SIM. He will work closely with Andrea Garroway, PhD, Director of Behavioral Health in SIM, to further strengthen integration between psychiatry and primary care, support high-quality, measurement-based care, and ensure alignment with OMH regulatory and clinical standards.

This role reflects the continued evolution of our integrated care model within the Collaborative Care & Wellness Division and our commitment to building sustainable, high-functioning embedded behavioral health services in primary care settings.

Itza Morales Appointed Executive Director of CCBHC

Thursday, April 23, 2026

We are excited to share that Itza Morales, MSB,CASAC has been appointed Executive Director of the CCBHC (Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic) effective 5/1/26!!! 

CCBHC is a comprehensive integrated model of care initially implemented in 2017 at the Child & Adolescent outpatient clinic at South Avenue, at Strong Ties, and at Strong Recovery. In July 2024, we expanded the model to add the Child & Adolescent outpatient clinic at East River Rd, the Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care, Strong Minds, and our Older Adults clinic. Due to the success of the model, we are currently working on a plan for further expansion to include all of our hospital-based outpatient clinics.  

In this role, Itza will work closely with the CCBHC Executive Committee to provide guidance and oversight for the requirements of the model and continuing enhancement of the services provided.  Given the comprehensive nature of this model, the CCBHC Executive Committee includes the Directors of each clinic, the Sr. Administrators of the respective divisions, the Associate Chair of Adult Ambulatory services, the Associate Director of Nursing for Ambulatory, the Chief of Psych Therapists, and the department’s Quality & Compliance Officer.  Itza will now have the opportunity to lead this next expansion in partnership with rest of the Executive Committee of the CCBHC. 

This role is an addition to Itza’s current role as Sr. Director of Strong Recovery.  She will also continue to serve as the Staff Wellness Officer for the Department of Psychiatry.  
 

Wear Orange Day

Thursday, April 23, 2026

We're excited to be participating in Golisano Children's Hospital's 2026 Wear Orange Weekend! On 6/5, you may see staff in our clinics wearing orange to honor those impacted by gun violence while also raising awareness of ways we all can commit to a future free of firearm injury.

GCH is also hosting a t-shirt sale for those who would like to join in on this day! All proceeds will go towards Everytown for Gun Safety.

Tyler Fleming Named Associate Program Director of Psychiatry Residency Program

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Tyler Fleming, DO, MPH will be joining the Psychiatry Residency leadership team as Associate Program Director effective April 1st!  In this role, Dr. Fleming will collaborate with Jeff Iler, MD and Annabel Fu, MD as co-program directors to oversee the general residency program, with a particular focus on resident psychotherapy education, training, and supervision.

Dr. Fleming joined our department in 2022 after he completed his initial medical training along with his Master of Public Health in 2018 from Touro University California in Vallejo, California, followed by completion of his general psychiatry residency program in 2022 at Einstein Healthcare Network in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  He has additional expertise in psychoanalysis through the Adult Psychoanalysis Training Program at the Psychoanalytic Center of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  

Currently, Dr. Fleming serves as the Medical Director of Strong Family Therapy Services and Strong Minds, and the Director of Residency Psychotherapy Education. He has made significant educational contributions as a clinical supervisor, didactic lecturer, and preceptor for residents and medical students.  His dedication to teaching and his leadership in enhancing the psychotherapy curriculum have been invaluable.  We are confident that his expertise and vision will further strengthen our residency program and enrich the educational experience for our residents.

Leadership Transition on the Psychiatric Consultation-Liaison Service (PCLS)

Thursday, April 16, 2026

We are excited to share an important leadership transition for the Psychiatric Consultation-Liaison Service (PCLS). Dr. Mark Oldham will assume the role of Director of PCLS effective January 1, 2027, with a full transition into the role by February 1, 2027. Dr. Oldham is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and a nationally recognized leader in consultation-liaison psychiatry. Since joining URMC in 2017, he has advanced innovative models of care, including the development of the PRIME Medicine service, and has made significant contributions in delirium care, education, and research. His clinical, academic, and leadership experience position him exceptionally well to lead the continued growth and evolution of PCLS.

At the same time, we would like to extend sincere gratitude to Dr. Mark Nickels for his outstanding leadership and many years of service to our department and institution. Dr. Nickels has been a cornerstone of consultation-liaison psychiatry at URMC, with a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades. Since joining the URMC faculty in 1996, he has served as transplant psychiatrist for the Solid Organ Transplant programs since 1998 and for the Heart Failure/Transplant & VAD programs since 2000, and he currently serves as Director of Transplant Psychiatry. Over the past two years, he has also provided steady leadership as Director of PCLS.

In addition to his transplant psychiatry work, Dr. Nickels has contributed extensively across the system, including collaborations with primary care, bariatric surgery, Strong Memorial Hospital, Wilmot Cancer Center, Highland Family Medicine, and the Strong Epilepsy Center. His contributions across clinical care, education, and program development have had a lasting impact on our patients, trainees, and colleagues. As Dr. Nickels transitions out of the PCLS Director role, he will be retiring from his full-time position and will continue to contribute to our mission in a TAR role supporting the transplant service, a testament to his enduring commitment to patient care and the department.

Please join us in thanking Dr. Nickels for his remarkable service and in welcoming Dr. Oldham into this important leadership role.

Psychiatry share your talent at the 2026 Creatively Connecting Showcase

Friday, April 10, 2026

The 2026 Creatively Connecting Showcase is an event for our URMC Psychiatry employees to share art, creativity, and passion, reminding us of who we are beyond our clinical roles. 

The event will be held at the Memorial Art Gallery on Wednesday, June 24th, 2026, from 5pm-9pm. 

Sign up to share your talent at the 2026 Creatively Connecting Showcase

UR Newsroom: Documentary Explores Toll of Becoming a Doctor

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Pulling back the curtain on physician training, a new documentary chronicles five students’ experiences at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD) while exploring alternative approaches to the rigorous process.

View WXXI: Connections with Evan Dawson interview featuring participants in the documentary, including psychiatry resident, Abe Choe, MD. 

Read full article  UR Newsroom: Documentary Explores Toll of Becoming a Doctor

Remembering Dr. Russell Cain

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

​It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Russell Cain, MD, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, on March 23rd.

He was a valued colleague, dedicated clinician, and compassionate advocate for his patients, and he will be greatly missed by many of us. 
 
Dr. Cain completed his undergraduate and medical education at The Ohio State University, where he met his wife, Nancy Cain, also a Professor Emeritus in our Department. Following residency training in Madison, Wisconsin, he served in the U.S. Navy at the Oakland Naval Hospital, where his work with severely injured servicemen helped shape his lifelong commitment to understanding and treating post-traumatic stress disorder.

After his military service, Dr. Cain made Rochester his home and built a distinguished career as a faculty psychiatrist at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He was deeply committed to caring for underserved populations, including veterans, and was known for meeting patients wherever they were, ensuring truly patient-centered care. He was also active in the American Psychiatric Association and contributed to the development of Blue Choice HMO.

Most of all, Dr. Cain will be remembered for his kindness, humility, and humanity as well as for  his clinical and academic contributions.

URochester in the news: Are boomers the real iPad babies?

Monday, March 23, 2026

The Seattle Times, March 23: Are boomers the real iPad babies?

Elizabeth Santos,MD, clinical chief of the division of Geriatric Mental Health and Memory Care, warns that it can be challenging to recognize when cell phone or screen use becomes a bad habit, a problem, or an addiction in older people. However, she says, there is a clear, easy way to tell if there is an issue. 

Read the full article: Are boomers the real iPad babies?

Check Your Health: Substance use disorder and steps to recovery

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Myra Mathis, MD, Clinical Chief for the Division of Addiction Psychiatry, discusses substance use disorder, evidence-based treatment options, and how individuals can take that initial step toward seeking help for themselves or a family member on the Check Your Health Podcast with Shaun Nelms, EdD.

Listen to Check Your Health Episode 58

Marie Bilinski to Retire April

Monday, March 16, 2026

It is with mixed emotions that we share that Marie Bilinski NP, whose dedication and contributions have left an indelible mark on the field of nursing, psychiatry, and the University of Rochester Medical Center, will be retiring as of April 20, 2026.

Marie’s journey began with her AS degree from Finger Lakes Community College in 1979, followed by her BS and MS degrees at Syracuse University and a post-master’s at the University of Rochester. Her nursing career started as a camp nurse for the severe ID/DD population in the Catskills, before transitioning to med/surg and cardiology. In 1982, she ventured into psychiatry, where her passion and innovation flourished.

In 1988, Marie developed the first New York State psychiatric home care service with Visiting Nurse Service, earning recognition as a standing member of their Patient Care Committee and receiving several in-house awards. Her expertise extended beyond clinical care, as she provided community and institutional presentations on stress management and mindfulness meditation for depression. She also published impactful articles, including “The Impact of Psychotherapy and Self-Healing Techniques in Coping with Chronic Illness: A Case Study” in Home HealthCare Nurse magazine.

Marie’s pioneering spirit continued in 1997 when she developed the first med clinic at St. Mary’s Outpatient Mental Health Clinic. In 1998, she began her remarkable 28-year career with URMC, specializing in geriatric psychiatry. Her work spanned the Older Adults Service, the Memory Care Program, and Telepsychiatry, where she was the sole PMHNP during its inaugural year in 2015.

Beyond her clinical achievements, Marie has been a champion and advocate for her colleagues. In her 28-year career, she has been an active board member of the Office of Consumers, Communications and Community Affairs (CCCA) Board since its inception in 2000 and a founding member of the Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) affinity group with her advocacy highlighted in the Summer Series seminar, “Building a Place of our Own: Creating a Safe Space with the Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Affinity Group.”

Marie’s career has been a testament to innovation, compassion, and excellence. Her contributions have touched countless lives and will continue to inspire future generations. As she embarks on this new chapter, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for a fulfilling retirement.
 

Remembering 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.

UR Newsroom: Can Adults Have ADHD?

Sunday, March 8, 2026

UR Medicine’s Michael Scharf, MD, explains how ADHD symptoms vary from childhood to adulthood and shares the best ways to seek diagnosis and treatment as an adult.

Read the full article: Can Adults Have ADHD?

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.

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. 

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.

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

Retired and Moving Closer to Your Child? Not So Fast

Friday, December 26, 2025

As older adults enter retirement, some may feel the urge to move back closer to their children. However, this decision can sometimes cause friction between family members.

Carol Podgorski, PhD, MPH, MS was among the experts who spoke with The Wall Street Journal on considerations for those looking to make the leap.

BHP Blog: Finding Peace with Radical Acceptance

Monday, December 1, 2025

Practicing radical acceptance can help you navigate stress and difficult feelings by reducing the struggle against what you cannot control and helping you respond with greater compassion toward yourself and others.

Read more BHP Blog: Finding Peace with Radical Acceptance

Holiday Survival Guide: Food, Stress, and Mental Health Tips

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

It’s the holiday season! A time of joy, celebration, connection…and stress. Between busier schedules, elaborate meals, family dynamics, and shorter days, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
To help you navigate the season, our experts share simple tips on how to balance mental and physical health during the holidays.

Read more Holiday Survival Guide: Food, Stress, and Mental Health Tips

How to Reduce Holiday Stress for Kids—and Yourself

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

It’s not just adults who feel holiday pressure—kids experience holiday stress too, often in subtle ways. Children may feel disappointed or overwhelmed when the season doesn’t match the picture-perfect version they see in movies, ads, or on social media. Pediatric psychiatrist Laura Cardella, MD, shares tips to help families manage holiday stress together. 

Read more How to Reduce Holiday Stress for Kids—and Yourself

The Positives of Social Media for Teens and How Parents Can Guide Safe Use

Friday, November 14, 2025

Social media can help teens connect, create, and discover who they are. Medical Center experts offer guidance on how to use it thoughtfully and safely.

Read The Positives of Social Media for Teens and How Parents Can Guide Safe Use

Check Your Health Podcast: Mental health matters—and everyone deserves care that’s compassionate and personalized.

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Check Your Health Podcast with Dr. Shaun Nelmes

Dr. George Nasra, MD, and Sally Rousseau, LCSW, LMFT,  discuss how UR Medicine’s Strong Minds Adult Outpatient Mental Health Clinic supports individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders.

Listen to Podcast - Check Your Health Podcast: Mental health matters—and everyone deserves care that’s compassionate and personalized. 

Stepping Out in the Community for October

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Our teams had a busy month in October, attending community events to share mental health resources! 

The Alzheimer's Disease Care, Research and Education (AD-CARE) Program recently attended several events to spread information and awareness of the latest Alzheimer's Disease research, including:

• The Southern Tier Caregivers Conference
• Evergreen Places’ Brain Health Initiative Kick-Off
• The Caring with Pride Caregiver Conference
• The Greece Recreation Center's Family Health and Wellness fair
• A presentation on brain health at the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church

Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness recently attended Autism Up's TRUNKS o' TREATS! day to share mental health resources to support those with autism.

The team also stopped by Loretta Johnson Middle School to share information about youth mental health services! 

Team Science Showcase: Cracking the Code of Chronic Pain

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center, including Paul Geha, MD, from Psychiatry and Neuroscience, are collaborating across fields like dentistry, neurosurgery, and psychiatry to tackle chronic pain, which affects over 50 million U.S. adults. Their multidisciplinary approach aims to decode pain through brain imaging, psychological tests, and patient data, moving beyond single-drug solutions. 

Read more Team Science Showcase: Cracking the Code of Chronic Pain

Psychiatry Residents Recognized Nationally

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Several trainees received national awards during this past month.

Jaewon Lee, MD, MPH recieved the Top #2 Trainee Poster Award at the 2025 Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry. As part of this award, she provided a two-minute pitch presentation at the conference of her poster, “Age-Associated Differences in Substance Use Among Women Who Died by Suicide: Using CDC NVDRS Data,” which highlighted the strong link between women’s suicide in midlife and substance use.

Sungsu Lee, MD, PhD (Geriatric Psychiatry fellow) won an award for Best Poster at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Psychiatry & the Law. 

Henry Philofsky, MD was awarded the 7th Annual Austen Riggs Award for Excellence in Psychotherapy. This national award recognizes Psychiatry residents who show interest and potential in psychodynamic psychiatry or biopsychosocial  approaches to psychiatry research.

Mark Your Calendars for the Department of Psychiatry 3rd Annual Holiday Food Drive!

Monday, November 3, 2025

Wondering how you can help some of your neighbors facing food insecurity this holiday season?

Starting November 17th, non-perishables can be dropped off at all our inpatient units, our Psychiatry Nursing Service Office (1-9017 at our Strong Memorial Hospital location), or several of our outpatient clinics for our 3rd Annual Holiday Food Drive.

Donations will go towards the UR Medicine Food Pantry to provide food packages for those receiving mental health care.

Representing URMC Psychiatry Nationally this Fall

Saturday, November 1, 2025

Our faculty, staff, and trainees continue to present and learn at presentations and conferences around the world. See below for a few of the places our team members have been this month!

In November, several faculty members presented at the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry's Annual Meeting, "Innovation in C-L Psychiatry: Exploring the Promise and Pitfalls of New Approaches," in San Antonio. John Romano Professor and Chair Hochang Ben Lee, MD also spoke as Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry during the conference!

Dr. Lee also presented the UCLA Brain Institute's Semel Grand Rounds on November 18th, discussing proactive consultation-liaison psychiatry as a method of transforming psychiatric care in hospitals. 

Jennifer West, PhD presented "Seguridad y Comunidad: Culturally Responsive Approaches to Firearm Injury Prevention" at the National Research Conference for the Prevention of Firearm-Related Harms on November 20th in Phoenix. Corey Nichols-Hadeed, JD and Kelly Johnson of the Firearm Injury Prevention Program were coauthors on this paper. In addition, Jordan Kocon, PhD, an alumnus of our Health Service Psychology Doctoral Internship, served as co-author.

Craig Rooney, PhD presented several breakout sessions at the University of Rochester Wellbeing Symposium alongside Toni Sexton of the Office of Wellbeing. The session discussed "Cultivating Connection and Meaning through our 'Why." Dr. Rooney and Dr. Autumn Gallegos also presented a poster session, "The URMC Wellbeing Fellows Program: Equipping Local Leaders with Tools for Change," alongside Toni Sexton and Jessica Shand, MD, of the Department of Pediatrics during the symposium. 

On November 5th and 6th, Yeates Conwell, MD, Annamarie Defayette, PhD, and Tony Pisani, PhD presented their work at the 42nd Brazilian Congress of Psychiatry in Rio de Janero, Brazil. 

On September 30th, William Watson, PhD presented an invited address, “An Experiential Emotion-Focused Approach to Understanding and Treating Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Attacks (PNEA),” at the Annual Meeting of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms, in Boulder, Colorado. 

Dr. Watson also recently presented a lecture, “ISTDP for FND in a 10-year-old,” to a group of 70 clinicians in the UK, as well as a lecture and five process groups to a group of Russian trainees from around the world for the Institute for Psychodynamic Coaching's intensive. 

Corey Nichols-Hadeed, JD, Jennifer West, PhD, and Chloe Lee, MD, MPH joined local experts at Willow Domestic Violence Center of Greater Rochester's annual summit to talk about topics such as firearm injury research as well as the unique perspectives of healthcare providers with personal experience of domestic abuse. 

Faculty and alums from our MS in Marriage and Family Therapy program attended the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association's annual Integrated Care Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Michael Scharf, MD, Segundo Robert-Ibarra, MD, Deanna Sams, PhD, Taylor Steeves, PhD, David Garrison, MD, and Aubry Ball, LMHC presented a two-hour symposium discussing the Rapid Stabilization Pathway, an intervention for youth in inpatient units, at the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry's annual meeting in Chicago. 

Nilsa Ricci, MD (PGY3),  Anne-Marie Hathaway, DO (Chief for CPEP/inpatient psychiatry), Sungsu Lee, MD, PhD (Geriatric Psychiatry Fellow), and Fatima Rumesa, MD (Forensic Psychiatry Fellow) presented poster sessions at the American Academy of Psychiatry & the Law (AAPL)'s Annual Meeting. Sungsu Lee's poster was named the Best Poster by the AAPL! More photos available here. 

Jhalysa Johnson, Kenya Malcolm, PhD, Jerard Johnson, and Chassity Phelps attended the Trauma Informed Network and Resource Center's Join the Journey conference, focused on bringing trauma-informed practices to communities and organizations.

Wei Li Suen, MD presented two sessions at the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry's Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. His presentations will include: 

•  "A Case for Transdermal Buprenorphine: Low Dose Induction in a Patient with Opioid Use Disorder and Chronic Pain"
• "When Catatonia and Comfort Care Collide: A Case Report on Withdrawing a Beneficial Course of ECT in a Medically Ill Patient With Catatonia"

BHP Blog: When Anxiety Feels Like a Crisis, Part 2: Coping with Panic Attacks

Friday, October 31, 2025

Have you found yourself skipping events with crowds, turning down social invitations, or even missing work because of anxiety? Maybe you put off medical appointments or arrange rides, so you don’t have to drive. If you have had a panic attack before, you may find yourself avoiding certain activities, situations, or settings.

Read more BHP Blog: When Anxiety Feels Like a Crisis, Part 2: Coping with Panic Attacks

University of Rochester Neurobiologist Suzanne Haber Elected to National Academy of Medicine

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Suzanne N. Haber, PhD

Suzanne N. Haber, PhD, an internationally recognized scientist whose work has transformed our understanding of the brain networks that play a central role in many mental health disorders, including obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM). Recognized as one of the highest accolades in health and medicine, the distinction acknowledges Haber’s significant contributions to the fields of neuroscience and psychiatry over the past 40 years.   

Dean’s professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Haber is a biological map maker, charting the brain regions and circuits that regulate motivation, cognition, and motor control. Through anatomical studies and the use of advanced imaging techniques she’s identified abnormalities in brain circuitry that contribute to neurological and mental health disorders ranging from schizophrenia and OCD to post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction, and depression.

Leader of the National Institutes of Health-funded Silvio O. Conte Center for Basic and Translational Mental Health Research at the University of Rochester, Haber partners with scientists and physicians from institutions across the country to turn her findings on circuit dysfunction into treatments that can improve people’s lives. She’s currently using circuitry models to determine which circuits physicians should target for deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy to be most effective for individuals with OCD, depression, and addiction. 

“Suzanne’s research is highly translational,” said Steve Dewhurst, PhD, vice president for Research at the University of Rochester. “Her broad knowledge of brain networks, including the so-called ‘OCD network’, combined with the expertise of state-of-the-art imaging specialists and physicians attuned to patient needs, creates an ideal foundation for understanding how the OCD network regulates brain function in both health and disease. It also sets the stage for the development of innovative treatment strategies. This recognition is a testament to her remarkable insight and collaborative nature.”

Unique New Program Uses Art to Bring Vitality to Older Adults

Friday, October 17, 2025

Yeates Conwell, MD spoke with Spectrum 1 News on the University of Rochester Aging Institute's Aging INSPIRED! program, which aims to explore how art can keep adults engaged and healthy as they age. 

Aging INSPIRED! will be holding their 2025 event on November 8th at the Memorial Art Gallery. Join for an afternoon of discussions focused on making Rochester an even more age-friendly community.

Celebrating Global Peer Support Day

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Today, on Global Peer Support Day, we celebrate and honor the incredible work of our peer professionals—individuals who draw upon their lived experience with mental health and substance use recovery to offer support, advocacy, and hope to our patients. Global Peer Support Day is observed annually on the third Thursday of October and honors peer specialists who utilize their lived experience with mental health, addiction, or trauma to help others. The day raises public awareness of peer support services and celebrates the important role these individuals play in helping people on their recovery journey. Peer support is a vital component of our behavioral health system. By promoting connection, reducing stigma, and walking alongside those in recovery, our peer advocates exemplify the values of empathy, respect, and resilience that are at the heart of our mission.

We extend our gratitude to every peer advocate in our department; your dedication strengthens our collective work and continues to transform lives. Please take a moment to watch this video and learn more about why our peers are so valued and appreciated by their supervisors!! 

What You Should Know About Kratom

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Opinions on kratom, a supplement made from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, have been split. While some people report advantages to treating depression or chronic pain, others report withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit.

Marc Swogger, PhD joined experts to break down some of these considerations for those looking to start kratom.

Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness Once Again Named to U.S. News & World Report

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

We are proud to share that our Child and Adolescent Psychiatry program has once again been named to U.S. World News Report's Top 50 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings under the Pediatric and Adolescent Behavioral Health category! This category recognizes the achievements of several divisions at Golisano Children's Hospital, including the divisions of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, and Adolescent Medicine.

This recognition marks the second consecutive year that these divisions have been highlighted in U.S. World News Report.

8 things to know about the University of Rochester’s Mt. Hope Family Center

Monday, October 6, 2025

For 45 years, Mt. Hope Family Center, a national resource, has pioneered cutting-edge psychology research while providing support for thousands of vulnerable families annually.  The center is cross-disciplinary by design—combining resources from across the University of Rochester and the community. Researchers at Mt. Hope work alongside colleagues in the Department of Psychology, Susan B. Anthony Center, School of Nursing, as well as the Medical Center’s departments of psychiatry, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology.

Read UR News Center 8 things to know about the University of Rochester’s Mt. Hope Family Center

"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" Show Explores Sibling Rivalry, Self-Esteem, and Finding Happiness

Friday, October 3, 2025

Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness's Creative Arts Therapy Program invites you to their fall production of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, running from October 3rd to 5th! 

The show is a form of therapeutic theatre, directed by Maggie Powell (Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and Registered Drama Therapist), with assistant direction by Robyn Broomfield (Licensed Mental Health Counselor), and music direction by Elena Parkins (Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and Board-Certified Music Therapist). Actors and stage crew are all youth currently or formerly engaged in mental health services.

The show explores themes of sibling rivalry, procrastination, perfectionism, self-esteem, and ultimately, finding happiness in the everyday things! It's appropriate for all ages and will run about 2 hours with an intermission. Tickets are $10 for youth and $15 for adults. 

Why Are Gun Suicides Soaring Among Older American Men?

Friday, October 3, 2025

Research from the Centers for Disease Control is finding that more and more older adults- especially men- are dying by gun suicide. Yeates Conwell, MD joined experts to talk with GQ on the factors driving this public health crisis.

BHP Blog: Nurturing a Nature Habit

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Engaging with the natural world, such as rocks, dirt, water, or anything found outdoors—including animals, ecosystems, or areas generally not developed by humans—has been shown to help improve overall mental and physical well-being. A connection to nature, research shows, can help reduce stress and help you thrive. 

Read more BHP Blog: Nurturing a Nature Habit

Aging-Inspired - Unique new program uses art to bring vitality to older adults

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Yeates Conwell, MD, spoke to Spectrum News (Sept. 30) about the Aging Institute’s Aging Inspired campaign, which highlights the health benefits of the arts and encourages older adults to embrace new experiences. “It’s really wonderful to watch how older people can get engaged in this and really find well-being and joy in life in ways that they hadn’t before,” Conwell said.

Read more Aging-Inspired - Unique new program uses art to bring vitality to older adults

Madeline Penn Named Business Administrator for Adult Acute Division

Monday, September 29, 2025

Please join us in welcoming Madeline Penn back to the Adult Acute Division as our new Business Administrator, supporting the Adult Inpatient Units, CPEP/PEOB, Mobile Crisis Team, and Crisis Call Line!

Madeline is returning to our department after serving as Practice Manager, overseeing 3 outpatient clinics in OBGYN Maternal Fetal Medicine. There, she led operations across clinical, scheduling, and compliance. Prior to that, she worked in our Adult Partial Hospital Program as Lead OAR, where she streamlined front-end operations and was instrumental in scheduling and carrying a new model for the program's billing. 

Madeline holds a Bachelor's in Health Care Administration and recently completed the Master's in Leadership in Health Care Systems through the UR School of Nursing. She brings a solid background in health care administration, leadership, and operational management with experience in building efficient workflows, front-end operations, and enhancing patient access across service lines. 

We are thrilled to have Madeline back in our Department and looking forward to the enthusiasm and support she will bring to the programs in the Adult Acute Division!

Team Science Showcase: Cracking the Code of Chronic Pain

Friday, September 26, 2025

The path to discovery knows no walls. Labs must be nimble, intuitive, and creative to make advancements that will lead to a better understanding of the human body and treatments for disease.

When tackling a complex problem like chronic pain, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates affects more than 50 million adults in the United States, researchers from a myriad of specialties need to join forces to ask questions and piece together answers. At the University of Rochester, dentists, neuroscientists, surgeons, psychiatrists, anesthesiologists, nurse practitioners, and others are partnering to gain knowledge and insights that could transform treatment, care, and outcomes.

“I’ve never had any collaborative environment like here. Not everyone can work with you, but everybody will listen and try to find connections,” said Eli Eliav, DMD, PhD, MBA, director of the Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester. “To conduct pain research, a multidisciplinary approach is key. There will never be one molecule or one drug that will solve all the pain problems in the world."

The Team(s)

At the Neuromedicine Pain Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center, neurosurgeons, neurologists, and anesthesiologists partner to create the best care and treatment plans for patients. They also work with neuroscientists like Paul Geha, MD, associate professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience and a member of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience.

He and Jennifer Gewandter, PhD, MPH, associate professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, along with neurosurgeon Steven Soler, MD, recruit people living with pain who are undergoing spinal cord stimulation—a surgery with an average success rate of 50 percent. Prior to implantation of a spinal cord stimulator, patients must undergo psychological testing to make sure important diagnoses, like PTSD or substance abuse, aren’t missed. Their research aims to add outcome prediction to the psychological clearance step with a more comprehensive test.

“Being able to work with Jennifer, who is an expert in clinical trials, helps us maintain that connection between the more mechanistic work we do on the research side with the actual applications in treatment,” Geha said.

Celebrating Addiction Professionals in our Department!

Friday, September 19, 2025

On September 20th, we recognize Addiction Professionals Day, a time to honor the dedication, compassion, and expertise of those who serve individuals, families, and communities impacted by substance use disorders.

Addiction Professionals Day was established in 1992 by NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, to highlight the critical role that counselors, clinicians, peer specialists, and all who work in the field play in promoting recovery, reducing stigma, and advancing evidence-based care. For over three decades, this day has been an opportunity to raise awareness of the profession’s value and celebrate the commitment of those who support some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

The Department of Psychiatry has experienced tremendous growth in our Addiction Professionals, particularly our Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) discipline. This year, Strong Recovery celebrates 52 years of dedicated substance use treatment services and employs the largest number of CASACs in our department and in the region! In 2017, when Strong Recovery, Strong Ties, and Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness became a certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC), substance use services were integrated into our OMH clinics, and our CASAC footprint continued to grow. Today, we celebrate the stable progress of expanding CASACs. We recognize the following clinical areas that integrate the CASAC discipline into their multidisciplinary teams: G-9200/SUMMITS, CPEP, Inpatient Psych, Older Adults, ACT, Strong Minds, and EAP. Most recently, we welcomed Westfall Associates into the Addiction Psychiatry division to offer more expansive substance use services located at Sully’s Trail. *Many of these talented professionals are pictured in our slideshow* View slideshow here: 2025 Addiction Professionals Day on Vimeo (a special thank you to Amanda Lai and Cari Hindman for creating this video!)

Additionally, in 2023, the Advanced Certificate in Addictions Counseling Program commenced and provides an educational opportunity designed for professionals in other disciplines to learn about substance use knowledge and obtain the necessary educational hours to become a CASAC-Trainee! 

Your work requires not only clinical skill but also deep empathy, resilience, and perseverance. Each of you plays a vital role in helping individuals build healthier lives, strengthening families, and creating more supportive communities. The impact of your work is profound, and today we pause to say thank you for your unwavering dedication.

Please take a moment to reflect on the meaningful difference you make each day. We are proud to work alongside you in advancing hope and healing.

Aileen Aldalur Receives K23 Award from National Institute of Mental Health

Monday, September 15, 2025

We're excited to share that Aileen Aldalur, PhD has been named a recipient of a Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23) from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)! 

The K23 award provides up to five years of support for researchers to develop patient-oriented research projects. Dr. Aldalur will be conducting a national clinical trial to test whether an adapted Zoom-based intervention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Treatment Seeking for Deaf Individuals (Deaf CBT-TS), can improve beliefs about mental health treatment, increase mental health treatment engagement, and reduce suicide risk for Deaf adults.

What teenagers say will get them off their phones | WXXI Connections Podcast | Michael Scharf, MD

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Michael Scharf, MD, spoke to WXXI News on the importance of balancing screen time with real-world interaction. “It’s easier to have more authentic reactions face to face,” Scharf said. “It’s easier to interpret context in person than it is over text or phone.”
 

Cell Phone Bans in Schools: What Parents Need to Know

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Research from the Digital Wellness Lab suggests that reducing phone use during school can lift academic performance, promote face-to-face interaction, and lessen exposure to cyberbullying. Still, experts emphasize that building healthy tech habits isn’t just about school rules.

“Cell phones aren’t inherently ‘bad,’” says Melissa Heatly, PhD, a child psychologist at UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital. “They’re powerful tools for communication and learning, but they can also be distracting and overwhelming for kids who are still developing self-regulation skills.”

Read more on UR Newroom: Cell Phone Bans in Schools: What Parents Need to Know

Dr. David Garrison Named 4-9000 Medical Director

Friday, September 5, 2025

Please join us in welcoming back Dr. David Garrison to the role of Medical Director for our Inpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry program! 

This is a role Dr. Garrison has held before, though our health system and acute services have evolved some since that time, with significant further changes anticipated in the coming years.  Dr. Garrison is our most senior in terms of years of service -Inpatient Child and Adolescent Attending Psychiatrist, with a history of generatively and excellence in patient care and in education.  He is coming into this role now with some exciting ideas and an established enthusiasm for innovation in the provision of the highest quality patient and family-centered care.

And please also join me in thanking Dr. Mani Kurien for his years of service in the Medical Director role.  Dr. Kurien is our second most senior CAP inpatient Attending and he has consistently been an outstanding clinician, collaborator, and team member, always ready to provide care for the most challenging and complicated patients and to lend a hand in times of crisis or workforce shortage.  It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with Dr. Kurien throughout the years- since he first came to UofR, really- and during his time as Medical Director on 49000.  Dr. Kurien has decided to focus his time more on direct patient care, continuing to work on 49000 and in our Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, where his patients and their families will continue to benefit from the excellent skills and experience he brings to that care.
 

Unraveling the Web of Chronic Pain

Thursday, August 28, 2025

How Transdisciplinary Pain Research Looks to the Brain for Answers

For Paul Geha, MD, pain and the brain exist in tandem. “All pain is psychological because we really need to be conscious to feel pain,” Geha said. “We feel pain with our brains, not with our knees and our backs, and in that sense, all pain is psychological. And all pain has a psychological component that is what we need to start with and understand that the injury model does not go far enough to explain the patient's problems.”

Read more on UR Newsroom: Unraveling the Web of Chronic Pain

Partnering with University of Buffalo For Training on Trauma-Informed Care

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Our various Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics partnered with the University of Buffalo’s Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) to provide three offerings that were 3 hours in length. Programs that particated included Strong Recovery, Strong Ties, Strong Minds, Older Adults Mental Health Services, Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness program, and more!

The trainings provided a foundational overview of how psychological trauma and adversity may impact the health, mental health, and well-being of individuals. Participants also learned how they can use a trauma-informed approach in their roles with patients and the workforce to engage in universal precautions: applying the trauma-informed values and principles to reduce the likelihood of re-traumatization. Participants participated in a discussion and reflection through the use of a multi-part case study activity to apply the content to a situation relevant to their work. This presentation is appropriate for any staff role, as it will build a common language around trauma and a trauma-informed approach. 
 
This is the first phase of our TIC training initiative, and we look forward to learning more about this topic in the next year. 

Join Us for NAMI Walks 2025!

Friday, August 15, 2025

Our department is excited to once again participate in NAMI Walks Rochester, taking place on September 27th at 10 AM at a new location at Asbury First United Methodist Church!

We invite all to join our walking team for this year’s walk to support NAMI Rochester’s efforts to advocate for andsupport those affected by mental illness.

Click Here to Register for Our Walking Team

Can’t make it to the walk? You can support our team’s efforts by fundraising for NAMI Rochester or by sharing our walk team page and tagging us on Facebook, X, or Instagram!

Food trucks will be at the event for folks to purchase lunch, as well as complimentary coffee drinks and water. Parking will be available at the church parking lot as well as several overflow lots.

Click here to view the walk map.

Join us on Aug 14th for the opening of the renovated 4-9200 unit

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

We are excited to wrap up a major renovation of our fourth-floor Adult Inpatient Psychiatry unit (4-9200). This refreshed space will help us continue to provide a safe and supportive space for those who require stabilization for acute psychiatric illness in an inpatient setting. 

Watch the livestream of the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

How Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Is Bringing Peace to Patients | UR Newsroom

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Marc Swogger, PhD, an associate professor of Psychiatry and Palliative Care at URMC, is leading a four-year study cataloging ketamine-assisted psychotherapy practices—everything from low-dose nasal sprays with no therapy to Pal-KAP’s full integration model. 

Read UR Newsroom | How Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Is Bringing Peace to Patients

School Year Stress: Acing the Back-to-School Season

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Being prepared, mindful, and having the necessary tools to organize your family routines can help reduce your stress and anxiety. That's why we've created a go-to guide with resources and advice from experts—to help you feel prepared as the school year begins. Allison Stiles, PhD, and Melissa Heatly, PhD, provide tips on how parents can help make the transition to back-to-school easier. 

Read more on UR Newsroom: School Year Stress: Acing the Back-to-School Season

Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness Seeking Artwork from Young Artists

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness invites all youth to submit artwork for an art show accompanying their Fall theater production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." This year's show theme is "Happiness Is..." The submission deadline is September 27th. Those interested can drop off their artwork at the Child and Adolescent Outpatient Services front desk at 1860 South Avenue during normal business hours. Reach out to Caitlyn Wilcox for questions.

Representing URMC Psychiatry Nationally in July

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Craig Rooney, PhD contributed to a podium talk presented at the Association of Academic Medical Centers (AAMC)'s Group on Faculty Affairs (GFA) Professional Development Conference in Portland, Oregon. The presentation, "Individualized Coaching to Enhance Faculty Engagement, Leadership Skills, and Wellbeing," discussed an innovative one-on-one leadership development and coaching program aimed at fostering faculty engagement, career and leadership development, and improvement in overall job satisfaction and well-being. 

Yeates Conwell, MD also was a speaker at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences' virtual International Online Symposium on Suicide from an Interdisciplinary Perspective on the 24th. He discussed Brain Aging, Emotional Well-being, and Suicide Risk in Later Life.

AD-CARE Shares Alzheimer's Research and Resources in the Rochester Community

Monday, July 28, 2025

The Alzheimer's Disease Care, Research, and Education Program had a busy month this July, sharing information on the latest Alzheimer's research and resources throughout Rochester.

Events they participated in include the following: 

Henrietta Senior Center's ‘Walk with a Doc’ day, an event for seniors to get some steps in and be able to ask providers questions. 

The Helen Barrett Montgomery School's Health and Wellness Fair, an event aimed at bringing vital health services and education directly to the community. 

A celebration of participants involved in the AHEAD Study,  a four-year clinical trial of lecanemab for preventing Alzheimer's in those with a higher risk of developing the disease. With a number of participants reaching the four-year and two-year mark of the study, AD-CARE held a small discussion about recent research updates, the progression of research studies, and answered any questions the participants had. 

An Overlooked Demographic Has the Highest Suicide Risk — and It’s Been Rising

Friday, July 18, 2025

While much of the discussion about mental health in the U.S. has been focused on the growing needs of children and teens, research is finding that another group is often overlooked- older men.
Yeates Conwell, MD was among the experts who spoke with STAT on some of the reasons behind the rise in suicides in this group.

Read More: An Overlooked Demographic Has the Highest Suicide Risk — and It’s Been Rising

Golisano Children’s Hospital Celebrates 10 Years of Changing Lives

Thursday, July 17, 2025

On July 17, Golisano Children’s Hospital (GCH) families, employees, and leadership celebrates its 10^th year anniversary, a milestone reflected in the significant growth GCH has made toward providing comprehensive health services to children in the Finger Lakes region and beyond.

Read more: Golisano Children’s Hospital Celebrates 10 Years of Changing Lives | URMC Newsroom 

Burnout, Mental Health & Self-Compassion: Lessons from Medicine for All of Us | URMC Newsroom

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Burnout and mental health challenges affect people in every walk of life. The constant pressure to do more can take a serious toll, especially for high-achievers who tie success to their self-worth.

Read more: Burnout, Mental Health & Self-Compassion: Lessons from Medicine for All of Us | URMC Newsroom

Stephanie Bruder Named Lead Administrator for Space Management and Planning

Thursday, July 10, 2025

We are excited to announce that Stephanie Bruder has been promoted to the position of Lead Administrator for Space Mgt/Planning and Project Implementation, effective 7/16/25.  Stephanie joined the University in 2016 and transitioned to Psychiatry 2 years later.  She has served in various administrative roles in the department, with her most recent role being the administrator for our inpatient/crisis services.

In her new role, Stephanie will provide oversight, establish administrative procedures, coordinate, and implement space management and planning activities for the department. She will work collaboratively with liaisons from the Medical Center's Space Planning Office. Stephanie will also lead larger project implementations in the department in collaboration with other leaders accordingly.  As her first official assignment of her new role, she has been appointed to the Operational Readiness Core team for the Strong Expansion/ED Tower Project, which will include a new expanded CPEP.  Stephanie brings the right blend of knowledge, skills, and attitude to this new central position for the department.

Over the next several weeks, Stephanie will work with Kristina Washington on a thoughtful and gradual transition plan of her current duties for inpatient/crisis.  They will ensure there are no significant gaps through this process. Please join us in congratulating Stephanie on her exciting new role in the Department of Psychiatry!

How to Manage Anxiety | URMC Newsroom

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Try these simple, everyday tools to soothe your mind and body.

For some, anxiety comes and goes. For others, it lingers, feeling like a revving engine that never slows. Anxiety can show up as racing thoughts, a pounding heart, or the sense that something terrible is approaching.

Read URMC Newsroom - How to Manage Anxiety

Leadership Transitions in HEAL Collaborative

Monday, July 7, 2025

We are pleased to announce an important leadership transition within our HEAL Collaborative program. Effective July 1st, Dr. Vicky Atzl has assumed the role of Director. Dr. Atzl brings a wealth of clinical and research expertise to this position and has served as Assistant Director over the past year. We are excited to have her lead this dedicated team forward.

Dr. Kristen Holderle has served as Director of the HEAL Collaborative since 2021. She is transitioning to focus more on her consultation work. Dr. Holderle has made tremendous contributions to the HEAL program, and we are deeply grateful for her leadership and dedication. 

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Atzl to her new role and in expressing our sincere appreciation to Dr. Holderle for her outstanding service.

Join us for the 2025 Summer Brown Bag Series - Refilling Your Cup: Collective Approaches to Mental Well-being

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Registration is now open for the July sessions of the Department of Psychiatry's 2025 Summer Brown Bag Series, "Refilling Your Cup: Collective Approaches to Mental Well-being!" 

This series will focus on incorporating non-traditional forms of healing into your toolkit for wellbeing and will take place on Wednesdays at noon throughout the summer. CEUs and CMEs available.

Please note our first session takes place on July 9th, featuring LaVerne Hanes Collins, PhD. 
As always, attending fulfills one of your annual required credits.

Help us spread the word! 
Share our announcement on Facebook, Instagram, and X, or share the attached image on the platforms you are on. 

Read More: Join us for the 2025 Summer Brown Bag Series - Refilling Your Cup: Collective Approaches to Mental Well-being

What to Do if You Need Mental Health Help Now | URMC Newsroom

Monday, June 30, 2025

Online Mental Health Services: When You Can’t Wait

When a mental health crisis strikes, time matters. Thanks to UR Medicine’s online mental health services, you get instant access to expert mental healthcare at home, at work, or on the go. Our licensed mental health professionals have experience and expertise in crisis intervention. They’re available to help you work through difficult situations with open-minded compassion.

Learn more about how to access Virtual Mental Health Urgent Care and UR Medicine Emergency Mental Health Services.

Read What to Do if You Need Mental Health Help Now | URMC Newsroom

New Research Awards: Supporting Healthy Child
Development & Growing Local Healthcare Workforce

Thursday, June 26, 2025

The Department of Psychiatry has recently received an announcement of two federal grants.

Common Mechanisms Linking Pre- and Post-Natal Exposures for Child Health Outcomes

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded $1.6-1.8 million per year over five years to extend its support for groundbreaking research on child health and development. Thomas O’Connor, PhD is the principal investigator for the project, “Common Mechanisms Linking Pre- and Post-Natal Exposures for Child Health Outcomes.”

This initiative continues the NIH’s longstanding investment in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, which investigates how early environmental factors impact child health. The research will focus on key areas, including Pre-, Peri-, and Postnatal Health, Upper and Lower Airways, Neurodevelopment, Obesity, and Positive Health.

This work underscores the University of Rochester’s commitment to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes for children.

Graduate Psychology Education Programs

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded $449,973 per year over the next three years (for a total of $1.3 million) to continue efforts in growing the local healthcare workforce trained in treating Opioid Use Disorders (OUDs), Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and other behavioral health challenges in Monroe County.

Caroline Easton, PhD serves as the principal investigator on this project. Specifically, this grant will support our APA-accredited “Rochester Priority Behavioral Health Internship Training Program” to train 18 additional doctoral psychology interns with a focus on integration of care, trauma-centered care, OUD/SUD, and mental health services for high-demand, underserved populations. This award will also support the addition of new initiatives in the program focused on integration of care, social determinants of health, provider resiliency, and the use of evidence based digital therapies/digital tools as well as tele-behavioral health.

Representing URMC Psychiatry Nationally in June

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Psychiatry members recently presented at national conferences.

Victoria Pezzino, PsyD of our Postdoctoral Fellowship in Suicide Prevention program and our Addiction Psychiatry division recently presented at the College on Problems of Drug Dependence's national conference in New Orleans!

She shared her research project, "Assessing Substance Using- Depressed Young Adults' Alliance and Engagement with a Digital Avatar CBT Platform (RITch®CBT)," a digital platform to decrease addiction and prevent suicide.

Daniel Maeng, PhD also presented two posters at AcademyHealth's 2025 Annual Research Meeting in Minneapolis. Dr. Maeng discussed research from the following projects: 

"30-Month Impact of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder on Acute Care Utilization in Rural Communities" by Daniel Maeng, PhD; Holly A. Russell, MD (Department of Family Medicine), Kenneth R. Conner, PsyD MPH (Department of Emergency Medicine), Jade Malcho, MD, Wendi Cross, PhD, and Hochang B. Lee, MD

"Disparities in Use of Benzodiazepine and Medications for Opioid Use Disorder between Urban and Rural Medicare Beneficiaries with Opioid Use Disorder since COVID-19 Pandemic" by Daniel Maeng, PhD, Hugh Crean, PhD, Lisham Ashrafioun, PhD

Marsha Wittink, MD presented Pioneering the Design and Function of Medical-Psychiatry Units (MPUs): Bridging Acute Medical and Mental Health for Whole-person Care alongside Virginia Pankey, Behavioral Health Practice Leader at HoK Architects, at the International Design in Mental Health Conference in Manchester, United Kingdom on June 3rd. 

This year, we also had a record number of faculty and residents attend and present at the annual meeting for the Association for Directors of Medical Student Education of Psychiatry (ADMSEP) at Cambridge, Massachusetts from June 19th to 21st. 

Grace Ro, MD, Sungsu Lee, MD, Margaret Puelle, MD, Laura Cardella, MD presented a poster- "Clinician Educator Tracks: A Review of Existing Programs and a Proposal for URMC’s New Teacher Pathway." 
Annabel Fu, MD, and Laura Cardella, MD presented a poster- "Teaching Medical Students to Identify Biopsychosocial Factors in the Preclinical Curriculum."
Annabel Fu, MD et al presented a conference workshop- "Test Question Development for Pre-Clinical Psychiatry Course Assessments."
Laura Cardella, MD et al presented a conference workshop- "Calm in the Storm: Mastering De-escalation For Students and Effective Debriefing for Faculty," and a conference workshop- "Getting the Most Out of ADMSEP: Optimizing Mentoring Relationships in Professional Societies Discussion. 

Last but not least, several members in Psychiatry presented posters at the 4th Annual Better Teams. Better Care. Symposium.

Shifra Mincer, MD, and Marsha Wittink, MD had a poster entitled: Improving Discussions About Contraceptives for High-Risk Patients on Medical-Psychiatry Units

Lorraine Schild, NP, Nicole Fulle, MS RN, Elaine Rigney, MD, Kevin Brazill, MD, and Marsha Wittink, MD had a poster entitled What Matters to Patients: Improving Transitions in Care by Incorporating Patient Priorities.

How to Help a Loved One Struggling with Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors | CSRP Webinar

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

How to Help a Loved One Struggling with Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Tony Pisani, PhD joined colleagues from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Catholic University of America, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in a webinar on approaching loved ones who are struggling with thoughts of suicide, especially when they don't want help.

Celebrating Our Trainees at Key Day 2025

Monday, June 23, 2025

On June 11th, we held Key Day, the annual celebration of our trainees as they graduate from their educational programs and step into the next phase of their professional careers!

Congratulations to all our graduates!

Rewatch Video of 2025 Key Day Ceremony 

Screen Time and the Developing Brain: Are ‘iPad Kids’ at Risk? | UR Newsroom

Friday, June 20, 2025

Kids and Screen Time: What We Know

Studies show that high screen exposure in children can contribute to:

• Attention difficulties

• Challenges with social interaction

• Shifts in how motivation is experienced

Over time, children with excessive screen use may struggle in social settings, show less engagement with caregivers, and have trouble regulating their behavior.

Read Screen Time and the Developing Brain: Are ‘iPad Kids’ at Risk? | UR Newsroom

Addiction Psychiatry Division Update

Thursday, June 19, 2025

We are excited to formally announce recent developments to the clinical leadership structure and service within our Addiction Psychiatry Division.

Itza Morales, MSB, CASAC, was promoted to the role of Senior Director of Clinical Operations in the Addiction Psychiatry Division.  Itza took over this role earlier this spring, and in it, she has operational oversight for all the clinics under the umbrella of Strong Recovery.  This includes the Opioid Treatment Program (OTP), the Adult Chemical Dependency clinic (SRCD), the Adolescent/Young Adult clinic (AYA), and the Substance Use Disorder-Primary Care program (SUD-PC).  Itza is approaching 34 years of service with the University, 26 of which have been within the Department of Psychiatry.  

She started in Strong Recovery in 2008 as a Sr. Counselor and has been in various leadership roles for the past 10 years.  Most recently, Itza was the Co-Director of Clinical Operations with Julie Achtyl.  Along with this promotion to Senior Director, Itza worked with Dr. Mathis and I to adjust the leadership structure of Strong Recovery to adequately support the robust services in each of the clinics, which are also part of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC).  This restructure includes the promotion of 3 Clinical Coordinators to Managers of Clinical Program Operations for each of the clinics in Strong Recovery.  Itza will also continue in her role as the Department’s Staff Wellness Officer.  

The new Managers of Clinical Program Operations for Strong Recovery are as follows:

• Janine Coppini, MA, MPA, LMHC, CASAC is being promoted to be the Manager of Clinical Program Operations for the Adolescent/Young Adult clinic and Integrated Services.  Janine has been in Strong Recovery for over 6 years and in a leadership role since 2019.  She has been a Clinical Supervisor and Clinical Coordinator for Strong Recovery’s Co-Occurring Disorders team and the Adolescent/Young Adult clinic.
• Kelly Vandermark, MS, CASAC is being promoted to be the Manager of Clinical Program Operations for the Adult Chemical Dependency clinic and Access/Outreach services, including the SUD-PC.  Kelly has been in Strong Recovery for over 15 years and in a leadership role since 2019.  She has been a Clinical Supervisor and Clinical Coordinator for Strong Recovery’s Intake Team and the SUD-PC team.
• Lauren Smith-Friedman, LMSW, CASAC is being promoted to be the Manager of Clinical Program Operations for the Opioid Treatment Program (OTP).  Lauren has been in Strong Recovery for over 17 years and in a leadership role since 2017.  She has been a Clinical Supervisor and Clinical Coordinator for Strong Recovery’s OTP, providing different levels of clinical leadership.

In addition to celebrating these new leadership roles, the Addiction Psychiatry Division has expanded to include the URMC Westfall Practice, with medical and clinical leadership overseen by Dr. Myra Mathis as Clinical Chief and Itza Morales as Senior Director. As the practice transitions to Addiction Psychiatry, we want to thank Dr. George Nasra and our Collaborative Care and Wellness (CCW) Division for supporting the Westfall team through the acquisition process and during the initial phases of their integration into URMC and the Department of Psychiatry.  We are excited to see the continued development of the Westfall Practice under the Addiction Psychiatry umbrella.  Please join me and Dr. Mathis in celebrating the continued growth of addiction psychiatry and congratulating these outstanding clinical leaders on their new roles!!!!
 

Golisano Behavioral Health Center Marks 5 Years of Transforming Youth Mental Health Care

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Our Golisano Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness Center on South Avenue celebrated its five-year anniversary on June 12th. Tours were provided for supporters and families with remarks by Mike Scharf, MD, Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Jill Halterman, Physician-in-Chief at Golisano Children’s Hospital.

See below for some of the coverage of the anniversary! 

• Golisano Behavioral Health Center marks 5 years of transforming youth mental health care (13WHAM ABC)
• Golisano Behavioral Health and Wellness Center celebrates 5 years (Rochesterfirst)
• Golisano Behavioral Health and Wellness Center celebrates five-year anniversary (WHEC)
• Lauren Opladen's Story

Jennifer West, PhD featured on WXXI Connections: How to communicate about firearm safety

Friday, June 13, 2025

FIPP co-director, Jennifer West, PhD, was joined by Strong Pediatric Practice pediatrician, Crystal Craig, MD, MPH, and the Strong Pediatric Trauma Program Manager, Adam Oplinger, BS, RN, CEN, TCRN, on WXXI’s radio talk show, Connections with Evan Dawson.

The group discussed the importance of secure firearm storage and highlighted ASK Day, a national effort that takes place each year on June 21 to encourage caregivers to ask about firearms in the spaces where their children spend time. 

Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Receives Two Design Awards

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

The Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Center was awarded two design awards in May. Dwyer Architectural submitted for and won the CSI Rochester Chapter's Owner Collaboration Award and the Rochester chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA)'s 2025 Citation Award.

The Owner Collaboration Award celebrated architecture, construction, and engineering projects utilizing exemplary communication to support successful outcomes.

The 2025 Citation Award spotlighted the clinic's incorporation of nature and design to create a functional, safe, and welcoming environment for children in need of mental health services. 

We're proud to have this healing space right in our walls! 

Board Excellence Awards Honor URMC Faculty and Staff for Outstanding Service

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

The UR Medicine Quality Institute and URMC Board joined together to celebrate the recipients of the 2024-25 Board Excellence Awards, acknowledging their remarkable contributions to patient care and teamwork. Led by Medical Center CEO David Linehan, MD, the annual awards ceremony took place on May 29 at Monroe Golf Club, honoring nine individuals, nine teams, four recipients of the Dr. Robert Joynt Kindness Award, and one lifetime achievement award. In his remarks, Dr. Linehan expressed heartfelt gratitude to the awardees for their dedication, emphasizing their pivotal role in caring for patients and serving the broader community. 

“In health care, accolades are not the primary motivator,” Linehan said. “People choose this path because they are driven by a genuine desire to help others and serve their community. Despite the challenges inherent in health care careers, our honorees demonstrate unwavering dedication and resilience, traits that are evident in all our winners.” 

Chief Medical Officer Michael Apostolakos, MD, echoed those sentiments, spotlighting the achievements of both individuals and teams who exemplify the collaborative and compassionate spirit of health care.  “We celebrate those who shine brightly in every aspect of their work,” Apostolakos said. “Their dedication to our patients, coupled with their collaborative spirit among colleagues, is truly commendable. Each day, they strive for excellence, continuously seeking ways to enhance URMC's impact on the health of our community and our collective well-being.” 

2024-25 Board Excellence Award - Psychiatry

Dr. Robert Joynt Kindness Awards
Deanna Palmeri Sams, PhD, Psychiatry
For unwavering kindness and dedication to patient well-being, consistently creating safe space, and demonstrating an exceptional commitment to excellence, empathy, and compassion in patient care.

 

4-9000 and CPEP Recognized by SWAT Youth Council

Friday, May 23, 2025

Our 4-9000 Child/Adolescent Inpatient Social Work team and CPEP team (made up of clinical evaluators and mental health assistants) were recognized by the SWAT Youth Council at their Got Dreams Annual Celebration. They were nominated by the Family Access and Connection Team (FACT) whom they partner with to link youth and families with local mental health resources. 

The award particularly highlighted the teams’ work in supporting the Monroe County System of Health and youth mental health. Both our CPEP and the 4900 teams play a crucial role in engaging youth and families in their behavioral health journey, while embracing community partners and voices!

Courtyard a Breath of Fresh Air for Psychiatry Patients, Staff

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Fresh air can be therapeutic, and perhaps no one knows this better than patients admitted for long hospital stays.

Thanks to a collaboration between Psychiatry and Medical Center Space Planning, Strong has a new area dedicated to giving adult inpatients on Psychiatry units 9000 and 9200 the chance to get outside as part of their care and recovery.

You might know this courtyard, located on the ground level across from the ID badge office and former Metro Deli. It has been used by many staff as an informal outdoor break area to date, but since Metro Deli closed during the pandemic, foot traffic in that area has decreased, and the indoor seating area has served as a break room for Facilities staff.

Starting June 1, swipe access to enter the courtyard will be limited to staff who care for Psych patients. While this area will be dedicated to patient care, there are still outdoor seating options for staff in areas including the courtyard at GCH, outside Flaum Atrium, as well as benches and tables along Crittenden Blvd. near Helen Wood Hall and Saunders Research Building.

Psychiatry first approached UR Space Planning to ask if the Metro courtyard, one of very few green spaces around the Medical Center and conveniently located near Behavioral Health, could be dedicated to their patients. The answer was a resounding yes.

“We are so glad to have leadership’s support for this courtyard project,” said Amber Foster, senior director URMC Space Design & Administrative Services. “It is a hidden gem and we are grateful to our staff for cooperating with the change, which will add value to the care we provide.”

The clinical care teams are excited about the possibilities. Hochang (Ben) Lee, MD, said many patients are admitted for 10 days or longer. “This is a great advancement for patients to be able to get out and get fresh air,” Lee said. “Taking a walk and getting some sunshine, especially during the summer, adds great benefit, so this is an exciting development that’s also relatively low cost.”

There are no plans for new amenities yet, and Lee said things will start simple as the team finds balance between safe, supervised outdoor time in the space. Some things they’re considering are sport or exercise equipment, and possibly some raised garden beds. There are already picnic tables and seating around the courtyard, and shade from a tree.

Opening the courtyard to patients comes at a time when capacity is high among the roughly 80 inpatient Psych beds and 30 Med-Psych beds. There are additional ALC patients on the units and they often stay for months at a time, explained Patrick Seche, program administrator for Psychiatry. He said that with longer lengths of stay, patients can be on a locked unit with no opportunity to do anything outdoors. “Having this space will make a significant positive impact on the care we provide,” said Seche. “It won’t apply to every patient, but those who can will have a place to do so in a safe way.”

The sentiment was echoed by Psychiatry’s Director of Nursing Courtney Blackwood, who is excited by the possibilities provided by an outdoor space.

“This gives us the opportunity to promote therapeutic healing, foster social connections and encourage physical activity,” said Blackwood. “These benefits play a vital role in enhancing the overall patient care experience leading to recovery.”  

Stephanie Bruder is Psychiatry’s administrator for Crisis and Acute Inpatient Services. She said the care teams work hard to provide resources for mental health patients to improve their outcomes and until now, were limited in where they could provide supervised activities.

“Usually if a patient is with a staff member outside, they are getting discharged,” Bruder said. “The outdoor space will serve as another resource—it’s a very large win for the clinical teams. It is exciting for the whole department to be a part of that and to watch it grow.”

The Aging Mind

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

People may consider sadness as just part of getting older. However, studies show that one in four older adults lives with a mental illness, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders..

Dr. Yeates Conwell spoke with Call to Mind on suicide in older adults and models to address this public health challenge.

Yeates Conwell speaks to WNYC-FM about mental health conditions in older adults

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Yeates Conwell, MD, spoke to WNYC-FM (May 10) about untreated mental health conditions in older adults and how they can become deadly. “Being connected to other people is a necessity, and absent those connections, people can become at greater risk for suicide,” Conwell said. “Older people are particularly prone to that because of changes of all sorts.”

Tanya Tran Receives Canadian Institute of Health Research Health Research Training

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Tanya Tran, PhD was recently named a grantee of the Canadian Institute of Health Research's Health Research Training award.

This award aims to develop the next generation of scientific, professional, and organizational leaders by supporting post-doctoral/post-health-degree health research in Canada or abroad over the next three years.

Dr. Tran's project, "Psychotherapy for Motivation Symptoms: Evaluating A New Skills Training Approach to Preventing Psychosis in Youth," will introduce and determine the outcomes for Motive-Action, an innovative psychotherapy program targeting motivation symptoms - a significant hurdle in psychosis prevention.

Expanded School Mental Health Collaboration To Be Honored With "What's Great In Our State" Child Mental Health Awards

Saturday, May 3, 2025

The Expanded School Mental Health collaboration with the Rochester City School District is being honored at New York State's "What's Great In Our State" Child Mental Health awards on May 5th.

The "What's Great in Our State" program is an annual celebration of children's mental health awareness, recognizing individuals, schools, and organizations making a difference in the field. 

 Dr. Heatly will present alongside Crystal Clark (RCSD Director of Student Support Services) about the Rochester City School District's innovative "Village Approach" to promoting children's mental health and wellness.  This "village approach" represents the success of collaborative efforts between RCSD and URMC's Department of Psychiatry, GCH's Department of Pediatrics, Rochester Regional Health, the New York State Office of Mental Health, and others. Key Psychiatry faculty contributing to this program include Melissa Heatly, PhD, Allison Stiles, PhD, Linda Alpert-Gillis, PhD, Laura Shipley, MD, and Jeffrey Kaczarowski, MD.

Representing URMC Psychiatry Nationally and Internationally in April

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Psychiatry staff and faculty members recently presented at national and international conferences.
Several Child and Adolescent Psychiatry team members recently presented at the Pediatric Academic Society 2025 meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. 

• Linda Alpert-Gillis, PhD, and Michael Scharf, MD presented a poster discussing the Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care as a new model to address the pediatric mental health crisis. 
• Alison Stiles, PhD, LJ Shipley, MD, Jeff Kaczorowski, MD, and Dr. Scharf presented at the conference's Behavioral Health Special Interest Group. 
• Arielle Sheftall, PhD and Dakota Daniels, BA, and Jenson Rowan, BA of the Sheftall Lab presented the following posters respectively: Discrepancies in Reporting of Suicidal Behaviors: An Exploration in Preteen Youth, Pediatric Mental Health: Investigating the Link Between Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms and Self-injury and Parent Maltreatment History: Investigating Youth’s Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors.

Craig Rooney, PhD coauthored a presentation discussing psychologist’s roles, skills, and joys in supporting healthcare professional wellbeing in academic health centers.This presentation was highlighted at the 2025 Association of Psychologists in Academic Health Centers (APAHC) Conference's at St. Petersburg, Florida. 

Marsha Wittink, MD will be joining Virginia Pankey, AIA, LEED AP, EDAC of HOK Design Group to present "Pioneering the Design and Function of Medical Psychiatry Units" at the annual Design in Mental Health Conference in Manchester, UK in June. This interdisciplinary event brings together individuals with lived experience and their families, along with clinicians, health system leaders, and designers, all working to improve mental health spaces and care delivery.

BHP Blog: Finding Clarity in Complexity: Small Steps to Big Solutions

Thursday, May 1, 2025

The May blog from Behavioral Health Partners highlights the power of narrative therapy and discusses how “the next right step” can help you regain your footing and step into clarity.

Read BHP Blog: Finding Clarity in Complexity: Small Steps to Big Solutions

Join Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness for Stroll for Strong Kids!

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

The 2025 Stroll for Strong Kids will take place on May 31st!

Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness will once again have a stroll team walking to raise funds to support child and adolescent psychiatry services.  

Support the team's efforts by: 

• Joining Team Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness to walk with us in the stroll. 
• Donating to our Team (Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness).
• Share the walk information and team page on social media! 
• Participate in the team Bottle & Can Drive: 
  Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness is teaming up with Upstate Bottle Return again this year to raise funds for the Stroll for Strong Kids- From now through June 30th, return your recyclables to any Upstate Bottle Return location, and they will match 1¢ for every 5¢ return. When you drop off your recyclables, let them know they are for Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness. Click here for a list of Upstate Bottle Return locations. 

Myra Mathis, MD receives Courage to Heal Award

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Myra Mathis, MD, was honored by Thomas Jefferson University as a pioneer in compassionate and patient-centered care. Dr. Mathis presented the Courage to Heal Medicine Grand Rounds at the university in February as part of the award ceremony. An addiction psychiatrist, Mathis serves as medical director for Strong Recovery, UR Medicine’s outpatient dual-diagnosis clinic, which offers an opioid treatment program and a full range of addiction and psychiatric services. University News April 28, 2025

Introducing Our New Instagram Page!

Monday, April 28, 2025

Introducing our new Instagram page!

In addition to Facebook and X, you can now find the latest news from UR Medicine Mental Health & Wellness on Instagram at urmc_psych!

Follow us on Instagram 

Faculty News: Representing URMC Psychiatry Nationally and Internationally

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Several of the Psychiatry staff and faculty members recently presented at national and international conferences.

Our Psychiatry team recently stopped by the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry's (AAGP) 2025 Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona.

Presenters included the following: 

• Yeates Conwell, MD, Kim van Orden, PhD, Grace Ro, MD, EJ Santos, MD- "Suicide Risk Assessment for Geriatric Mental Health: Protocol Design and Implementation" 
• Sungsu Lee, MD, PhD- "Medical Emergencies in Inpatient Psychiatry: Prevalence of Medical Transfers from Inpatient Psychiatric Units at an Academic Medical Center" Poster Session
• Grace Ro, MD- "Group-Based Music Interventions for Older Adults with Dementia: A Review"

• Kim Van Orden, PhD- "Mental Health Concerns of the Unpaid and Paid Dementia Caregiver Workforce," "Article Highlights from the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry" 

EJ Santos, MD presented the AAGP's Annual Meeting welcoming reception as the AAGP Acting President.

J. Steven Lamberti, MD, presented two talks at the Academic Consortium on Criminal Justice Health (ACCJH) meeting in Austin, Texas, on March 17th- "Forensic Assertive Community Treatment(FACT): An Emerging Best Practice" and "A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Rochester Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Model."

On March 21st, Brian Keane, PhD presented at Princeton University Thalamus Conte Center's Scientific Meeting. His talk discussed thalamic and cortical sensory dysconnectivity as a biomarker for psychosis. 

Last but not least, William Watson, PhD gave a two-hour virtual presentation to residents at the Stony Brook Medicine Department of Neurology, discussing Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Attacks.

Elizabeth J. Santos, MD delivered president speech at Annual AAGP Meeting

Thursday, April 3, 2025

Dr. Santos is the new President of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) and a leader in the field of Geriatric Psychiatry. She delivered the president's speech at the annual AAGP meeting in March 2025. 

MIPS Holds Second Annual Retreat

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

The Medicine in Psychiatry Services division held its second retreat on March 6th, themed Stronger Together: Enhancing Our Team-Based Approach to Care.

Staff and faculty from our three service settings- IMIPS, SUMMITS, and MIPS- Primary Care- kicked off the day with a pre-retreat field trip to visit community sites our patients rely on, including transitional housing, Street Medicine Services, and Recovery All Ways. 

The retreat continued at the Memorial Art Gallery, where we explored how art can inform our work and learned from experts in pain processing therapy. Through interactive workshops, we strengthened interdisciplinary communication, built trust, and reaffirmed our shared mission. 

BHP Blog: No Rules Just Write: A New Approach to Journaling

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Anxiety, depression, and trauma can all contribute to repetitive thoughts and negative self-talk. You may experience the same worry over and over, stress about anything that doesn’t go as planned, or continuously come up with new “evidence” that suggests no one likes you. Persistently replaying the same concerns in your mind – also called ruminating – can lead to an emotional downward spiral and a sense of feeling stuck. Writing in a journal can help you break this cycle.

Read BHP Blog: No Rules Just Write: A New Approach to Journaling

Match Day 2025

Friday, March 21, 2025

Happy #MatchDay25!! Today medical students around the U.S. find out where they will spend the next four years in residency gaining practical experience in their field. Please join us in welcoming our 2025 class of Psychiatry residents to Rochester!

• Kelyn Chen (Rutgers University)
• Abraham Choe -University of Rochester
• Grace DiGiovanni- University of New England
• Alana Hull- Virginia Tech
• Vivian Lee- Drexel University
• Jennifer Marino- University of Massachusetts 
• Abigail Shilvock- Cornell University
• Olivia Waldman- University of Buffalo

In addition, a huge congratulations to the medical students with whom we have been able to spend time during their clerkships! The following students will be continuing their careers in psychiatry at residencies across the U.S.

• Zonia Ali - Eastern Connecticut Health Network
• Vincent Betti- Boston University Medical Center-MA
• Abe Choe- University of Rochester Medical Center
• Eliane Grace-  Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliate Hospitals (Med. Psych) 
• Anysia Lee- University at Buffalo SOM-NY
• Meredith Pescatello- Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Triple Board
• Catherine Pizzarello- Ohio State University Med Center (Psych/research)
• Kaden Zellers- SUNY Upstate Medical University

Psychology Training Program Wins CCaPPTC Award

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

The URMC Clinical Psychology Doctoral Internship and Postdoctoral Fellowship program recently received the Program Excellence in Training Award from the Clinical Child and Pediatric Psychology Training Council (CCaPPTC). Dr. Jennifer West is the Director of Training and Dr. Kristen Holderle is the Associate Director.

Representing URMC Psychiatry Nationally and Internationally

Saturday, March 8, 2025

Several of the Psychiatry staff and faculty members recently presented at national and international conferences.

Caroline Easton, PhD, Lee Ashrafioun, PhD, Alex Barrette, Holly Russell, MD, and Melissa Heatly, PhD will be presenting at the Rural Centers of Excellence on Substance Use Disorders (RCORP) Reverse Site Visit in Washington D.C. in early March. This event featured networking with other Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grantees as well as discussions regarding best practices in opioid use and substance use disorder interventions.

Andrea Garroway, PhD recently presented at the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education’s Annual Educational Conference in Tennessee. This session discussed communication coaching in internal medicine.

William Watson, PhD, alongside Danish colleague Emil Rask, PhD, presented a two-hour webinar, "Using ISTDP with Children and Adolescents: Two Clinical Case Examples," to 175 members of the International Experiential Dynamic Therapy Association on February (IEDTA). An earlier version of this seminar was presented at the IEDTA’s biennial conference in San Diego last year.

The Research and Health Equity Symposium featured a poster co-authored by our IMIP team- Elaine Rigney, MD, Lorraine Schild, NP, Nicole Fulle, MS, RN, Kevin Brazill, DO, Brock Scoville, and Marsha Wittink, MD- and presented by undergraduate Harrison Eck.

Corey Nichols-Hadeed, JD and Jennifer West, PhD, alongside Eric Perkins of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, presented at the Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan’s NYS E-MDT Initiative Webinar Series, a two-part series on firearm safety and dementia. They discussed aws related to firearms, safe storage of firearms and legacy planning of these firearms.

Janeen Thompson Named CCW Assistant Director, Business Administration

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

We are pleased to formally announce that Janeen Thompson will be transitioning into the role of Assistant Director, Business Administration for our Division of Collaborative Care and Wellness. Janeen has been providing exceptional support in fiscal management and administrative operations for the division on an interim basis since September, and we are thrilled that she has decided to continue in this role long-term.

Janeen’s primary office will be located at Sully’s Trail, with regular time spent at Strong Memorial Hospital.

With over 30 years of experience in healthcare, Janeen brings a wealth of expertise to this position. Her background includes serving as a Board-Certified Music Therapist specializing in Alzheimer’s Disease in long-term care settings, leading integrated care teams in hospice and PACE programs, and most recently serving as a Practice Manager for the Geriatric Division. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Janeen is an active volunteer with Scouting USA, where she has served as a Scoutmaster for an all-boy troop and enjoys mentoring volunteers on leadership and team-building. She is also dedicated to her family, who graciously supports her enthusiasm for "Forced Family Fun."

We are excited to have Janeen in this new role and look forward to her continued contributions to the CCW Division. Please join me in congratulating Janeen on this well-deserved opportunity.

Additional Patient Access to Mental Healthcare Through URMC Virtual Network

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

The Virtual Urgent Care service has extended its care to patients who need mental health services. Virtual Mental Health Urgent Care offers a convenient alternative for patients in need of prompt mental health support in situations that would otherwise wait until an appointment becomes available with their mental health provider.

The URMC Department of Psychiatry’s Chief Administrative Officer, Patrick Seche, MS, CASAC, emphasizes the importance of leveraging UR Medicine’s resources and clinical expertise to address the mental health needs of the community. “Adding this virtual component to our crisis services for children and adults is a significant step towards those efforts. Kudos to our team of providers, clinical leaders, and administrators for working diligently with the project team for a successful implementation.”

The service is available to patients aged 5 and older residing in New York State and is ideal for those who are experiencing non-emergent - but imminent - symptoms of mental health concerns, such as anxiety attacks or depressive episodes, and are unable to be seen by their mental health provider within a reasonable timeframe of the symptomatic event. A symptom guide of physical and mental conditions is available to direct patients to the appropriate service.

The Digital Health Team introduces this service as an extension of the Virtual Urgent Care services that launched in late 2023 and reached 25,000 completed visits in October of last year. The dedicated team of mental health care providers is available Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m., with plans to expand staffing and hours of operation as patient volume increases. Services are billed through the patient’s insurance. Depending on the patient’s plan, a co-payment or deductible may apply. 

Hochang Benjamin Lee awarded Visiting Professor Award from the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Hochang Benjamin (Ben) Lee, the John Romano Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry, received the 2024 Visiting Professor Award from the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. Lee is a fellow of the ACLP, a professional organization that provides leadership in education, research, and advocacy to advance integrated psychiatric care for the medically ill.

Read Hochang Benjamin Lee awarded Visiting Professor Award 

Register Now for the13th Annual Joseph Ryan Conference

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

The 13th Annual Joseph Ryan Conference Strong Recovery Presents:
New Frontiers in Addiction Psychiatry and Trauma: Brain, Behavior, and Innovative Digital Tools
Friday May 2, 2024, 8:30am to 4:00pm, Hilton Garden Inn, 30 Celebration Dr, Rochester, NY 14620
Contact Stacy Ciotti or Kalie Ernewein to register.

Read more about the 13th Annual Joseph Ryan Conference

BHP Blog: Mastering work-life balance in health care

Saturday, March 1, 2025

Feeling overwhelmed or burned out? Discover in the March blog from Behavioral Health Partners how the “life calendar” can help you reclaim your time, manage priorities, and balance your personal and professional life to improve your well-being.

Read BHP Blog: Mastering work-life balance in health care

What Can the Brain Tell Us About Chronic Pain?

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Paul Geha, MD an associate professor of psychiatry and neuroscience at the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester, leads groundbreaking chronic pain research focused on understanding the brain mechanisms of pain. Recently, his team has made significant strides in studying chronic back pain and the transition from acute to chronic pain. 

Struggling to Manage Uncertainty?

Monday, February 24, 2025

Struggling to Manage Uncertainty? Try These 6 Tips from the Office of Wellbeing

There’s a lot of uncertainty around us – and that can often be anxiety-provoking. While it can feel very uncomfortable, it doesn’t have to keep us from taking care of ourselves and one another, said Craig Rooney, PhD, URMC’s chief wellbeing officer.  

Read Struggling to Manage Uncertainty? Try These 6 Tips from the Office of Wellbeing

WXXI Podcast: Is it okay for kids to become friends with AI?

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Pediatric psychologist Tony Pisani, PhD, and Michael Scharf, MD, professor in child and adolescent psychiatry, discussed the potential dangers of childhood friendships with AI chatbots on WXXI’s Connections (Feb. 13). “Too much of anything is not a good thing,” Scharf said. “We don't even know how much of the things you're missing out on are critical for development. If you [interact with AI chatbots] all day, it means you didn't have lunch with someone, you didn't play on a sports team, you didn't do physical activity.” Pisani suggests that parent involvement is key. “Instead of trying to be cops about this, maybe be co-explorers,” he said.

Read WXXI Podcast: Is it okay for kids to become friends with AI?

Psychiatry Faculty Achievements

Saturday, February 1, 2025

​

We would like to highlight a few of the achievements and accomplishments of our faculty this month.   

We are excited to share that Margaret Puelle, MD has been named to a secondary appointment with the University of Rochester Medical Center Department of Dermatology. Congratulations, Dr. Puelle! 

Kevin Brazill, DO presented “Managing Psychosis in the Primary Care Setting: A Collaborative Approach among Physicians, Therapists and Pharmacists” at the New York State Academy of Family Physicians Winter Weekend Conference at Lake Placid in January.

Ann Marie White, EdD has been reelected to a Co-Chair role in the University of Rochester Faculty Senate's Research Policy Committee. In this role, she will lead an advisory board providing feedback to UR administration on policies related to research at the university. Dr. White will also be leading a workshop at the 82nd Annual Conference of the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research in March. She will be discussing Empowering Partnerships: Designing Internships and Student Seminars in Community Engaged Public Health.

Donations Bring Holiday Wishes to Youth

Friday, January 31, 2025

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A huge thank you to several generous donors for supporting our Child and Adolescent Inpatient holiday drive! The following organizations and community members donated supplies and aid over the holidays that will support youth staying in our Child and Adolescent Inpatient 4-9000 unit.

• Wegmans
• First American
• SUNY Brockport CSI NU Chapter (Department of Counselor Education)
• URMC Surgical Pathology
• Steven James Coffee Company
• Community members Mariella & Alex Diaz, Morgan Jackson and Family

In addition, thank you to Marie Herman for a generous financial donation and a collection of toy ducks for patients!

Interested in donating items?
Contact Dr. Deanna Sams to donate

Self-Compassion and Your Mental Health

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Discover how embracing self-compassion can strengthen your mental health. The February blog from Behavioral Health Partners provides practical tips on how to be gentler with yourself. 

Read Behavioral Health Partners Blog: Self-Compassion and Your Mental Health

Could xenon gas have the potential to treat Alzheimer's?

Friday, January 17, 2025

Anton Porsteinsson, MD, director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Research and Education Program (AD-CARE), spoke to Medical News Today (Jan. 17) about recent studies on xenon gas, which has long been used in general anesthesia and may have cardioprotective and neuroprotective effects. “We know a lot about xenon gas and its impact on humans from anesthesia in terms of safety and tolerability,” Porsteinsson said. “It is quite expensive and there would be a challenge understanding how to deliver it to a large patient group and avoid anesthetic events.”

Read Medical News Today: Mountain climbing and treating Alzheimer's: Could xenon gas have potential?

Podcast: AI Scientists and the Humans Who Love Them with Dr. Ian Cero

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

AI Scientists and the Humans Who Love Them
Ian Cero, PhD and Tony Pisani , PhD explore whether AI can fundamentally transform the way we conduct scientific research, especially in the context of suicide prevention.

2025 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Friday, January 10, 2025

We are excited to announce our 2025 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration! Beginning January 21st, join us for celebrations to honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Bring your lunch and grab a seat for music performances by the group! 

Events: January 21: Storytelling Concert by the Black Storytelling League of Rochester, January 22: Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Rounds- “The Hard Work of Planning for Peace” with Rev. Wayne Lewis and January 23: MLK Choir led by Jasen Monroe 

How to Overcome Gym Anxiety

Friday, January 10, 2025

Clinical and Sports Psychologist Craig W. Cypher, Psy.D., CMPC® from the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Fitness Science program offers a clear set of strategies for overcoming gym anxiety and achieving your 2025 fitness goals.

Read UR Newsroom Article: How to Overcome Gym Anxiety 

Fundraising Efforts Support Psychiatry Patients and Families

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2nd Annual Department of Psychiatry Food Drive! Below is only a small portion of all the donations received which will be distributed to food cupboards to support those getting services at our outpatient clinics and those recently discharged from inpatient programs.

In addition, thank you to everyone who contributed to our Pie Sale this Fall! Your generosity means everything to us and to the community we serve. Your support raised $807 which will go towards improving the physical space in our adult inpatient units.

Celebrating our Med/Psych Teams

Friday, January 3, 2025

January 2nd through January 8th marks our first annual Med/Psych Week, a celebration of our various Med/Psych programs. Our Med/Psych programs, which include SUMMITS, IMIPS, and MIPS, provide specialized medical care for those who have co-occurring mental health challenges.

You may notice some of the Med/Psych teams wearing green in celebration on January 7th. We invite you to take some time to thank a team member that week for all they do!

Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness Team Heads to Orlando for National Federation of Families' Annual Conference

Monday, December 9, 2024

The Healthy and Equitable Futures program- a partnership between our Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness team, the National Parent Leadership Institute, and the Greater Rochester Health Foundation- presented at the National Federation of Families' Annual Conference in Orlando.

Presenters:

• Aparajita Kuriyan, UR Medicine Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness
• Toyin Anderson, National Parent Leader Institute, Parent Leader
• Carolyn Lee-Davis, The National Parent Leadership Institute, Director of Operations
• Maurice Haskins, Greater Rochester Health Foundation, Program Officer
• Linda Alpert-Gillis, UR Medicine, Director, Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness Outpatient Services and the Laboratory of Innovation in Child Mental Health Care Delivery
• Kenya Malcolm, UR Medicine, Director of IEC Initiatives, Psychiatry
• Shunthenia Hill, UR Medicine, Clinical Coordinator, Licensed Mental Health Therapist
• Jerard Johnson, UR Medicine, Senior Psychiatric Case Manager
• Sonia D’Silva, UR Medicine, Parent Leader
• Jason McDonald, UR Medicine, Parent Leader
• Julia Gonzalez, UR Medicine, Parent Leader

In their session, "Opening Doors to Community Voice: Collaboration With Parent Leaders," attendees learned how the University of Rochester Medical Center, in partnership with the National Parent Leadership Institute via our Healthy & Equitable Futures work, integrates parent voices in services to support leadership skills and drive positive change. Attendees also learned how inviting parent participation across multiple levels of services can significantly benefit children, caregivers, and systems change, and work towards welcoming and supportive care environments. 

Congratulations to Dr. Ann Cornell on Her Expanded Leadership Role

Friday, December 6, 2024

Please join us in congratulating Ann Cornell, PsyD, on her expanded clinical leadership role as Senior Director of URMFG Services at Sully’s Trail.

Dr. Cornell, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, has been a valued leader in the Behavioral Health Partners (BHP) program since 2017. Under her direction, BHP has flourished as a cornerstone of our behavioral health services. In 2019, Dr. Cornell further demonstrated her dedication and expertise by taking on the additional role of Director of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

In her new role, Dr. Cornell will continue to oversee BHP and EAP while expanding her leadership to include senior-level support for the University Mental Health Program (UMHP). She will also serve as a mentor to the UMHP Director, Daria Alongi, PsyD, further strengthening our commitment to integrated and comprehensive mental health care under URMFG services.

Kayla Hunt, PsyD Named Chief of Informatics for Psychiatry

Friday, December 6, 2024

We are pleased to announce that Kayla Hunt, Psy.D, has been appointed as the Chief of Informatics for Psychiatry. In this role, Dr. Hunt will work with teams throughout the department to optimize our use of the eRecord and explore new technological opportunities for our department. 

Additionally, Dr. Hunt, along with Kirk Harris, MD, will continue to serve as Associate Directors of Informatics within the URMC enterprise for the Psychiatry Service Line. Their responsibilities include attending enterprise-wide meetings about improvements and changes related to the eRecord and disseminating that information back to the department, along with working on projects that impact multiple departments within URMC. Furthermore, Dr. Harris will continue to be the informatics point person for questions and projects that specifically pertain to Psychiatry’s inpatient units and CPEP.

To support these initiatives, Dr. Hunt has built a team of ambulatory clinicians, known as Psych eRecord Champions to help achieve these goals and ensure effective communication about eRecord changes within the department.

The current team members are:  Pam Geil, LCSW-R (Strong Ties), Janine Coppini, LMHC/CASAC (Strong Recovery), Mac Kelly, PhD (BHP/CCW), Rachel Jones, LMSW (Strong Minds), Grace Yezierski, LMSW (Strong Minds), Alex Brumfield, LMFT (HFM/CCW) and Jillian Burgess, LMHC (PBHW).

Representing URMC Psychiatry Nationally and Internationally

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Several of our staff and faculty members recently presented at national and international conferences.

William Watson, PhD recently presented a panel discussion on using Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTD) with youth at the International Experiential Dynamic Therapy's 2024 International Conference. Dr. Watson also was a Process Group Leader at The Institute of Psychodynamic Coaching's Three-Day Intensive Weekend with Russian professionals as well as a presenter for the institute's Training Program in Group Psychology and Leadership.

Wilfred Pigeon, PhD presented "At the Interface of Sleep Research & Suicide Prevention" for the Veteran's Affairs Diversity in Suicide Prevention Research Fellowship. In addition, Dr. Pigeon also presented "Development of a Brief CBT for Insomnia Treatment and its Effects on Sleep, Mood and Suicidal Thoughts" at the University of Pittsburgh's Multidisciplinary Sleep and Circadian Conference Grand Rounds Series. 

Good Night Lights to Return on Dec. 11 and Dec. 18

Thursday, December 5, 2024

The Rochester Police Department's "Good Night Lights" initiative, now in its seventh year, will return in December. Due to ongoing construction projects at URMC on both Crittenden and Elmwood, Good Night Lights will be held this year for two nights.

We are thankful to the Rochester Police Department Community Engagement Team for organizing this event and teaming up with our Department of Public Safety and Department of Transportation and Logistics to make it happen.

This year, first responders will park their emergency vehicles on Crittenden–between East and Castleman–to say “goodnight” to families staying in the Golisano Children’s Hospital tower, and the vehicles heading westbound afterward on Crittenden toward Kendrick Road will keep their lights on (no sirens or horns) to support pediatric patients staying in the Behavioral Health building.

The officers will line up in their respective locations at 6:10 p.m., and will flash their lights to children watching from the windows of the Golisano Children’s Hospital locations at 6:30 p.m. They will leave each area at 6:45 p.m.

Both lanes of Crittenden—directly next to the Medical Center—will be shut down between 6 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. for these events. Traffic and URMC shuttles will be rerouted during this time.

Can Gratitude Benefit Your Health?

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

How giving thanks, keeping a gratitude journal, and being mindful can impact health and well-being

"Gratitude is the practice of focusing our attention on positive outcomes in our life and the source of those positive outcomes," said Autumn Gallegos, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Psychiatry Wellness Officer at URMC.

Read full article: Can Gratitude Benefit Your Health?

Researchers Uncover Possible New Biomarker for Psychosis Diagnosis

Monday, November 25, 2024

“Establishing such biomarkers could provide a key step in changing how we care for, treat, and offer interventions to people with psychosis,” said Brian Keane, PhD, assistant professor of Psychiatry, Center for Visual Science, and Neuroscience at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Keane recently co-authored an article in Molecular Psychiatry that identifies how MRI scans could reveal brain differences in people with psychosis. “Aside from potentially predicting future psychosis onset, biomarkers could also help stratify patients into clinically meaningful subgroups and suggest new options for treatment or intervention.”

Read full article: Researchers Uncover Possible New Biomarker for Psychosis Diagnosis

Supporting Caregivers: Remember to Care for Yourself, Too

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Explore support groups, stress management strategies, and tips to help caregivers avoid burnout

Megan Ayles, LMSW, a senior social worker with UR Medicine’s Memory Care program, offers some helpful tips for caregivers who might be feeling overwhelmed: 

• Find support groups near you
• Know the symptoms of caregiver stress
• Beat caregiver burnout with strong boundaries
• Take a break
• Accept changes as they come

Read full article: Supporting Caregivers: Remember to Care for Yourself, Too

Janine M. Rowe Promoted to Clinical Director of Westfall Associates and EAP Services

Friday, November 15, 2024

We are excited to announce the promotion of Janine M. Rowe, MSEd., LMHC, CASAC, CEAP, SAP, CCC, NCC, to the role of Clinical Director of Westfall Associates and Employee Assistance Services in the Division of Collaborative Care and Wellness.

Janine joined the division of Collaborative Care & Wellness in 2021 as the EAP Services Manager for the UR Medicine Employee Assistance Program, where she has led initiatives in individual and group interventions to reduce work-related trauma sequelae, provided interdisciplinary supervision, and overseen clinical services. Janine is currently pursuing a doctorate in Counselor Education at the Warner School at the University of Rochester. She holds licensure as a mental health counselor in New York and numerous other credentials, including Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor, Substance Abuse Professional, Certified Employee Assistance Professional, Certified Career Counselor, and Nationally Certified Counselor.

Before joining our EAP team, Janine served as a Senior Chemical Dependency Counselor at Strong Recovery and prior to that, as Assistant Director of Disability Career Services at Rochester Institute of Technology. Among her many achievements, Janine received the New York State Career Development Association Early Career Professional Award in 2014 and the RIT Presidential Award for Excellence in 2018. 

Please join us in congratulating Janine on this well-deserved promotion and in supporting her as she transitions into this expanded leadership role.

2nd Annual Psychiatry Holiday Food Drive

Friday, November 8, 2024

Our second annual Department of Psychiatry Holiday Food Drive begins November 25th! All donations will directly help patients in our Strong Ties, Strong Minds, Strong Recovery, and those discharged from our inpatient programs. Drop off non-perishables until December 9th at the Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (1-9017), the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Educator Office (1-9022), inpatient units, and several clinics!

View a list of example food items that will be accepted 

Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy Virtual Open House

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Considering a career helping individuals and families struggling with relationship conflict, parenting, or mental health challenges? Our Institute for the Family will be holding several virtual open houses for those interested in pursuing a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Learn more about the MS MFT Virtual Open Houses

Sally Rousseau Named New Director of Strong Minds

Friday, November 1, 2024

Sally Rousseau, LCSW, LMFT will be rejoining the Department of Psychiatry as the new Director of Strong Minds, which includes our General Ambulatory clinic, the Deaf Wellness Center, the Gender Patient Support: Health and Wellness program, and the Adult Ambulatory Access programs.

Sally is rejoining the Department of Psychiatry as she spent a good portion of her 36-year career with joint appointments in Family Medicine and Psychiatry.  For the past 6½ years, Sally has been the Director of Social Work for Highland Hospital overseeing a team that covers 261 acute care beds.  She brings an incredible array of experiences in healthcare and specifically behavioral health to this role, including but not limited to direct clinical, grant and research coordination and management, clinical and administrative supervision, management and director of large clinical programs and/or groups.  Most of her experiences have been within the URMC system and Family Medicine.  Among her experiences outside of the system, Sally was the director of Rochester Regional Health’s Evelyn Brandon Community Mental Health which is a large multi-program site similar to Strong Minds.  

Sally obtained her bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Geneseo.  She then completed her master’s in social work at Syracuse University.  In addition to being dually licensed in social work and marriage & family therapy, Sally has certification/extensive training in process improvement supervision methods as well evidence-based practices.  She has co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles, numerous presentations at health system rounds and seminars, and taught courses at St. John Fisher University, the Nazareth/Brockport Collaborative MSW Program and the University of Rochester. Please join us in welcoming Sally Rousseau back to the Department of Psychiatry and to this critical role for our adult ambulatory services.

Julie Achtyl Named Psych Therapist Chief

Thursday, October 31, 2024

​We are pround to announce Julie V. Achtyl, MS, LMHC, CASAC-M, NCC, ACS as the Psych Therapist Chief.  This new position in the department will serve as the discipline chief for Psychiatry’s licensed/credentialed therapists (LMHC, LMFT, LCAT, CASAC) as well as related non-licensed clinical and clinical support roles.  This position will provide overarching discipline leadership, support, and oversight for psych licensed therapists. The role will be a liaison between the therapist disciplines and the department’s senior leadership with close collaboration with psychiatry education.  The Therapists Chief will collaborate with Clinical Program Directors and Division chiefs to support and educate regarding licensure regulations, scope of practice and supervision best practices for Mental Health Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists, Creative Arts Therapists, Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselors, junior therapists in all those disciplines working on licensure/credentials, as well as related clinical support positions.  In this role, Julie will be a part of the Chief Administrative Officer’s office and work in partnership with Psychiatry’s Social Work Discipline Chief and in close collaboration with the Associate Chair of Education.

Julie brings 18 years of combined clinical and clinical leadership experience in the department to this pivotal role.  Her current role in our Addiction Psychiatry Division includes oversight of the Adolescent/Young Adult clinic, the Adult CD clinic and CCBHC Outreach services as well as the Discipline Chief CASACs She also has oversight of counselor education and training programs and in 2022, she started a new CASAC Certificate Program in partnership with the Warner School for masters prepared clinicians.  Julie completed her undergraduate studies at the State University of New York College at Brockport in Psychology and Health Science with a concentration in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling. Then she completed her graduate studies at the Warner School of Education mental health counseling.  Julie is currently a PhD student in Counseling and Counselor Education at the Margaret Warner School of Education and Human Development.  For a number of years, she was on the Faculty at Brockport as an Adjunct Professor in the Health Science Department, and she is a Clinical Supervision Foundations II Certified Trainer.

Pie Sale Fundraiser for Adult Inpatient Psychiatry

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

The holiday season is quickly approaching, so what better way to celebrate than by filling your bellies and your loved ones with pie?

Now through October 24th, you can order locally-made pies from Special Touch Bakery, proceeds benefiting our Adult Inpatient Psychiatry Services.

Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness Ranked Top 50 in US News & World Report

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

​UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital's Division of Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness is among the nation’s best by the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospital rankings in Children's & Adolescent Behavioral Health Hospitals

The Division of Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness at UR Medicine is the largest provider of ambulatory children’s mental health services, the region’s only Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Inpatient unit, and the only adolescent partial hospital in Western New York. The division’s ambulatory services include two large clinic sites and satellites in pediatric primary care and pediatric specialty offices and public schools throughout the region. The division recently launched the Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Center, the only service of this type in Upstate New York.

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The division consists of 50 faculty members and over 120 staff clinicians, including child and adolescent psychiatrists, child and adolescent psychologists, licensed mental health therapists, family and marriage therapists, licensed clinical social workers, creative arts therapists, and case managers. Research and education are also critical missions for the division, with multiple ongoing studies examining suicide risk and prevention, as well as training programs in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychology.

“I am honored and humbled to lead this team of clinicians and academics who are so committed to improving the lives of children and families in our region. Recognition in our ranking by US News and World Report provides welcomed and needed attention to the outstanding work they do." - Michael Scharf, MD, psychiatrist-in-chief at GCH.

Read full article: Golisano Children’s Hospital Ranked in Three Specialties by U.S. News & World Report

Ben Lee Named Visiting Professor at University of Florida

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

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We're excited to share that our chair, Hochang Ben Lee, MD, has been named a visiting professor at the University of Florida's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Funded by Florida's Behavioral Health Teaching Hospital Bill, this visiting professorship will support Florida's efforts to develop programs that increase the behavioral health workforce in the state of Florida as well as improve access to psychiatric care for its citizens. 

Dr. Lee will be providing valuable mentorship to junior faculty while informing the development and expansion of Consultation-Liasion Psychiatry clinical programs at the University of Florida, including: 

 - Providing valuable mentorship to junior faculty in the UF Division of C-L Psychiatry.

 - Strategizing with key stakeholders within the UF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences on initiatives to expand psychiatric service provision in cost-effective ways.

 - Fostering collaboration between the UF Division of C-L Psychiatry and the UF Organ Transplant and Oncology Divisions on clinical and research programs.

Blue Elevator Renovations

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Beginning 9/30, we will begin an upgrade of the Blue Elevators in the Mental Health and Wellness wing. This project will take approximately six months. During this project, please expect delays in response times from the elevator. For people needing access between the basement to the first floor of Psychiatry, please be aware of the elevator in the 8100 hallway. During this project, please expect delays in response times from the elevator. For people needing access between the basement to the first floor of Psychiatry, please be aware of the elevator in the 8100 hallway.

UPDATE April 9th 2025 

We are pleased to announce that we are in the final stages of the blue elevator project, and we appreciate your continued patience. We hope to have both elevators operational by the end of April. 

William (Bill) Brien Named Assistant Director of Business Administration in Addictions & Geriatric Divisions

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

On October 1st, William (Bill) Brien will start in the role of Assistant Director of Business Administration in our Divisions of Addictions Psychiatry and Geriatric Mental Health and Memory Care. This position will support the fiscal management and administrative operations of both Divisions, including the following: 

 - The Addiction Psychiatry Division’s academic and clinical components which include all the Strong Recovery clinics (Opioid Treatment Program, Substance Use in Primary Care, Adult Chemical Dependency, and Adolescent/Young Adult)  

- The Geriatrics Mental Health and Memory Care Division’s academic and clinical components which include Older Adults, Memory Care, Alzheimer and Dementia Care, Capacity Clinic, and Telepsych Program

Bill’s experience includes years of management including serving in senior leadership roles at several human services and healthcare organizations. During this time, he has enjoyed “working with good people who do meaningful things that positively impact others.” Most recently, he was at the Children's Institute as the Director of Finance and Administration. His prior work included implementing strategies and projects with medical practices to support their transformation toward patient-centered care models. This work included mentoring and coaching practice leaders and staff; team building; selecting and implementing quality initiatives and developing the capacity to use data to drive improvement. Earlier in his career, he worked in behavioral health at Rochester Regional Health and served as an Executive Director of two non-profit organizations.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from William Penn College and master’s degree from the State University of New York College at Brockport. Bill also studied health policy at D’Youville College and has received training in Organizational Leadership and Lean Six Sigma. Bill enjoys basketball, golf, and riding his bike along the Auburn Trail. Most of all, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Tina, their two daughters and six grandchildren.

We are very excited to have him as part of the Adult Ambulatory Services Administrative team!  

New Psychiatry Division Emphasizes Addiction Research, Education

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

The Department of Psychiatry is tackling the dramatic rise in mental health and substance use disorders with the creation of an academic Division of Addiction Psychiatry to expand care and bolster research and education.

UR Medicine’s nationally recognized Recovery Center of Excellence is housed within this new division and leading the way by implementing hot-off-the-press addiction prevention strategies while partnering with rural communities across the country to increase support and prevent opioid overdoses, said Division Chief Caroline Easton, PhD 

Blending cognitive behavioral therapies with cutting-edge digital tools will fortify our programs for patients, scientists, and learners as we collaborate with the NIH and FDA in developing more evidence-based digital tools to promote access to care for clients with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.

“Using the biopsychosocial model, we’re strengthening our holistic care for clients with substance use and other addiction disorders by offering wrap-around services with translational research components,” Easton said. She joined the faculty earlier this year and also serves as the department’s director of digital therapeutics. (Learn more about Easton here.)

“Establishing a division dedicated to addiction psychiatry builds upon our legacy of leadership in psychiatric medicine and care,” said Hochang B. Lee, MD, chair and the John Romano Professor of Psychiatry. “The innovations in care, research and education continue our legacy of supporting tomorrow’s leaders in the field.”

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​​​ The department, which recently celebrated its 75^th anniversary, leads one of Monroe County’s two opioid treatment programs, has the region's only ACGME-accredited addiction psychiatry fellowship and, with the Warner School, developed an advanced certificate program in substance use disorder counseling. And, working with the regional psychology consortium, the division trains five psychology interns at clinical sites.

“We’ll be able to attract top talent because we have a unique and sophisticated system to support their career advancement,” Mathis said.

University Honors Two Teams, One Individual from Medical Center with Meliora Awards

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

The University of Rochester recently honored the 2024 recipients of the President’s Staff Awards at a reception at Helen Wood Hall on June 27. The annual President’s Staff Awards—the Meliora Award, Witmer Award for Distinguished Service, Lamar Riley Murphy Leadership Award, and the Staff Community Service Award—recognize employees whose innovative leadership, dedication, and sustained contributions have had a positive impact on the University of Rochester and the community. A new digital display on the River Campus and at the Medical Center will also recognize the winners.

Read More: University Honors Two Teams, One Individual from Medical Center with Meliora Awards

Hispanic American Champions Changing the Landscape of Health Equity

Friday, September 13, 2024

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year from September 15 to October 15, highlighting the vast contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of our country. Telva Olivares, MD was among the  Hispanic American champions highlighted by the Center for Community Health & Prevention for making a positive difference in community-identified priority health issues and inequities impacting the Rochester and Finger Lakes region. These changemakers are just a handful of Hispanic American leaders moving the needle across our institution. 

Read More: Hispanic American Champions Changing the Landscape of Health Equity

How To Deal with Political Stress

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

UR Newsroom: Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide Anthony R. Pisani, PhD, offers tips on managing stress during election seasons.

Read More: How To Deal with Political Stress

Caroline Easton: Integrating AI and compassion in addiction therapy

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Family values lead to technological innovation for a Rochester professor transforming addiction psychiatry.

A professor of psychiatry and the academic division chief of addiction psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center, she’s merging cognitive behavioral therapy with cutting-edge digital tools to provide holistic care for those battling substance abuse. Her desire to give back, combined with the limitless potential of AI, is already making an impact, with a long runway of promise ahead.

Read More: Caroline Easton: Integrating AI and compassion in addiction therapy

New Leadership in Adult Inpatient Services

Friday, September 6, 2024

Please join us in welcoming Kyle Rodenbach, MD to his new role as Medical Director of our Adult Inpatient Services.

Dr. Rodenbach attended medical school at the University of Rochester, graduating in 2016. He completed residency training at UPMC in Pittsburgh in 2020. Following graduation, he was an attending at the Univ of Wisconsin Madison on an inpatient psychiatric unit while also providing ECT and consult services, and teaching residents and students. Dr. Rodenbach joined our department last year where he became a valued member of the CPEP team as an attending working with high acuity patients. With his interest and experience in working with acutely and severely mentally ill patients as well as teaching, he transitioned in March of this year to the inpatient service as Associate Medical Director and teaching attending to the resident team. His passion, experience, and commitment to caring for those we serve and educating our residents make him an invaluable asset to our inpatient team and the Adult/Acute Psychiatry Division.

High Stakes, Higher Risks: Can Sports Betting Be Addictive?

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Dr. Myra Mathis, Clinical Chief of the Addiction Psychiatry Division and Medical Director of Strong Recovery, provides warning signs of gambling addiction and how to help yourself or others. 

Read More: High Stakes, Higher Risks: Can Sports Betting Be Addictive?

EAP Blog | Back to School: Preventing Bullying at School

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

School starts this month. Many parents worry about bullying in school. In the new EAP blog post, read steps that may help a child build confidence in speaking and develop resilience. 

Read More: EAP Blog | Back to School: Preventing Bullying at School

Two New Starts in Psychiatry

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

We are excited to announce two new additions to our department! 

Paula VanMinos, EdD has joined Psychiatry as the Assistant Director of Business Administration for Education and Faculty Affairs. In this new role, she will oversee all administrative operations and the teams supporting our education/training programs such as the Skills Lab and the Psych Tech Group. She will also have oversight of the Faculty Support Office operations and team. Paula joins us from Jordan Health, where she has been the Finance and Grant Administration Director since 2021.  She also has previous administrator experience working for UMRC at Highland Family Medicine and the Finance department. Paula obtained her Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in Educational Leadership from the University of Rochester Warner School of Education in 2014. We are thrilled to now have Paula with her expertise in the role.  She will work directly with the department’s Associate Chair of Education, Tziporah Rosenberg and the Associate Chair of Faculty Affairs, Carol Podgorski.  Please join me in welcoming Paula back to URMC and to the Department of Psychiatry. 

Shaun Lewis is our new Sr. Customer Technology Specialist starting 9/1/24.  In this role he will oversee the Skills Lab and supervise the Psych Tech Group.  Shaun comes to us from URMC's Learning and Development department where he was the Sr. Analyst Programmer/Internet and Digital Technology Program Manager since 2022 and in other tech support roles since 2013. Shaun obtained his Bachelor of Art in Music Industry from the State University of New York College at Oneonta.  He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of audio/visual technology as well instructional design. Shaun will be a part of the Education arm of the department and will report directly to Paula. Please join me in welcoming him to the Department of Psychiatry. 

Managing Anxiety Going Back to School: A Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Students

Monday, September 2, 2024

A confident, collective effort can make the experience rewarding for everyone

It’s normal to be concerned about your child's anxiety about returning to the classroom. Melissa Heatly, PhD, at Golisano Children’s Hospital, provides ways to demonstrate your support and confidence to your children as they return.

Read More: Managing Anxiety Going Back to School: A Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Students

School Year Stress: Acing the Back-to-School Season

Friday, August 30, 2024

UR Medicine Newsroom: The beginning of the school year brings busy schedules, routine adjustments, and—for many—lots of stress. Being prepared, mindful, and having the necessary tools to organize your family routines can help reduce your stress and anxiety.

Read More: School Year Stress: Acing the Back-to-School Season

2024 URMFG Innovation Grantees: Creating Deaf Equity in Behavioral Health Assessment

Friday, August 30, 2024

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The Deaf population reports higher rates of behavioral health problems including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Rochester, NY is home to one of the largest Deaf communities in the world but, even here, Deaf individuals still struggle for access to healthcare.

UR Medicine promotes biopsychosocial care via routine screenings outside of behavioral health clinics (e.g., primary care); however, these screenings are only available in written English and Spanish, excluding many Deaf patients given the community median reading level of 4th grade.

Deaf patients are less likely to receive routine screenings due to communication barriers, and the lack of measures available in American Sign Language (ASL). In addition, relevant Deaf cultural factors (e.g., acculturative stress) are rarely assessed nor integrated into care.

Despite URMC being a leader in Deaf health, ASL-translated behavioral health screening measures are not available and are needed to improve identification, referral, and intervention for our Deaf patients. This gap represents an opportunity to optimize care for Deaf patients that could also serve as a model nationwide to reduce health disparities. This quality improvement project will develop an ASL behavioral health assessment toolkit. 

Health Equity Pilot Awards Fund Research Projects Focused on Violence Prevention and Caregiver Support

Friday, August 23, 2024

The Office of Health Equity Research’s “Pilot Studies in Health Equity” award supports research in the Office’s key community-identified priority areas: safe and healthy housing, prevention of mental health and substance use disorders, prevention of gun violence, prevention of re-incarceration, and prevention and management of chronic diseases.

This year, the Office of Health Equity Research (OHER), part of the Center for Community Health & Prevention (CCHP) at the University of Rochester Medical Center, is proud to fund two research projects in these critical areas.

• Intergenerational Mentoring to Promote Healthier and Safer Communities
• Building Social Connections for Caregivers of Persons with Dementia from Underserved Communities

“We are excited to offer these awards for the second year and to be able to support such meaningful research that will impact our community for years to come,” said Edith Williams, MS, PhD, director of the CCHP and founding director of OHER.

Read more about the Research Projects

Intergenerational Mentoring to Promote Healthier and Safer Communities

Violence and the resulting trauma are leading causes of morbidity and mortality across the lifespan, disproportionately impacting under-served, urban communities. For older adults, violence in the community can lead to isolation and loneliness, which are often linked to a decreased quality of life and overall well-being. With funding from the Pilot Study in Health Equity Award, Corey Nichols-Hadeed, JD, principal investigator (PI) and Kimberly Van Orden, PhD (Co-I and mentor), will work to reduce community violence by promoting intergenerational social connection.

Nichols-Hadeed is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry (URSMD) and co-directs both the Firearm Injury Prevention Program and Geriatric Forensic Psychiatry Program. Van Orden leads the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Helping Older People Engage (HOPE) lab, co-directs the Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide, and directs the Department of Psychiatry’s CSPS NRSA T32 fellowship.

 Their project, “Intergenerational Mentoring to Promote Healthier & Safer Communities,” is grounded in academic-community partnership, with scientific and clinical expertise in healthy aging, community-partnered research, and community violence prevention. Goals include developing an intergenerational “Community Conversations” program aimed at older adults and youth, creating training manuals and training experiences for older adult mentors, refining curriculum, and piloting the program to examine effectiveness.

The funding provided by OHER will build on existing work supported by a Healthy Longevity Catalyst Award from the National Academy of Medicine (NAM award) and established community partner relationships to ensure sustainability and responsiveness to community needs.

“We are incredibly thankful for the opportunity to continue this work and bring more attention to the importance of healthy aging across the lifespan while addressing the prominent health crisis of community violence,” shared Nichols-Hadeed. “We look forward to being able to share what we learn with our community.”

Building Social Connections for Caregivers of Persons with Dementia from Underserved Communities

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates there are 6.9 million Americans living with dementia in the United States (2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures). The majority of persons with dementia are cared for by unpaid family members. Health inequities and the lack of access to clinical care and support can make caregiving more challenging for Black caregivers from underserved communities. With limited support, these caregivers may experience significant social disconnectedness and loneliness that is often associated with negative physical and mental health.

Sandhya Seshadri, PhD, MA, MS (PI), assistant professor of Neurology and associate director of research in the Neuropalliative Care division of the Department of Neurology, Paula Amina Alio, PhD, (Co-I) professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences and associate professor of Clinical Nursing in the School of Nursing, and Benzi M. Kluger, MD, MS, the Julius, Helen and Robert Fine Professor of Neurology (Co-I) will use funds awarded by the OHER Pilot Study, co-funded by the University of Rochester Aging Institute (URAI), to build social connections and decrease social isolation and loneliness among Black caregivers by developing an intervention that is scalable across marginalized Black communities.

The project, “Building Social Connections for Caregivers of Persons with Dementia from Underserved Communities,” aims to:

• Understand the social needs, and experiences of isolation and loneliness among Black caregivers of persons living with dementia.
• Co-develop an intervention, entitled “Congregational Compassionate Care (CCC) for Black caregivers of persons living with dementia.”

Also involved in the research is community partner Reverend Phyllis Jackson, RN, founder of the Interdenominational Health Ministry Coalition. At the community level, faith-based institutions and churches have historically played an important role in addressing public health issues and providing support to Black families. These groups, however, have not been involved in partnerships with researchers in the design and implementation of interventions to support caregivers of persons living with dementia. A large focus of this project will be the collaboration between healthcare researchers and congregations, fostering a sense of ownership of the intervention among community and congregational leaders.

“The Interdenominational Health Ministry is excited to participate in this project,” shared Reverend Jackson. “The more compassionate care we can provide Black and Brown caregivers who are struggling with these issues, the better positioned we are to help them maintain their mind, body, and spirit wellness. This project is ministry in action for us.”

“We are delighted to receive the OHER Pilot Study award,” said Seshadri. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to address the issues of social isolation and loneliness among dementia caregivers in the City of Rochester. By collaborating with Reverend Jackson, we will be best prepared to develop an intervention that meets the needs of these caregivers and well poised to apply for funding for a larger study through the National Institute of Health’s National Institute on Aging.”

“The UR Aging Institute is delighted to partner with the Office of Health Equity Research to fund new research initiatives in support of aging and health equity,” shared Annette (Annie) Medina-Walpole, MD, URAI director and chief of the Division of Geriatrics & Aging.

“Both pilot grants illustrate the importance of social connections in older adults. With the ever-rising number of older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, improving social connections and combatting loneliness in caregivers is both timely and critical. Ms. Nichols-Hadeed’s research around building social connections through an intergenerational program to prevent community violence is equally important to URAI and will no doubt have a lasting impact.”

Health Equity Research Core Investigators affiliated with OHER are eligible to apply for these pilot grants. The grant program is currently co-sponsored by OHER, the University of Rochester Aging Institute, and the Environmental Health Science Center/Institute of Human Health and Environment. 

The Pilot Studies in Health Equity award will open again in January 2025. OHER can fund up to five proposals depending on participating co-sponsors and the merit of applications received. Researchers interested in affiliating with OHER are encouraged to contact oher@urmc.rochester.edu.

John "Jack" McIntyre, MD Receives 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Earlier this spring, Dr. John "Jack" McIntyre, MD was presented with the URMC Department of Psychiatry's 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award. Dr. McIntyre graduated from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1967 and completed his residency in the URMC Department of Psychiatry in 1973 followed by a fellowship in Internal Medicine at the University of Kentucky. Dr. McIntyre has published research in multiple periodicals including The American Journal of Psychiatry, Schizophrenia Research, and The American Journal of Psychiatry. 

"Dr. Jack McIntyre embodies the essence of compassionate and insightful psychiatric care," says Hochang Ben Lee, MD, John Romano Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry, "Jack embodies Rochester Psychiatry, and his footprints looms large across all mental health services in our region. His work as the President of the American Psychiatric Association (1993-1994) also reflected his profound dedication and unwavering commitment to mentally ill patients' well-being. Jack has been a standout alumnus and advocate for UR Psychiatry for decades. His innovative approach and empathetic nature are truly inspiring and invaluable to both fellow alumni and current trainees." 

View More Photos from the Event: John "Jack" McIntyre, MD Receives 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award

Enhancing care with Proactive Integrated Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (PICLP)

Monday, August 19, 2024

Ben Lee, MD, was a member of the Home Study team to assess the effects of enhancing older inpatients’ care with Proactive Integrated Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (PICLP).  Read the full article below. 

Sharpe, M., Walker, J., van Niekerk, M., Toynbee, M., Magill, N., Frost, C., ... & Yousif, M. (2024). Proactive integrated consultation-liaison psychiatry and time spent in hospital by older medical inpatients in England (The HOME Study): a multicentre, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet Psychiatry.

Read More: Enhancing care with Proactive Integrated Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (PICLP)

A New Chapter for Kate Cerulli

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

​​​As of July 1st, Kate Cerulli, JD, PhD retired from her role as Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Susan B. Anthony Center. During her 20+ years with our department, she founded the Laboratory of Interpersonal Violence and Victimization and the Healing through Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law Collaborative while shaping our current focus on translating scientific research into practical solutions for those facing challenges in meeting their social determinants of health.

As she moves into semi-retirement and a part-time role with Mt. Hope Family Center, we hope you join us in congratulating Dr. Cerulli on this new chapter! 

Panic Attacks vs. Heart Attacks: Understanding the Differences

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Panic attacks are alarming because the symptoms can mirror a life-threatening heart attack.

Read More: Panic Attacks vs. Heart Attacks: Understanding the Differences

Incorporating Reliable and Ethical AI into Medical Diagnosis and Treatment

Monday, August 12, 2024

UR Medicine Newsroom: Caroline Easton, PhD, professor of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), has leveraged AI to fine-tune an app that uses avatar coaches to guide patients through cognitive behavioral therapy. 

BHP Blog: Managing Anxiety Related to World Events

Friday, August 9, 2024

Behavioral Health Partners Blog
By Marianne Wink, RHIT, CPC, CRC (retired)

There have been many critical events in the past years that have us all on edge. You are not alone in managing thoughts and anxiety related to the effects of the pandemic, the multiple wars in other countries, or politics. These events affect all of us in different ways. The important thing is to understand what you can control and what you cannot. The following suggestions may help you gain and retain perspective in your everyday life in order to reduce anxiety.

Rochester Review: Doctors, patients, algorithms, and avatars

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Clinicians, computer scientists, and ethicists are working across the University of Rochester to incorporate reliable and ethical AI into medical diagnosis and treatment.

Caroline Easton, PhD is the Medical Center’s academic chief of addictions psychiatry and director of digital therapeutics for the Department of Psychiatry. Her use of AI in therapies illustrates one facet of AI’s transformative power in medicine and health care. This story appears in the summer 2024 issue of Rochester Review, the magazine of the University of Rochester.

YoUR Support Team wins the 2024 Meliora Award

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

The YoUR Support Team wins the 2024 Meliora Award, recognizing their exceptional contributions to staff well-being since their inception in 2013. The team, consisting of approximately 25 volunteers, offers emotional support to staff experiencing work-related trauma, known as Second Victim Syndrome, through a structured, multi-layered approach. Adapting the Critical Incident Stress Management framework, they provide interventions such as "demobilize, defuse, and debrief" tailored for healthcare settings. Their work spans various departments, ensuring no staff member feels isolated after critical incidents. Demonstrating leadership, collaboration, and accountability, the team shares their model regionally and nationally, contributing to conferences and publications. They embody URMC’s ICARE values by promoting inclusion, compassion, and respect, fostering a supportive work environment, and enhancing staff resilience and well-being.

Photo: L-R, University President Sarah Mangelsdorf, Janine Rowe (Co-leader, YoUR Support), Jaclyn Wilmarth, (Co-leader, YoUR Support), and Kathleen Gallucci, University Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

A Bittersweet Transition

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

​It is with mixed emotions that we share that Steve Fasone, Founding Director of our Psychiatry Technology Group, has made the very exciting decision to retire this summer, winding down his full-time time with us on July 26, 2024. 

Some words from Tziporah Rosenberg, PhD and Patrick Seche, MS, CASAC: 

It’s not hard to feel at least a LITTLE better about this departure when you see his face light up about moving closer to family, leaning into his most important role as grandfather, and his appreciation of the wisdom that all good things eventually must give way to other goodness. 
 
I’ve heard spontaneous platitudes about his imprint on the very fabric of this Department, grief about how we will manage without him and his many gifts, and plenty of stories that I will be sure we save for when we celebrate this milestone with him. Steve started at the University in 1981 and worked with the Medical Center Media team (the group now known as the Center for Experiential Learning) until 1993. And after a brief time out of state, he returned to Rochester, and joined our Department in 2000. I’m sure he singlehandedly (or rather, with his expert team!) saved us all from Y2K. 
 
To say “his impact on our Department is indelible”, is an enormous understatement. He has visioned, supported, built, installed, maintained, staffed, produced, polished, updated, refined, modernized, designed, tested, re-tested, and, honestly, perfected countless efforts spanning Education, DICE, Office of Mental Health Promotion, and all of the major events, to-do’s, conferences, and celebrations of our Department as a whole. He has partnered across departmental boundaries, supported scholarly and educational efforts through our Skills Lab and every one of our training programs, mentored work-study students, supervised and mentored a robust staff of talented technicians and generous and talented humans over the years. He has been perhaps among the most unsung heroes across all of our Department’s core missions, a masterful educator, team member, and all-around MVP. 
 
All the ways we do what we do now with technology, with relative ease and routine, are because of Steve and his leadership. Among his many gifts has long been to take something seemingly complex and flustering and bringing even the most fearful end user or teacher or presenter along to a place of confidence. He has been ahead of the curve countless times, has served as a trendsetter to others across the Medical Center, and has been a simply exemplar innovator, for which we are all unimaginably lucky. 
 
We will be hosting a celebration for Steve to honor his contributions and upcoming transition later in July. And while part of him may know how loved he is, I encourage you to connect with him to let him know it. We are delighted that he has also agreed to do some TAR work after he leaves Rochester and as we endeavor to bolster our Psych Tech group with some new members.

Celebrating Graduates at Key Day

Monday, July 1, 2024

In June, we celebrated Key Day, our annual ceremony highlighting our newest class of graduates from our education programs. In addition, we also recognized several trainees and faculty/staff/ and friends for their work in research, care, and education respectively.

A big congratulations to all those graduating this year! We're so excited to have been part of your journey and can't wait to see your next steps!

Residency Receives Special Endowed Gift

Friday, June 28, 2024

Thanks to the visionary generosity of Teresa Miller, MD, ’83M (Res) and John Goeke, the Dr. Teresa R. Miller Psychiatry Resident Wellness Fund was recently established in the Department of Psychiatry. “Feeling grateful for my training as a psychiatry resident at the University of Rochester, John and I decided to make this gift to provide support for the next generation of practitioners,” says Miller. “My residency was instrumental in teaching me the importance of the mind-body connection which I have integrated into my private practice over my entire career.” The intent of this thoughtful gift is to enhance the well-being of current and future generations of psychiatrists, and contribute to healthier, more resilient mental health practitioners.

The proceeds from the endowment are intended to allow psychiatry residents to attend the annual Mindful Practice in Medicine Retreat developed by the University of Rochester’s Ronald Epstein, MD and Mick Krasner, MD which Miller attended in 2019. She felt it gave her and the other healthcare practitioners in attendance opportunities to bond over the stresses of practicing medicine. They also acquired tools to restore equilibrium and allow them to flourish. This year, two residents attended the Retreat, one of whom was Liliana Luna-Nelson, MD, who remarked, “The Mindful Practice in Medicine Core Workshop was inspiring, restorative, and transformative. I continue to revisit daily what we explored there. It profoundly informs my personal and professional life with more grace, flexibility, and empathy towards patients, colleagues, and myself.”

Department Chair, Ben Lee, MD shared, “I am deeply grateful for this insightful contribution Terry and John have made to support our young trainees for generations to come. I feel that knowing someone is caring for and thinking about their well-being will be an incredible boost to morale.”

Miller was supported throughout her career by Goeke’s involvement as a partner and office manager in her practice. He adds, “By providing resources and support for psychiatry residents to cultivate mindfulness and prioritize their own wellness, we are not only investing in their individual well-being but also in the quality of care they will provide to their patients throughout their careers.”

About creating the endowment, Miller expressed, “This whole process has been illuminating for me and has helped me stay connected to the University of Rochester, which is very important. My hope is for those who might benefit from it. I am excited that it will continue for generations to come.”

In turn, the Department of Psychiatry is grateful for Miller and Goeke’s generosity and their unwavering dedication to the future of mental health care. This endowment represents a commitment to the holistic health of those who dedicate their lives to the well-being of others. It's a testament to the belief that by nurturing the mental and emotional well-being of psychiatry residents, we can create a ripple effect that positively impacts countless lives.

Golisano Children’s Hospital Opens New Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Center

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

On June 26th, we cut the ribbon on the Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Center, the region's FIRST walk-in mental health clinic for young people! 

Thank you to the Brighter Days Foundation and many donors who contributed to this center, which will provide care for children and adolescents 18 and under without a prior appointment. Thank you also to West Herr Ford of Rochester for their donation of a dedicated vehicle for children and families identified by the triage team as lacking transportation to the clinic.

Missed the ribbon cutting? You can view the recording here! 

The center officially opens on July 15th! Learn more about the Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Center here or check out some of the local news coverage of this event! 

• URMC Newsroom 
• First Pediatric Mental Health Clinic in Upstate NY Opens Its Doors
• Golisano Children’s Hospital Opens Region’s first Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care
• New Pediatric Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center Comes to Rochester
• 'The Only One in Our Region': First Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Opens in Upstate New York
• New Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic for Children Will Accept Walk-ins
• URMC Opening Region's First Walk-in Mental Health Urgent Care Center for Kids in July
• Walk-in Mental Health Clinic for Kids to Open at Golisano Children’s Hospital
• Pediatric Mental Health Center at URMC Seeks to Support Children at a Time of Crisis

2024 Creatively Connecting Summer Showcase

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Thank you for joining us for the 2024 Creatively Connecting Summer Showcase. Sponsored by the Department of Psychiatry Residency Program featuring performances from members of the Department of Psychiatry. 

Registration for July Sessions of 2024 Summer Brown Bag Series Now Open

Monday, June 24, 2024

Registration is now open for the July 10th – 31st sessions of our 2024 Summer Brown Bag Series. Join speakers every Wednesday starting at noon throughout the summer to learn about inequities surrounding our communities through a diverse lens. CEU and CMEs are available. 

Representing UR Medicine Mental Health and Wellness at the Stroll for Strong Kids

Friday, June 14, 2024

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Golisano Children's Hospital's Stroll for Strong Kids or contributed to our Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness's fundraising efforts

Together, we raised $2,333.70 to support mental health services for youth in our community. This was the 10th anniversary of having our Behavioral Health Activities Station at the event. Thanks to the creativity of staff, faculty, and parent volunteers, we had wonderful activities related to this year’s theme of Pirates and Mermaids - including Treasure Box Coping Kits and Under the Sea Sensory Bottles. 

Our Firearm Injury Prevention Program (FIPP) team also joined the Stroll in support of preventing firearm injury and safe firearm storage

Join your Mental Health Colleagues at the Pride Parade on July 20th

Friday, June 14, 2024

URMC encourages broad institution-wide attendance at the Pride Parade this year. Sign up to attend the Pride Parade in Rochester on July 20 and support our LGBTQ+ community.  Members of the URMC community will line up between 9:30 and 10:30 and march at 11. Free swag items will be available. Hope to see you there!

Can Adults Have ADHD?

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Untreated and undiagnosed ADHD can lead to everyday struggles. UR Medicine’s Michael Scharf, MD, explains how ADHD symptoms vary from childhood to adulthood and shares the best ways to seek diagnosis and treatment as an adult.

Michelle Russo Joins Psychiatry Education Team

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Michelle Russo to Psychiatry and our Education team as our new Administrator for Graduate Medical Education (GME) and Undergraduate Medical Education. In this role, she will support and oversee the coordinators of our GME/LCME programs, interfacing with and supporting our training directors from a regulatory and reporting perspective, liaising with our GME office, our Department administration, the Associate Chair for Education, as well as ensuring the health, vitality, and growth of our GME team. 

Michelle joins us after developing her skills in several GME programs, most recently the Cardiothoracic Surgery program here at URMC, as well as Pediatrics. She also comes with program management experience, a deep desire to learn and contribute to our Departmental learning environment, and a highly effective interpersonal and relational leadership style. 

URMC Psychiatry Research Highlighted in Conferences

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

• A December 2023 publication, "Heterogeneity of Response to Methylphenidate in Apathetic Patients in the ADMET 2 Trial," coauthored by Anton Pjetur Porsteinsson, MD was recently awarded the 2024 Publication of the Year Award by the International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Neuropsychiatric Syndromes PIA. The team is invited to present their work is invited during the in-person PIA Day in Philadelphia in July. 
• Tyler Fleming, DO, MPH presented at the American Academy of Psychodynamic Psychiatry and Psychoanalysis a roundtable entitled 'The use of the novel and musical in psychodynamic formulation in graduate medical education'.
• Arielle Sheftall, PhD's presentation on discrepancies in reporting between parents and youth on suicidal behavior was recently accepted for the biennial European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behavior. She will be presenting at the conference in Rome in August.
• Jennifer West, PhD presented at the annual American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association meeting in Denver on Project RISE: Reduction in secondhand smoke exposure for patients with craniofacial differences. (first author Colette Stenz, PsyD).
• Jennifer West, PhD, Kristin Holderle, PhD, and Wendi Cross, PhD recently presented at the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers in Albuquerque "From crisis to community commitment: A three-part social justice initiative."
• Jennifer West, PhD and Micheal Scharf, MD also were co-authors on a poster presented at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies in Toronto in May: Addressing social determinants of health in youth and young adult victims of firearm violence. (first author Crystal Craig)
• Jennifer West, PhD and Kristin Holderle, PhD  presented at the biennial conference of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers in Albuquerque a poster, "From crisis to community commitment: A three-part social justice initiative"
• Myra Mathis, MD co-presented two sessions at the American Psychiatric Association's Annual Meeting:  "Telemedicine and Addiction Treatment: The potential implications for marginalized populations (In Relation to the Ryan Haight Act)" and "Pregnancy & Buprenorphine: To offer or not offer, that is the question"
• Ellen-ge Denton, PsyD, MS will be chairing the upcoming Youth Suicide Research Consortium Fifth Annual Conference. This year's theme is Youth Suicide Research Among Understudied Groups Around the Globe: Insights, Directions and Opportunities. Click here to register for this free event! 

In addition to these faculty achievements, Sungsu Lee, MD, PhD, Grace Ro, MD, and Jaewon Lee, MD, MPH, residents in our Psychiatry Residency Program, presented at the American Psychiatric Association's Annual Meeting in May. 

Last but not least, Dakota Daniels and Allan Sikh, Human Subjects Research Coordinators at the Sheftall Lab, presented at the Suicide Research Symposium in late April, the ABCT student conference, and the Youth Suicide Research Consortium Conference.

New Program Will Promote Firearm Safety as a Public Health Issue

Monday, June 3, 2024

Firearm Injury Prevention Program (FIPP) will provide gun safety education to the community

A newly established UR Medicine program led by Corey Nichols-Hadeed, JD & Jennifer West, PhD, will collaborate with healthcare providers, community agencies, and residents across Rochester and the Finger Lakes Region to find effective ways to prevent suicides and other intentional or accidental injuries and deaths related to firearms.  

Advanced Certificate in Addictions Counseling Program Celebrates Graduating Class

Friday, May 31, 2024

The Advanced Certificate in Addictions Counseling Program completed its pilot year and the team of faculty, staff, and students who made this program possible feel tremendous pride in the learning community that we’ve collaboratively created. Congratulations to our graduates, Abigal Myslivecek, Katie Blakley, Jackie O’Connor, and Charles Brown! 

The Advanced Certificate in Addictions Counseling program is a collaboration of the Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education, the School of Medicine and Dentistry, and Strong Recovery and is designed to meet the educational needs of master-prepared professionals who are interested in obtaining the Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Use Counseling (CASAC) credential. What makes our program unique is the targeted curriculum of substance use disorder education that is often missing from master-level human service degrees. Therefore, in two short semesters a student will obtain all the necessary educational hours to meet the requirements to become a CASAC-Trainee.

Some words from students: 

"There are so many countless benefits for me from taking this course, it is so hard to pick out the greatest one, but for me, I think that this course has really increased my awareness of the impact of substance use on our communities and in particular, I feel more confident in my ability to screen for, assess, and diagnose substance use disorders- all of this in a patient-centered and recovery-oriented way. I feel also that the course has provided a really unique benefit from learning from a panel of experts that are really pioneers in the field of chemical dependence treatment and the course was the most up-to-date and relevant of any type of learning on these subjects I’ve ever experienced. I truly do not believe that this quality of instruction or educational material that is this contemporary, relevant, and useable is accessible anywhere else." 

Additionally, the program includes two tracks, one for students interested in gaining more alcohol and other drug clinical internship experience at Strong Recovery, and the other track is designed for students interested in learning more about clinical supervision. In total, the commitment is two semesters, and the cohort begins every fall. The deadline to apply to our program is July 15th, 2024. 

Interested in joining the next cohort of the Advanced Certificate in Addictions Counseling Program? An informational session will be held on 6/5. Click here to register. 

New Approach to Trauma Has Helped Thousands of Youth Recover

Friday, May 10, 2024

UR School of Medicine and Dentistry alumna Hildegard Messenbaugh, MD, turned her ability to connect with youth and her own exposure to childhood adversity into a groundbreaking career. Inspired by George Engel, MD, and her desire to help others, she found a clear path forward in psychiatry. Dr. Messenbaugh founded the Denver-based nonprofit Third Way Center and began challenging conventional thinking about mental health.

Administrative and Leadership Transitions in Psychiatry

Monday, May 6, 2024

It is our pleasure to announce some upcoming administrative and leadership transitions in Psychiatry!

• Julie Caster, RN will begin transitioning into the Community Division Administrator role. In this role, she will support operations of our Strong Ties, Assertive Community Treatment, Health Home Care Management, and Strong Minds programs. Julie originally joined Psychiatry in 2004 as a Sec III for Strong Ties Case Management and never left!  Julie continued to progress in her career taking on roles as a care manager at different levels and then shifting into nursing.   From 2011-2020, Julie held multiple RN positions with increasing educational and leadership responsibilities in both inpatient and ambulatory settings.  
• Jessica Moore, PhD will be taking on the role of Senior Director for Hospital-Based Ambulatory Services in our Division of Collaborative Care & Wellness. She will be providing leadership and strategic alignment for many clinics under this division. As Senior Director, Dr. Moore will also provide leadership support for all the other directors of such clinics. 
• Tyler Fleming, DO, MPH will be taking on the role of Medical Director for Family Therapy Services. In this role, he will work with Dr. Moore to help integrate our Family Therapy Service program's clinical, educational, and academic missions.
• Adam Cake, LCSW will be taking on the role of Clinical Director for the Adult Partial Hospitalization Program. He is transitioning into this role from his previous position as Senior Social Worker for Adult Partial Hospitalization and will continue to help the program grow and build a strong team to provide care for those experiencing acute mental health symptoms.

Colette Stenz Recieves 2024 Trainee Contributions to Training Award

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Colette Stenz, PsyD, psychology postdoctoral child and adolescent track fellow, recently received the 2024 Trainee Contributions to Training Award from the Clinical Child and Pediatric Psychology Training Council (CCaPPTC). Dr. Stenz was recognized for her impactful, innovative clinical and educational contributions in the psychology training program and pediatric behavioral health settings, with a focus on improving access to evidence-based care for patients with pediatric disorders of the gut-brain interaction (DGBIs).

Dr. Stenz was also acknowledged for her work with the Psychology Training Program Diversity Workgroup spearheading the development of informational material for program applicants that highlights Rochester and its diverse residents, in particular as agents of change and advocates for social justice. 

How Childhood Trauma May Impact Adults

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Thomas O’Connor,PhD, director of the Wynne Center for Family Research at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and Kristen Holderle, PhD, UR Medicine’s Clinic Director of the HEAL Collaborative, share the ways in which trauma affects the brain and body, how PTSD and trauma are related, and suggestions for healing.

Yeates Conwell Weighs in on How Volunteering Affects Your Brain

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Yeates Conwell, MD, director of the Office for Aging Research and Health Services, spoke to BrainHQ about why volunteering benefits both brain and overall health. "When you're volunteering, so many things can get better, because it exercises so many of one's physical, emotional, and mental faculties at once. People who volunteer are able to improve their energy and enjoy an overall better quality of life."

Read the full article

Stroll for Strong Kids Pie Sale

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Team Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness is teaming up with Special Touch Bakery to raise funds for the 28th Annual Stroll for Strong Kids. Proceeds from the pie sale will benefit URMC’s Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness services. 
 
Now through Friday, April 26th, you can order locally-made pies. All pies come frozen. Fruit pies are unbaked with baking instructions on the box. Cream pies are simply thawed and served. 
 
Your order will be ready for pick up on Friday, May 10th, just in time for upcoming celebrations!

Order Locally Made Pies Here

Yeates Conwell Receives Carter Catlett Williams Award for Excellence in Aging Services

Monday, April 8, 2024

Congratulations to Yeates Conwell, MD for receiving this year's Carter Catlett Williams Award for Excellence in Aging Services!

This award is given by Lifespan of Greater Rochester Inc. at their annual Celebration of Aging at the Convention Center and honors those making remarkable contributions to the field of aging and long-term care services.

Training Workshops on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Treatment-Seeking

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Our UR Medicine Recovery Center of Excellence will be offering free trainings throughout April for peers and healthcare workers to provide guidance on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Treatment-Seeking (CBT-TS), work through resistance, and encourage help-seeking behavior in those seeking treatment. One-session and four-session training available, depending on familiarity with CBT-TS.

Unique Psychiatry Program Delivers De-Stigmatized, Compassionate Care

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

MIPS team reaches those with severe mental illness facing barriers in health care

It’s a sobering fact that people with severe mental illness die, on average, 15 to 30 years earlier than the rest of the population. But the cause isn’t what you might expect, according to Marsha Wittink, MD, chief of academic affairs in the division of Medicine in Psychiatry Services (MIPS) at the University of Rochester Medical Center. 

Bridge Art Gallery Call for Art Closes May 3rd!

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

There’s a little more than a month left to submit artwork for our Bridge Art Gallery's next call for art, Growth in Tough Times. We invite artists of all ages to respond to our call for art exploring resilience and overcoming challenges by completing the attached submission form or filling out our online form here.  In addition, save the date for the show reception on May 29th from 4:30 PM to 6 PM at the Romano Room. Stay tuned for more details! 

Pilot Award to Translate Mental Health and Deaf Cultural Screenings

Thursday, March 28, 2024

We are proud to share that Aileen Aldalur, PhD and Kimberly van Orden, PhD, alongside Wyatte Hall, MA, PhD, and researchers from Gallaudet University and UMass Chan Medical School were recently awarded the Quality Institute Healthcare Innovation Pilot Award from the UR Medicine Quality Institute.

This award will fund the team's project, "Creating Deaf Equity in Behavioral Health Assessment," which will translate several mental health screenings and Deaf cultural measures into ASL. These screenings will be piloted across UR Medicine in the upcoming years. Congratulations to the team for this well-deserved award!

Stroll for Strong Kids is June 1st!

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

The 28th Annual Golisano Children's Hospital Stroll for Strong Kids will be held on June 1st at Genesee Valley Park! This family-friendly event features a race/walk fundraiser to support programs that serve our kids and their loved ones as well as entertainment and lunch for youth participants. Our Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness team will be raising funds to support pediatric psychiatry programs.  Interested in supporting the team's efforts? You can. . .

• Join the walk team and/or Donate to the team's fundraising efforts
  • To donate, select a participant from the team and go to their profile to reach the "Donate" button. Select "Direct my gift to" and select "Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness" from the drop-down menu
• Purchase a pie through the team's Pie Sale until 4/26
• Participate in Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness's bottle and can drive! From now until 5/31, Upstate Bottle Return will be matching a portion for every 5¢ return at any of their locations. Just mention that you would like your return to support Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness’s fundraiser!
• Organize a Jeans Day in your program! 
• Share the walk information and team page on social media! 

Thank you to everyone's support in making this year's walk a success.

Deaf Wellness Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

In March, our Deaf Wellness Center (DWC) celebrated its 25th Anniversary.

The foundations of this program began in 1990 when founder Dr. Robert Pollard joined UR Medicine and two years later, a National Institute of Mental Health grant provided funding for our Psychology Internship Program to bring on a deaf intern focused on serving deaf patients.

Since then, the program has grown to provide mental health and counseling services to deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, deaf disabled, late-deafened, and CODA adults with the center officially receiving its name in 1999.

Adobe Donation Supports Youth Suicide Prevention

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Ian Cero, PhD, Peter Wyman, PhD, and Anthony Pisani, PhD recently received a $20K donation from Adobe, Inc. to fund initial research into the potential uses of AI for suicide prevention among high-risk adolescents. This pilot will evaluate the potential for Adobe’s image-generating AI platform (Firefly) to improve suicide safety planning for youth and adults in their lives. The pilot will be conducted with patients discharged from our Child and Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program with youth and supportive adults collaborating to use Firefly to visualize images personally important to their safety plan.

Transitions in Psychiatry Education

Friday, March 8, 2024

 After 21 years at URMC, and over 18 in our Department, Marylee Gramlich will be departing from URMC, the Department’s Education team, and her role as the Education Administrator; her last day with us will be March 29. Marylee has been a champion for all things education! She is a consummate advocate for our learners and our faculty, an excellent steward of our Education resources, a builder of community, and a beacon of warmth to all who are new to the Department of Psychiatry. She has been the heartbeat of this part of our Department, and we are all indebted to her for her countless and tireless contributions. While Marylee is surely one of a kind, and irreplaceable, our Psychiatry Education team will be working toward fortifying the team with some additional resources and support. 

 In addition, Vicki Perry, the fearless Psychiatry medical student education coordinator, and coordinator for our Geriatric Fellowship Program, will be leaving our department in March. 

 Laura Cardella, MD, Director of Medical Student Education in Psychiatry says, "Vicki has been the clerkship coordinator for longer than I have been the clerkship director. She has a level of institutional awareness that not many of us do. She is quick to lend a hand when asked,  has helped facilitate more than a thousand medical students through the psychiatry clerkship, and deeply cares about them and their education."

Please join us in thanking Marylee and Vicki for their years of service! 

Advanced Certificate in Addictions Counseling Program Rounding the Bend on Pilot Year

Friday, March 8, 2024

The Advanced Certificate in Addictions Counseling Program, a partnership between our Strong Recovery Services, the Warner School of Education, and the School of Medicine and Dentistry, is rounding the bend on its pilot year. The team of faculty, staff, and students who made this program possible feel tremendous pride in the learning community that we’ve collaboratively created. 

This program is designed to meet the educational needs of master-prepared professionals who are interested in obtaining the Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Use Counseling (CASAC) credential. What makes our program unique is the targeted curriculum of substance use disorder education that is often missing from master-level human service degrees. Therefore, in two short semesters, a student will obtain all the necessary educational hours to meet the requirements to become a CASAC trainee.

Additionally, the program includes two tracks, one for students interested in gaining more alcohol and other drug clinical internship experience at Strong Recovery, and the other track is designed for students interested in learning more about clinical supervision. In total, the commitment is two semesters, and the cohort begins every fall. The deadline to apply program is July 15th, 2024.

Interested in learning more about this program and becoming a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor? An informational session will be held on March 28th at noon. Click here to register.

Elizabeth Santos, MD elected president of National Geriatric Psychiatry Association

Friday, March 8, 2024

Elizabeth Santos, an associate professor of psychiatry, will lead the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry beginning March 18. She is the latest of at least four AAGP presidents with ties to the University of Rochester Medical Center. Dr. Santos is the Director of the Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship Program, the Strong Behavioral Health Older Adults Clinic, and the Medical Director of the URMC Memory Care Program.

Biomarker changes in spinal fluid could help diagnose Alzheimer's early

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Media Spotlight: Geriatric psychiatrist Emily Clark, DO, spoke to Medical News Today (Feb. 28) about a long-term study on early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Clark said the new findings confirm the differences in biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid and blood plasma in patients who developed the disease in the future and those who didn't. "A temporal manner of biomarker changes has been a hypothesis for many years that has been validated as biomarker testing advancements have been made in research settings," said Clark.

Kristina Washington Named Sr. Administrator for Adult Acute/Crisis/MIPS

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

We are excited to share that Kristina Washington, LCSW will be promoted to the new position of Senior Administrator for Adult Acute/Crisis/MIPS services. In this role, Kristina will provide administrative oversight, guidance, and support for all of our adult inpatient crisis programs such as the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, Mobile Crisis, and Crisis Call Line, as well as other acute programs such as the Adult Partial Hospitalization Program. 

Kristina joined the department almost 23 years ago and has served in various admin support, clinical, and leadership roles across our ambulatory and acute/crisis services.  Her most recent has been as the Clinical Director of our Adult Partial Hospitalization Program for almost 2 years to date.  Kristina brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this new role and I look forward to working with her to continue to support and advance our Acute/Crisis/MIPS services for adult patients. 

Please join us in congratulating Kristina on her new role!

Perspectives for Black History Month and Beyond: Q&A with Dr. Arielle Sheftall

Friday, February 9, 2024

Arielle Sheftall, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry with expertise in understanding and addressing mental health disparities.  In this Q&A session, Sheftall discusses key research findings, providing valuable perspectives for Black History Month and beyond.

Stressed Out? Try These Science-Backed Ways to Stress Less

Friday, February 9, 2024

Here are some tips to calm your body and mind when stress is overwhelming you. 

When the biggest student mental health advocates are the students

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Read the New York Times Article

Student-led efforts can play a vital role, too, says Peter Wyman, a professor of psychiatry, co-director of the Center for Study and Prevention of Suicide, and director of the Network Health and Prevention Program. Peer leaders can be “significant influencers,” he says, in helping friends to avoid risk-taking behaviors, like vaping or drugs, and to embrace coping behaviors, like seeking counseling. The closer a teen is to the peer leader delivering a prevention message or demonstrating a healthy coping behavior, the bigger the impact, Wyman says.

Itza Morales Named Staff Wellness Officer

Monday, January 29, 2024

We are excited to announce the appointment of Itza Morales, MSB, CASAC as the new Staff Wellness Officer for the Department of Psychiatry. In this role, Itza will partner with Autumn Gallegos, PhD, our Faculty Wellness Officer, to promote and implement wellness initiatives throughout the department. Together, they will aim to make ongoing wellness a consistent part of the fabric of our work environments.

Itza has a long history of promoting wellness in Addiction Psychiatry. She has served as Strong Recovery’s Wellness Champion for the past 5 years. In that role, she has guided the implementation of many wellness initiatives. She will continue her position as Co-Director of Operations of Strong Recovery but will allocate some of her time to fulfill this pivotal role for the department.

George Nasra Named Associate Chair for Adult Ambulatory Care

Friday, January 26, 2024

In this role, Dr. Nasra will provide leadership and strategic direction for our adult ambulatory services. He will also facilitate collaboration across our different programs.

Dr. Nasra brings a wealth of expertise, having previously led the DSRIP integration efforts and played a pivotal role as Associate Medical Director of Behavioral Health in the Accountable Health Partner (AHP). His extensive collaboration with affiliate hospitals, particularly through our primary integration programs and telepsychiatry-based emergency psychiatry program highlights his commitment to advancing our department's goals.

Under Dr. Nasra's leadership, the Division of Collaborative Care and Wellness has flourished, becoming one of the largest divisions of its kind in the country. Today, our department stands as one of the most integrated in the country, a testament to Dr. Nasra's dedication and strategic vision.

During this transitional period, Dr. Nasra will continue his role as Clinical Chief of our Division of Collaborative Care and Wellness in the interim.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Nasra on his new leadership role!

‘Change is now:’ Mental health care expansion in progress at Golisano Children’s Hospital

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Construction is underway for our Golisano Children's Hospital Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care!

Michael Scharf, MD, Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, alongside Lauren Opladen, ICU nurse at Strong Hospital, spoke with News 8 WROC Rochester on how this program will help streamline the process of mental health services for youth and their families.

Gold & Silver Star Recipients Show ‘What URMC is All About’

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Each year, we pause to recognize those whose exemplary work has earned top recognition from patients, families, and colleagues at URMC through the ICARE Stars program.

Hundreds of Gold and Silver Star recipients in a variety of roles across the organization were honored at a virtual ceremony Dec. 19. As echoed by numerous speakers, these superstars—recognizable by their gold and silver ID badges—are proof that the Medical Center is only as good as its people and the quality work they deliver every day—from each interaction with patients and, importantly, with each other.

“These outstanding individuals and their actions reflect our best work,” said Chief Operating Officer Kathy Parrinello. “You serve as role models for what URMC is all about and the actions we celebrate today demonstrate the best of our organization and what makes URMC a great place to work.”

For decades, the ICARE Star program has long provided a simple way to recognize faculty and staff publicly through written words of thanks. The ICARE Values (Inclusion, Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence) not only guide our interactions with those we serve but are critical to our success as a whole, said Jackie Beckerman, Senior Director of ICARE Commitment and Chief Patient Experience Officer.

“You consistently go above and beyond and serve as role models for others,” she said. “In a field as challenging as health care, you always show up with your best. Today we celebrate you and everything you do, day in and day out.”

Chief Medical Officer Michael Apostolakos, MD, called the accomplishments “humbling,” and one of the reasons many patients and families leave satisfied with the care they receive.

“People who show the ICARE values set a culture of engagement for others,” he said. “The level of engagement of our staff is directly related to patient and family satisfaction. Your actions create a culture that lets us give the best care to patients and we can’t thank you enough for that.”

Chief Nursing Executive Karen Keady praised the teamwork behind each individual award, noting the critical importance of every role within this organization.

“A special shout-out to our many nursing recipients, as busy as we are–you continue to offer great clinical care and interpersonal skills that take us to the next level–and I could not be more proud of each and every one of you.”

Vicky Hines, Chief Operating Officer of the UR Medical Faculty Group, praised the ICARE program. Hines, who has worked at URMC for 38 years, and said: “It has always been our remarkable people, like our Gold and Silver Star recipients, that have brought me the greatest sense of joy throughout my tenure at the Medical Center.  Your commitment to our patients and to each other, is an inspiration to us all.”

Psychiatry employees representing a number of our services- including but not limited to Psychiatric nursing, our inpatient, outpatient, and partial services, and Psychiatric social work- were among those honored during this ceremony. Congratulations to all that were recognized and thank you for your continued hard work! View a recording of the celebration. 

Want to Improve the Well-Being of Health Workers? The System Itself Must Change

Monday, January 8, 2024

There is increasing evidence of work-related harm to the brain with chronic high-level uncontrolled (but not controlled) stress. This will have implications for work-related mental health issues, and now evidence of cognitive impairments, neuroanatomical changes. Some are reversible if stress is reduced but the time window of the reversibility is not known.

Michael Privitera, MD, MS, alongside leadership from the Total Worker Health Program, published a NIOSH Science Blog article discussing the need for systemic interventions in the workplace using the Total Worker Health Program as an example of healthy work design.

Thomas Caprio, MD recognized for geriatric leadership

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Thomas Caprio,MD was honored with the Walter M. Beattie Award from the State Society on Aging of New York. He was also appointed director at large of the Hospice Medical Director Certification Board of Directors for a two-year term.

As US Suicide Rates Climb, Older Men are Most at Risk

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Yeates Conwell, MD spoke with Broadcast Retirement Network on the growing number of deaths by suicide among older men, the factors that are leaving this population more vulnerable, and what policy changes lawmakers at all levels can make to address this public health challenge.

Why Elderly Men Have the Highest Rates of Suicides

Monday, December 11, 2023

Kim van Orden, PhD joined NPR's Ayesha Rascoe to discuss the persistently high rates of suicide among elderly men and what healthcare providers can do to address this public health challenge. 

Janine Rowe Named EAP Service Manager

Friday, December 1, 2023

We are proud to share that Janine Rowe, MSEd, LMHC, CASAC, SAP, CEAP has been named Service Manager of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). In this role, she will join the EAP leadership team to ensure that all employees have the support they need.

This well-deserved promotion recognizes Janine’s exceptional contributions to UR Medicine EAP and her continued commitment to excellence. 

Janine first joined our UR Medicine EAP team in 2021, bringing a wealth of skills and clinical experience to her role.  Over the years, she has not only demonstrated her ability to take on a new and complicated identity as an EAP Counselor and supervisor, but has also exhibited a high level of professionalism that sets her apart.  Janine’s ability to navigate diverse and complex situations with skill and grace has been instrumental in enhancing the quality of our services.   One of Janine’s noteworthy accomplishments has been to assume a leadership role in further developing and sustaining the YoUR Support Team. This achievement reflects her dedication to ensure that all employees have the support they need to ability to be resilient through times of crisis. 

Over the past few years, Janine has become an integral part of our leadership team.  Her promotion to EAP Service Manager is a natural progression and recognizes her ability to lead with vision, clinical expertise, and effectiveness. 

Please join us in congratulating Janine on this well-deserved promotion.  We have no doubt that she will excel in her new role and continue to elevate the standards of excellence within our EAP team.

Join Us for Our Next DICE Grand Rounds- From Drapetomania to Protest Psychosis: Brief History of Racism and Psychiatry

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

We invite you to join the Department of Psychiatry for their upcoming DICE Grand Rounds with Dr. Shawn Utsey, Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Department of African American Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, taking place on 11/29 from 12 PM to 1:15 PM. In-person attendance is highly recommended for those who wish to join.

This lecture will interrogate the history of scientific racism in psychiatry, beginning in the Christian Era and into modern history. Racialized notions of insanity emerged in the Antebellum South as an instrument of control and as a justification of chattel slavery. The idea that the act of resisting one's oppression was a symptom of mental illness began in slavery, but would again surface in the 1960s when psychiatry weaponized the DSM against urban resistance movements and other marginalized communities.

The lecture will conclude with a discussion of the need for continued efforts to rehabilitate psychiatry from its legacy of scientific racism.

Five Star Bank Partners With URMC to Expand Health Care Access in Upstate NY

Friday, November 17, 2023

Michael Hasselberg, NP, MS, PhD, chief digital health officer of UR Medicine, spoke with Rochester Business Journel on an upcoming partnership with Five Star Bank to expand on-demand healthcare access to rural communities that lack internet access at home. 

Learn How You Can Donate to Children & Teens this Holiday Season

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

The Golisano Children's Hospital has many ways to donate to children and teens needing comfort this holiday season.

Gifts made to the Pediatric Mental Health Wish List bring comfort to children and teens in our Pediatric Inpatient Psychiatry unit during their hospital stay. 

Get Tickets for the 23rd Annual Rainbow Classic to benefit Golisano Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness

Friday, November 10, 2023

The Rainbow Classic Pittsford Mendon-Sutherland basketball games are played in memory of the two former Pittsford students to raise funds for the Golisano Children’s Hospital. This year, the games are raising funds to support Golisano Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness.

23rd Annual Pittsford Schools Rainbow Classic
Date: Friday, December 22, 2023
Location: UR Palestra Basketball Court, University of Rochester campus
Time: Games begin at 6pm

General Public Ticket Sales are available at the Pittsford Athletic Office through December 18^th or until sold out.
Donations can also be made to the Golisano Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness

Learn more about the event on the link below. 

Thanksgiving Food Drive - Department of Psychiatry

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

The Department of Psychiatry is partnering with the hospital & our Foodlink food cupboards to run a Thanksgiving Food Drive. Your donations will directly help our patients at Strong Ties, Chestnut Street, Strong Recovery, and discharged BH inpatients. 

Non-perishable food items only: Pasta, Tomato sauce, cereal (no XL boxes), canned veggies & fruits (100% juice or water), canned meats, tuna fish, peanut butter, rice, crackers, oatmeal (low sugar), applesauce (unsweetened), soup (low sodium), jelly/jam (no HFCS), and beans.

November 11th - 25th - Bring donations to PMHN Educator Office 1-9022 pr PMHN Service Office 1-9017

Anton Porsteinsson, MD speaks to13 WHAM ABC about new Alzheimer's study

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Dr. Anton Porsteinsson, alongside Jim Gulley, a man from Penfield living with Alzheimer's Disease, spoke with 13 WHAM ABC on Lecanemab, a medication recently approved for people with the clinical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, and the AHEAD study aimed to help prevent Alzheimer's disease.

How to Fight the “Winter Blues” and SAD this Season

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

UR Medicine psychiatrist Annabel Fu, MD, and psychologist Leisha Cuddihy, PhD, share these recommendations for finding light in the darkness this winter.

Unifying Frameworks to Organize Supervision Orientations

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Janine Rowe, MsEd, Senior Counselor at our Employee Assistance Program, and Julie Achtyl, MS, LMHC, Program Director at our Strong Recovery Outpatient Clinic, presented at the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision's conference in Denver.

They discussed the use of integral theory as a unifying, integrative, meta-theoretical framework to organize the multitude of supervision theoretical orientations while attending to the supervisee's developmental level and the supervisory relationship. Supervisors face multiple competing and sometimes contradicting theories, approaches, and models. An integral approach that conceptualizes supervisees from the four quadrants and employs a variety of applicable theoretical orientations while considering developmentally and state-appropriate interventions can be highly effective, yet quite challenging. It concludes with a case study demonstrating an integral approach to clinical supervision.

Psychiatry Nursing Heads to the 37th APNA Conference 

Friday, October 27, 2023

Jessica Hashim, RN-BSN, Laura Inclema, AD and Kristy Lamb, NM, recently presented at the 37th Annual American Psychiatric Nurses Association Conference in Orlando, Florida on EMR interventions to support increasing compliance with Primary Care Screens. 

Speaking on the conference, Hashim says, "The conference offered an opportunity to learn what other nursing systems in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatry are learning and implementing nationwide! What an experience to hear multiple presentations, view posters and move whole health forward by embracing Inclusion, diversity, equity, access and de-stigmatization. We were able to attend presentations based on preference, personally I appreciated the in person presentations on increasing awareness of suicide amongst the nursing profession compared to the general population. A pilot study from the University of Kentucky indicated that nurses have a  predisposition to elevated suicide risk due to the nature of the work they provide. Professional nursing staff didn’t feel they had adequate resources to help deal with increasing work related psychological stressors. This was eye opening to me, as a nursing profession, we spend most of our time caring for others and yet feel ineffective or inadequate in caring for our own mental health? As we continue to  care for patients with mental health diagnosis’ we should consider advancing the narrative to helping one another as well. This conference was an incredible opportunity to learn and acknowledge ways in which to better serve patients, families and one another! "

Maggie Powell speaks with WXXI about teen drama therapy performance at OFC Creations

Friday, October 27, 2023

URMC debuts teen drama therapy performance at OFC Creations

WXXI News speaks with Maggie Powell, a drama therapist at URMC, about the Golisano Children’s Hospital Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness production of She Kills Monsters. Performances running October 27-29th at OFC Creations and youth artwork will be featured at the upcoming Bridge Art Gallery Exhibit. 

Join us on October 27th for the opening night of Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness's Production of She Kills Monsters

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Tickets are still available for the Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness Creative Arts Therapy program's production of She Kills Monsters at OFC Creations Theatre Center.  She Kills Monsters is a drama-comedy by Qui Nguyen offering a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all. Performances will take place between September 27 and 29.

Psychiatry Residency Program Holds Clothing Drive

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Our Psychiatry Residency Program is organizing a clothing drive for our Inpatient Medicine In Psychiatry Service (IMIPS) program!

Many patients on IMIPS face housing & financial insecurity, and the unit constantly needs clothing for these patients, particularly as winter approaches.

Boxes have been set up on the second floor of our Strong Hospital location (Room 2.9055), 1860 South Ave (1st floor), and 200 East River Road (3rd floor) locations!

Students Face Mental Health Care Barriers. A Proposed Law Might Help

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

A shortage of mental health services at schools and colleges remains a concern across the U.S. Dr. Craig Cypher, sports psychologist at UR Medicine, spoke with WXXI on how some colleges are tackling this challenge by embedding mental health providers in athletics departments.

Reel Minds film festival addresses social stigma of mental illness

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Held in partnership with the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Humanities and Bioethics, the Reel Minds Film Festival is an annual series of films, performances, and discussions addressing the social stigma of mental illness and behavioral disorders. The festival concludes on October 25 with the US premiere of Daughters  and a panel discussion.

 Learn more and purchase tickets

Dungeons and Dragons: Youth Use Love of the Arts to Drive Therapeutic Outcomes

Wednesday, October 11, 2023

GCH’s Division of Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness outpatient Services has grown significantly in response to the national pediatric mental-health crisis. Its mission—to help all children reach their full potential by promoting healthy development—is evident in the program’s  commitment to expanding services and launching new initiatives to address the needs of children and families in the greater Rochester area. 

During the past seven years, the Creative Arts Therapies program has provided an opportunity for patients to utilize their creativity and interest in the arts in supporting their therapy goals and healing through foundational skill development. ​

The program is facilitated by Margaret Powell, senior staff clinician, licensed creative arts therapist, and registered drama therapist, and is supported by colleagues including Robyn Broomfield, licensed mental health counselor, and Caitlyn Camp, licensed creative arts therapist and board-certified art therapist. It features a variety of offerings available to support the needs of patients.

“Social-skills development, community, problem-solving, and role playing are at the heart of this work,” said Powell. “The challenge, however, is getting youth to use what they are learning (in therapy) in real world scenarios.”

Creative Arts Therapy groups apply the creative process to these real-world scenarios. These groups use art, music, drama, and other innovative interventions, such as the Dungeons and Dragons concept (D&D), to drive positive outcomes in children and adolescents.

Mark Oldham, MD speaks to Rochester First about ways to identify and treat seasonal affective disorder

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Mark Oldham, MD, spoke to Rochester First about ways to identify and treat seasonal affective disorder, a condition that is common in the colder months when sunshine is hard to come by. “Light therapy should be a 10,000-lux device. That is a measurement of how much biologically active light the device provides,” Oldham said. “Usually within 15 minutes of awakening for at least 30 minutes each day.”

Addiction Specialist: ‘Recovery is All About the Story’

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Drawing on His Own Past, Charles Brown is Helping Others Beat Addiction 

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Charles Brown, a chemical dependency counselor and group specialist with the Strong Recovery Program, is the most tenured member of the counseling team. He has helped hundreds of people through some of their toughest battles to get and stay clean and sober. We spoke with Brown, a recovering addict himself, who says he uses his own experiences to help others live better, healthier lives.  

How did you come to be a member of the Strong Recovery team? 

I came to the U of R in 1989. Dr. Robert Klein and his wife discovered me at Charlotte High School. I was working as a chemical dependency counselor after years of working the night shift at Kodak. I was in recovery myself after 18 years of using drugs. I've been clean now 38 years, and I've been here at the University 34 years. At the time, I was doing a presentation about addiction at a high school and after the presentation (Dr. Klein’s wife) came up to me and said, ‘my husband can use you at the University of Rochester.’ I told her I could use the University of Rochester! I didn't get the first job, but that didn't matter. I got the second one and that's how I arrived here. 

Join the Geriatric Psychiatry and Memory Care Division for the 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer's

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Our Geriatric Psychiatry and Memory Care Division will once again be walking in this year's 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer's! This year's walk takes place on October 7th at Innovative Field and will support the work of Alzheimer's Association: Rochester, NY.

We invite you to join the team or donate to the team's fundraising efforts for the Alzheimer's Association here. 

How to Prevent the Next Opioid Tragedy

Friday, September 15, 2023

Leah Hill, Senior Chemical Dependency Counselor at UR Medicine's Strong Recovery, says parents can play a key role in preventing the next tragedy—but only if they're willing to hear some difficult truths. Hill says parents need to avoid lectures and judgment. “Make it safe to share and be honest,” she says. That’s the key to having open conversations.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Celebrates Strong Memorial Hospital Expansion Project

Friday, September 8, 2023

The Strong Memorial Hospital expansion project will add more than 200 examination/treatment and patient observation stations in phases to the ED and the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP). The combined ED and CPEP footprint will more than triple, from 32,000 square feet to 120,000 square feet.

Get Tickets Now for Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness's Production of She Kills Monsters

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness's Production of She Kills Monsters

Join us for Performances: Friday, October 27 at 6:30PM; Saturday, October 28 at 6:30PM; and Sunday, October 29 at 2PM.
Location:  OFC Creations Theatre Center, 3450 Winton Place, Rochester, NY 
Appropriate for ages 12 & up

Sponsored by UR Medicine: Golisano Children's Hospital Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness.
Directed by Maggie Powell, Registered Drama Therapist, and Licensed Creative Arts Therapist

The Power of Prevention: URMC Looks to the Future to Prevent Suicide

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

The Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide (CSPS) is leading a new kind of suicide prevention using technology with hard-to-reach populations like teens to reduce risk factors to help prevent suicidal thoughts and older adults struggling with isolation and depression. The Center has been at the forefront of suicide prevention and research for over two decades. 

The Secret to Loving Every Sports Game—No Matter the Outcome

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Craig Cypher, PsyD, CMPC, an expert in performance psychology at UR Medicine Orthopaedics and Physical Performance, shares insight into the emotions we feel as avid sports fans—and a great idea to always enjoy the game, even when it ends badly.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Friday, September 1, 2023

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During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, help @NIMHgov raise awareness about suicide prevention by sharing informational materials based on the latest research.

Everyone can help save lives. Share science. Share hope. Learn more by visiting nimh.nih.gov/shareNIMH/suicideprevention. #SPM23 #shareNIMH #suicideprevention

Collaborative Care & Wellness Division Administration Changes

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Our Collaborative Care & Wellness Division (CCW) has expanded significantly over the past few years with more plans for expansion in the future. In order to meet the needs of the two branches of the CCW division, we would like to announce changes in the administrative leadership of the division. Toni Sexton is now the lead administrator for the integrated care branch of the division which includes hospital consultation services, all outpatient hospital services, as well as all the integrated care programs at St. James, Jones, Noyes, FF Thompson Hospital, and Finger Lakes Health. Vanessa Mace is now the lead administrator for the University of Rochester Medical Faculty Group branch of the division which includes our Employer Based Services as well as the growing UMH Practice. 

The Art of Being a Morning Person (Even if You’re Actually Not One)

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

NY Times: Leisha Cuddihy, PhD, an assistant professor of psychiatry and of medicine, discusses ways night owls can adjust to waking up early. “A lot of people, no matter what time they wake up, just need a minute,” says Dr. Cuddihy. Simply acknowledging that reality can help bring a feeling of peace and acceptance to the morning, she says.

Construction Notice - Medical Center Ground Level

Saturday, August 26, 2023

Construction Impacts to the Mental Health & Wellness Building - 300 Crittenden Blvd, Rochester, NY.

We are excited to kick off construction for the region's FIRST pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic, made possible through a donation from the Brighter Days Foundation! During the renovations, some disruption may occur to our patient and visitor areas in the UR Medicine Mental Health and Wellness building.

The Crittenden Road Behavioral Health parking lot is open for patients who have appointments in the Psychiatry clinics. If construction affects parking, overflow will be directed to the Saunders lot via signage. 

Golisano Pediatric Behavioral Health breaks ground on region's first-ever walk-in mental health urgent care for youth

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Golisano Pediatric Behavioral Health has officially broken ground on the region's FIRST pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic.

The development of our area’s first-ever walk-in mental health urgent care clinic for teens and children was made possible by $1 million in support from the Brighter Days Foundation. Located at Strong Memorial Hospital, it is estimated that the clinic will aid as many as 3,000 children and teens in crisis annually.

No One Left Behind: U.S. Air Force Rolls Out Suicide-Prevention Technique to Every Base in the World

Monday, August 14, 2023

The suicide rate among active-duty military personnel has increased over the past few decades, with suicides now accounting for 25% of all active-duty military deaths. The Air Force has been hit particularly hard, losing more members to suicide than to combat since 2015.

Peter A. Wyman, PhD, co-director of the Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide (CSPS) at URMC and founder and director of the Wingman-Connect program, is taking a different approach to address the problem. The Wingman-Connect research trial ran for nearly a decade at an Air Force base in Wichita Falls, Texas. The results were so impressive that the Air Force is now putting $5 million behind expanding the program to all of its 68 bases worldwide.

Radical Prevention: Their Ideas for Stopping Suicide Are the New Frontier- And Rolling Out Nationwide

Friday, August 4, 2023

Peter Wyman, PhD, and Arielle Sheftall, PhD were highlighted in Rochester Medicine for their work in suicide prevention in the Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide (CSPS). 

Dr. Wyman, alongside Ian Cero, PhD and Bryan Yates, discussed suicide prevention among the military and the Wingman Connect Program, a program aimed at harnessing the power of social connections to prevent thoughts of suicide before they occur. READ MORE>>>

Dr. Sheftall, alongside Yeates Conwell, MD, Eric Caine, MD, Kimberly van Orden, PhD, Caroline Silva, PhD, Anthony Pisani, PhD, Elizabeth Handley, PhD, Wilfred Pigeon, PhD, Kenneth Connor, PsyD, and Aileen Aldalur, PhD, spoke on CSPS's work in researching the prevention of suicide among youth, middle-aged adults, older adults, the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community and the Spanish-speaking community, among others. The article also highlighted Dr. Sheftall's work in suicide prevention among Black youth as well as a recent study testing to see if nerve-stimulating earbuds alongside a peer support app can help reduce risk factors in teens. READ MORE>>>

Michael Scharf, MD appointed the Mark and Maureen Davitt Distinguished Professor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Monday, July 31, 2023

Michael Scharf, a professor of psychiatry, has been jointly appointed as the Mark and Maureen Davitt Distinguished Professor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

He is psychiatrist-in-chief at Golisano Children’s Hospital, chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and director of the psychiatry graduate medical education program. Scharf is involved in several local programs dedicated to ensuring access to quality mental health care for all children and adolescents in the Rochester region.

Mark and Maureen Davitt, whom the professorship honors, are longtime philanthropists to the Medical Center.

Paul Geha, MD receives $8.3 million to study chronic pain and the brain

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Paul Geha, MD, associate professor of Psychiatry has been studying the correlation between brain structure and chronic pain and was recently awarded $8.3 million from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) to continue this work in understanding the link between pain and the brain.

Black suicide rates, once among the nation's lowest, have risen dramatically among youths

Sunday, July 16, 2023

USA Today: Arielle Sheftall, Ph.D. discusses rising suicide rates amount young Black people. Black suicide rates, once among the nation's lowest, have risen dramatically among youths. Suicide rates among young Black people have risen precipitously in recent years. One study finds communities aren't prepared to handle the crisis.

Ploy (Mongkae) Siripornsawan Named Medical Director of CPEP

Monday, July 10, 2023

​We are also proud to share that Ploy (Mongkae) Siripornsawan, MD has been named the Medical Director of our Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP). She completed her general psychiatry residency at Michigan State University, then a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship here at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Dr. Siripornsawan has been an integral member of our CPEP team for several years as a clinician and leader, including as Associate Medical Director of CPEP Education prior to the interim medical director role last year. In her new role, she will continue to work with our dedicated multidisciplinary CPEP leadership and team members in meeting the needs of our patients, health system, and community.

NEW Medical Director of Interventional Psychiatry

Saturday, July 8, 2023

It gives us great pleasure to announce that as of July 1, Dr. Oner Gonen will be the new Medical Director of Interventional Psychiatry services. Dr. Gonen received his medical degree from Yeditepe University School of Medicine in Istanbul, Turkey in 2004. He practiced as an attending psychiatrist at Amasya University Sabuncuoglu Serefedd in  Turkey until 2014, before moving to the USA with his wife.  He completed psychiatry residency training at Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Houston, TX prior to joining our faculty in 2021. He has had extensive training in interventional Psychiatry during his residency and is an asset to our growing Interventional Psychiatry service. While a significant amount of his time will be spent growing our IP program he will continue to also be part of the Chestnut Street family delivering patient care through psychopharmacology consultation clinic.

Segundo Robert-Ibarra Named Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Acute Services Division Chief

Friday, July 7, 2023

In this role, Dr. Ibarra joins our leadership team, focusing on clinical operations for our Child Psychiatry acute services, which include: Child and Adolescent Inpatient (49000), Pediatric Consultation and Liaison (GCH inpatient), Child and Adolescent Partial Hospital Service, and the Brighter Days Pediatric MH Urgent Care (to open this year), as well as collaborating with other emergency/crisis services that see children and adolescents (CPEP and Mobile Crisis).

In starting this role, he joins (and completes) the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Executive Leadership Team, with Dr. Micheal Scharf as Associate Chair and Director, Dr. Linda Alpert-Gillis as Chief for Ambulatory Services, Dr. Peter Wyman as Academic Chief, and Leslie Hoff as Division Administrator.

This is an exciting time for expansion in Children’s Mental Health services and for our academic missions, but, as we all know, comes in the context of greater suffering and needs among the children and families we serve. Having this new leadership structure fully in place should help us be better prepared to meet the needs in our health system and the larger community.

Sheftall Lab Recruiting Participants

Friday, June 30, 2023

The Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide is recruiting families for research studies aimed at making a better future for youth and increasing understanding of how we can prevent suicide in youth. The Sheftall Lab is looking for parents or legal guardians with children aged 6 to 11 with and without a history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Parents will receive $50 while children will receive 2 gifts or a $10 gift card, dependent on their age.  Visits are expected to take 2.5 to 3 hours. 

In addition, the Sheftall Lab is looking for parents with and without mental health concerns and their children aged 9 to 11. Families are eligible to receive $70 per study visit, for up to 5 study visits for a total of $350. The first visit is expected to take 2.5 to 3 hours while the following visits are expected to take 1.5 to 2 hours. 

For further information, please contact the Sheftall Lab at (585) 694-7510 or Sheftall_Lab@URMC.Rochester.edu.
 

Creatively Connecting 2023 Summer Showcase

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Presented by the URMC Psychiatry Residency Program, Geriatric Psychiatry Division, and the Collaborative Care & Wellness Division. This series aims to use music and the arts to connect with each other and the Rochester community. Each performance features members of the URMC Department of Psychiatry.

New Advanced Certificate Program in Addictions Counseling at the University of Rochester

Monday, June 26, 2023

In collaboration with the Margaret Warner graduate school of Education, School of Medicine and Dentistry, and Strong Recovery the University of Rochester has launched an advanced certificate program in Addictions Counseling.

This one-year program is targeted toward human service professionals with a current master’s degree who are interested in obtaining a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) credential. The program includes two tracks, one for students interested in gaining more alcohol and other drug clinical internship experience, and the other track is designed for students interested in learning more about clinical supervision. 

Upcoming Psychology Training Leadership transition, and gratitude!

Friday, June 9, 2023

Our Psychology training program has long been a vibrant, values-driven, and successful one, attracting supremely high-quality applicants seeking training experiences in some of the best of what our Dept has to offer. Its deep-seated commitment to “Meliora”, particularly with respect to its curriculum, its engagement in antiracism and systemic bias work, its desire to enhance trainee experience, its ability to adapt to wildly changing times and healthcare priorities, and its development of talented and expert faculty educators have all yielded an impressive arm of our broader education efforts, investment in a pipeline of talented clinicians and future faculty, and a tremendous source of pride for our Department and its leadership. 
 
In the setting of this history, and its present-day, every day practices, Dr. Wendi Cross has been a stalwart leader, visioner, advocate, and mentor. And it is against the backdrop of these critically important investments that she and her leadership team have made that this announcement of transition comes. As of July 1, Dr. Cross will be stepping out of the role of Director of Psychology Training, and we will welcome Dr. Jennifer West to guide the training program on to its next successes. Dr. West, having served as Associate Training Director since 2012, and as interim Director of Training for this academic year, will officially assume this leadership role in a more permanent way. Dr. West will also maintain her role as the Child and Adolescent Internship Director at this time. 
 
Dr. West’s new role invites some other changes and opportunities for Psychology Training leadership. Dr. Kristen Holderle, who this year, served as the Interim Director of the Postdoctoral Fellowship, will be moving into the role of Associate Director of Training and will be making that transition as of July 1 as well. Drs. West and Holderle will work together in ways that will include oversight of both the Fellowship and Internship programs, and as such, the Postdoc Director role will be sunsetted.  
 
Dr. Lindsay Sycz will continue as the Associate Director of the Integrated Care Family fellowships (with Dr. Susan McDaniel), Dr. Linda Alpert-Gillis will continue as the Director of the Child and Adolescent fellowships, and Dr. Renee Madathil will continue as the Director of the Adult internships. 
 
Please join me in expressing deep gratitude to Dr. Cross for her inspiring leadership and devotion, her investment in our current and future leaders of the training program, and her thoughtful and intentional planning for transition. Please also join me in welcoming Drs. West and Holderle to their new (and official/permanent) leadership roles, and thanking Dr. Deana Sams for serving in the role of Acting Associate Training Director this year.
 

Chennel Anderson Named Director of the Office of DICE

Thursday, June 8, 2023

We are excited to welcome Chennel Anderson as the new Director of the Office of DICE. In her new role, she will be helping to lead the Department’s DICE initiatives as outlined in our strategic plan and to assure that we live up to our vision statement of a Department of Psychiatry described by all as a great place to work, train, receive care, and flourish. 

Ms. Anderson is not new to URMC as she comes to us from the Department of Neurology where she has held several administrative positions most recently as lead Administrator for the Child Neurology Program. Along with fellow colleague Dr. Nimish Mohile, they have lead Neurology’s cultural competence efforts which have set the department apart from many others.

We are extremely lucky to have hired such a talented thought leader. Please join me in welcoming Chennel Anderson to our Department

Board Excellence Award Winners Recognized for Going Above and Beyond

Monday, June 5, 2023

The UR Medicine Quality Institute and the URMC Board last night honored the winners of the 2023 Board Excellence Awards, recognizing them for the exceptional care provided each day to our patients and the outstanding efforts of our fellow co-workers.
Winners from the Department of Psychiatry included: 

Team Excellence Awards

Adult Partial Hospitalization Program, Psychiatry is an intensive outpatient psychiatric program that provides psycho-education groups, individual therapy, psychopharmacology, and discharge planning for patients who are experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms, with the intention of rapidly stabilizing their symptoms so that they can prevent the need for psychiatric hospitalization, or to step down from psychiatric hospitalization. The Adult Partial Hospitalization Program is a resilient, dynamic team of skilled individuals, including Nurse Practitioners, Psychiatrist, Social Workers, Mental Health Counselors, Credentialed Substance Abuse Counselors, Registered Nurses, and Support Staff. This team, despite the challenges of the past several years, has significantly demonstrated the desire to improve the well-being of patients and the community through innovative, compassionate, patient- and family-centered care. As of July of 2022, the team has taken an innovative approach to delivering care to individuals in the Rochester community, as well as throughout the Finger Lakes Region, becoming the first ambulatory clinic at Strong to use technology to deliver hybrid-model group therapy to participants. This team is an exemplary model of professionalism, and it's resolve and unwavering commitment to excellence is inspiring. 

Adult Partial Hospitalization Program, Psychiatry Team Members: Colin Barnicle, Katie Blakely, Rebecca Canfield, Adam Cake, Jenny Cole, Sue DiGiovanni, Randi (Rose Mary) DeBellis, Daniel Horn, Michael Kerxhall, Michelle LaRussa-Trott, Susan Mason, Amber Oritz, Amy Pardo, Colleen Platt, Jillian Poepsel, Meaghan Quinn, Karen Schuster, Brenda Swartz, Carmela Taylor, Kelly Zodl, Ryan Walters, Christine MacDonald, Heather Burchell, Heather Kaltenbach and Gregory Truelove

Age-Friendly Health System Workgroup, UR Aging Institute, is spearheading URMC’s ongoing Age Friendly Health System (AFHS) transformation, a nationwide movement to improve the health care of older adults. AFHS focuses on what matters to older adults receiving care, improving health outcomes, and optimizing value for all.  An AFHS follows the 4 Ms Framework, ensuring that every medical encounter addresses mobility; mentation; medications; and what matters to each older person, aligning care to their specific health outcome goals & care preferences, including end-of-life care. As one of the largest health systems in Upstate New York, URMC is playing a key role in advancing the AFHS initiative and serving as a model for health systems in our region and nation. Both Strong Memorial Hospital and Highland Hospital have achieved the highest AHFS designation from the IHI, “Level 2: Committed to Care Excellence,” and several other care sites and affiliates are joining our AHFS efforts. The AFHS Workgroup is spearheading URMC’s ongoing AFHS transformation. The success of the AFHS Workgroup showcases URMC’s commitment to Geriatrics & Aging and the care of older adults. The AFHS Workgroup remains committed to promoting and disseminating the AFHS initiative to ensure all URMC health professionals of all disciplines have the skill set to provide 4Ms care to our older patients. Age-Friendly Health System Workgroup, UR Aging Institute Team: 

Representatives from medical and dental faculty, nurses, social workers, and administrative staff at Strong Memorial Hospital, Highland Hospital, Jones Memorial Hospital, Noyes Memorial Hospital, Eastman Institute of Oral Health (EIOH), and Departments of Medicine (Geriatrics & Hospital Medicine Divisions), Surgery, Anesthesiology, Neurology, Psychiatry, and Public Health Sciences.

Read more on the URMC Intranet (VPN Login)

Burnout: The New Pandemic

Thursday, June 1, 2023

 Michael Privitera, MD recently published a blog for the American Hospital Association discussing the new pandemic of burnout, particularly in healthcare, and steps hospital leadership can take to grow a culture in which every worker has access to ways to decrease stress. The infographics (left) are an adapted version by Elisa Arespacochaga, and team of a 2022 publication by Dr. Privitera mentioned in the article. 
View PDF 

Cancer and Your Mental Health: Tips from An Expert in Oncology and Psychiatry

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Daniel McFarland, DO associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, is a medical oncologist specializing in treating head, neck, and lung cancers who also has a background in psychiatry. Dr. McFarland, who leads the Psychosocial Oncology Program at Wilmot, answers a few questions about what cancer patients and their families should know when it comes to mental health. 

Mind Matters Podcast with Dr. George Nasra - Creating Community-Based Continuum of Care: A Primary Care Perspective

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Mind Matters: A Behavioral Health Podcast
Creating Community-Based Continuum of Care: A Primary Care Perspective

Dr. George Nasra joins Dr. Mena Mirhom to discuss the siloed nature of the U.S. healthcare system and the opportunity to achieve behavioral health integration by taking a population health perspective.

Help Support Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness Through the Strong Stroll

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

The 27^th Annual Stroll for Strong Kids & 5k Race will take place on Sunday, June 4^th at Genesee Valley Park, and our Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness has a walking team! There are many ways you can support the team in raising money for our child and adolescent outpatient services, partial hospitalization service, and inpatient service.  

• Register for the walk and join our team here. If you wish to donate, please do so AFTER registering. This will guarantee your donation goes to support our programs. 
• We are teaming up with Special Touch Bakery to sell pies starting May 15 through May 31 with delivery on June 16. Click here to order. 
• We are partnering with Upstate Bottle Return for a bottle and can drive.  People can drop off their recyclables starting May 30 through June 3 throughout Rochester. Stay tuned to the Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness Facebook page for a list of locations coming soon!

Confidential and convenient mental health resources for University employees

Monday, May 22, 2023

Well-U offers expert mental health support to all University employees. Virtual or in-person appointments are available at UR Medicine EAP and Behavioral Health Partners. Call (585) 276-9110 for UR Medicine EAP or (585) 276-6900 for Behavioral Health Partners if you are enrolled in the University’s health plan.

Why You Need to Have This Dreaded Conversation with Your Doctor

Monday, May 15, 2023

When to Start the Hospice Care Conversation

Both doctors and patients tend to avoid subjects like hospice care and palliative care, and that’s a problem says University of Rochester Medical Center researcher Marsha Wittink, MD. Wittink co-authored a recent article describing how unfounded optimism about the effectiveness of medical treatment and physicians' own emotions can delay such conversations.

Handling Heartache: How to Cope with Grief on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day

Friday, May 12, 2023

For those who experience grief, anxiety, depression, or feelings of loss on certain holidays, Serina Tetenov, Ph.D., LCSW-R, assistant professor of Psychiatry and clinical director of Adult Mental Health and Wellness at the University of Rochester Medical Center, offers advice and resources.

Deanna Sams Named Clinical Director of Child and Adolescent Inpatient

Thursday, May 11, 2023

It is with great enthusiasm that we share that Deanna Sams, PhD has been named to the position of Clinical Director of Child and Adolescent Inpatient. This new position is part of the restructuring of our Child and Adolescent Division leadership in order to effectively manage the expanded services and address the current youth mental health crisis. Dr. Sams has been a critical leader in our programming and operations, as well as education, on 49000 in recent years, and has been the lead in developing the Rapid Stabilization Pathway which has dramatically impacted how we provide inpatient care as well as our length of stay, overall census, and impacted patients boarding in CPEP. Having Dr. Sams join our inpatient leadership team which also includes Mani Kurien, medical director, and Lara Walker, nurse manager, will help us be prepared to succeed in current and future endeavors. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Sams on this new role! 

What You Need to Know about the New Parkinson’s Biomarker

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Irene Richard, MD, a professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), was involved in the development and planning of the PPMI study in her role as senior medical advisor to MJFF, a position she held from 2008-2011.  Richard continued her work with the organization as a member of the scientific advisory committee and was the principal investigator for the Rochester site of the PPMI study, overseeing the enrollment, evaluations, and follow up the initial cohort of study participants.

Sign up for the NAMI Rochester Walk and Join our Team!

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Lace-up your sneakers and get ready to walk, run, or roll with the UR Medicine Mental Health & Wellness team!

You’re invited to join the Mental Health & Wellness team for the 11th Annual NAMI Walk 5K. The NAMI Walk brings together people of all ages to raise awareness and funds for the National Alliance for Mental Health.

Date: Saturday, May 20, 2023
Time: Pickup opens at 9am
Walk Kickoff at 10am
Location: The Village Gate in Rochester

The NAMI Walk is open to everyone, so grab your friends, family, and coworkers and join us for a day of fun and fundraising! Stay for the Community Celebration with vendors, music, food, and drink after the walk.  All funds raised at the NAMI Walk will go to supporting the local Rochester chapter of NAMI and its programs to provide support, education, and advocacy to individuals and families of all cultural backgrounds living with mental illness.

Help us to meet our goal for the NAMI walk!

You can donate to NAMI through our  UR Medicine Mental Health & Wellness Team team fundraiser! 
 

Happy Administrative Professionals’ Day!

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

​April 26th is Administrative Professionals’ Day! We would like to take this opportunity to thank our administrators for their hard work and support to our Department’s mission and keep the our operations running as smoothly as possible.

In our clinical areas, you build and maintain schedules; register patients, answer phones, field refill and other clinical requests, assist with arranging transportation, manage referrals, and help with completing forms and paperwork. In our Research areas, you coordinate studies, subjects enrollment, assist with logistics and manage deadlines for grant submissions, assist with ensuring our research meets rigorous standards. In our Education areas, you provide support for residency and fellowship programs, medical students, and other trainees, balance complex schedules, assist with ensuring our programs meet accreditation standards and give a helping hand wherever needed. In addition to the mission areas, we also have central administrative support staff who provide support to department leaders with scheduling meetings and coordination of various functions in the department as well across the medical center. 
 
The above mentions are just some of the great work you do every day to support our Educators, Researchers, Clinicians and Leaders. We are honored to work with such an amazing group of administrative professionals, and I wish our future together will be even brighter as we overcome challenges and celebrate successes together.

Thank you again for all the hard work you do everyday! 

Celebrating Our Psychologists and Psychologists-in-Training

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Did you know that psychologists work in many different locations across the URMC system? 
 
We have psychologists and psychology trainees across our Department of Psychiatry, which includes our child, adult, and older adult inpatient units and outpatient clinics, partial hospitalization programs, Deaf Wellness Center, HEAL, Family Therapy, and Lazos Fuertes. We also have clinicians in a variety of specialty clinics, including: Dentistry, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics (Craniofacial, Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Feeding Clinic, Gastroenterology, Hematology & Oncology, Nephrology, Pulmonology, Rheumatology, Sleep Medicine, and Transplant), Neurology (child & adult), Neurosurgery, Ob/Gyn and Women’s Health, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Surgery, Transplant, and at Wilmot Cancer Center. We also have psychology colleagues in highly competitive and productive research roles, across several primary care clinics (child and adult), embedded into a variety of school systems across the region, in our Employee Assistance Programs, at the College Counseling Center on River Campus, and in the VA system. 
 
We have students, interns, and postdoctoral fellows, drawing top candidates from across the US to each. In addition, we have psychologists across our UR leadership, including our President Sarah Mangelsdorf. 

April 23rd-29th marks Psychology Week, a celebration of psychologists and psychologists-in-training as well as the field's contributions to improving lives. In addition, the United Nations will be streaming their 16th Annual Psychology Day presentation on the 27th starting at 11AM. Our department will be celebrating the week prior, April 16th - 22nd. Join us in thanking a psychologist or psychologist-in-training in your life on Twitter on April 20th, 5th annual URMC Psychology Day with the hashtags #PsychologyDay2023, #PsychologyDayURMC2023, and #PsychDayUN2023.

Tanya Tran Receives Alfred Bader Fellowship

Friday, April 14, 2023

​We're excited to share that Tanya Tran, PhD, postdoc in our INTERCEPT Program, has recently been awarded the Queens University Alfred Bader Fellowship award. This fellowship supports one year of study and research, or to pursue an endeavor which contributes to the advancement of knowledge, contributes to society, or allows creative expression. Dr. Tran will be researching therapy outcomes in high risk for psychosis patients, using a CBT-type intervention that she has been developing. Congratulations to Dr. Tran on this accomplishment!

The tragedy of Black youth suicide - AAMC Viewpoints by Arielle Sheftall

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Black children ages 5 to 12 are twice as likely to die by suicide as their White peers, and Black teen suicides are growing at shocking rates. What’s going on, and what can be done to help save young Black lives? 
AAMC Viewpoints by Arielle Sheftall, PhD

Bridge Art Gallery Call for Art Extended Deadline

Monday, April 10, 2023

Bridge Art Gallery Call for Art: Healing Within Extended Submission Deadline April 30th, 2023

Celebrating Ms. Donna and Her Years of Service

Friday, April 7, 2023

Ms. Donna, as she is lovingly referred to by Chestnut staff, retired this month after years of service with the Department of Psychiatry. Ms. Donna worked for Eastman Kodak for over 35 years before finally joining the Department of Psychiatry as a patient access specialist in 2016.

She was initially hired by the Rapid Access team and once our Chestnut Street facility opened she moved over to help support their services. She has eagerly provided coverage at many of our outpatient sites including; Strong Ties, Older Adults and Memory Care, the Employee Assistance Program and the even Medicine Service.

"I love meeting and learning from people who work in other areas of the department," she would often say. Congratulations on your retirement Ms. Donna, your bright smile and cheerful disposition will be miss by all of us, but specially by our patients! Thank you.

Quality Institute Announces URMFG Healthcare Innovation Awards Winners

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

The UR Medicine Quality Institute, in collaboration with the University of Rochester Medical Faculty Group (URMFG), is pleased to have selected three new projects as recipients of the URMFG Healthcare Innovation Award in the amount of $100,000 each, over a two-year period, beginning March 1. The annual awards support the development of innovative approaches to health care delivery that drive value through improved efficiency and quality and foster outcomes research. 

Congratulations to Department of Psychiatry URMFG Healthcare Innovation Awards Winners Elaine Rigney, MD & Marsha Wittink, MD, MBE, for their project below. 

Elaine Rigney, MD, senior instructor of Psychiatry and Medicine, and Marsha Wittink, MD, MBE, associate professor of Psychiatry and Family Medicine: Reducing Hospital Readmissions for Patients with Severe Mental Illnesses (SMI) 
URMC’s division of Medicine in Psychiatry aims to improve the quality of care for SMI patients, thereby reducing health disparities and healthcare costs. This project aims to support this mission by incorporating a point-of-care tool to help identify patients’ priorities related to discharge and expand existing transitional care management services. The goal is to use a patient-centered approach to reduce unnecessary hospital readmissions and improve engagement in primary care.

Read more on the URMC Intranet (VPN Login)

Myra Mathis speaks to WXXI about the over-the-counter availability of Narcan

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Myra Mathis, MD, medical director for Strong Recovery, spoke to WXXI (March 30) about the FDA's decision to approve non-prescription sales of the emergency opioid overdose nasal spray Narcan. Over-the-counter availability of Narcan should be in addition to free programs currently available, Mathis said. "Let's not limit the spaces where Narcan has already been made available just because it is now available over the counter."

Register Now for the 11th Annual Joseph Ryan Conference, April 28th

Friday, March 24, 2023

Strong Recovery Presents: Transformation in Substance Use Disorder Treatment: Exploring Systemic Trends
Friday April 28, 2023, 9:00am to 3:30pm  

The Department of Psychiatry Strong Recovery is thrilled to announce that our annual Joseph Ryan Conference is returning in person after four years due to challenges from the pandemic. We have an incredible lineup of speakers and invite all professionals in the field of substance use/ addiction treatment to learn about how the substance use disorder treatment field has transformed over the years. To register, please contact Stacey Ciotti

Alzheimer’s Association finds growing caregiver burden in New York, Dr. Carol Podgorski weighs in

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

URMC Department of Psychiatry faculty Dr. Carol Podgorski, PhD weighs in on the growing burden on Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers in New York.

Study: More research is needed surrounding age exposure to social media

Monday, March 13, 2023

Dr. Anthony Psani, PhD discusses a new study with WROC channel 8 on how social media affects teen mental health. 

Bridge Art Gallery Announces New Call for Art

Friday, March 10, 2023

Our Bridge Art Gallery is now accepting artwork submissions for their next call for art, Healing Within. These past few years have seen significant national turmoil and a growing mental health crisis. We ask artists to respond to the theme Healing Within while considering topics such as healing, community, and togetherness.

To submit artwork, complete the online form here or send an email to the Bridge Art Gallery.  

SafeSide Prevention online workshop for service providers in rural communities

Friday, March 3, 2023

The UR Medicine Recovery Center of Excellence is partnering with SafeSide Prevention to offer a free, half-day workshop for healthcare providers in rural communities to provide them with a systematic framework for suicide prevention. The interactive training includes a special focus on youth, substance use, and Indigenous communities. 
Find the schedule of workshops and register here.

11th Annual Joseph Ryan Conference

Monday, February 27, 2023

We are excited to share that our Strong Recovery Program's 11th Annual Joseph Ryan Conference is back in person on April 28th at the Hilton Garden Inn Rochester/University & Medical Center!

If you are someone working in substance use/ addiction treatment, we invite you to learn about how the substance use disorder treatment field has transformed over the years. CASAC, LMHC & Social Work CEUs are available.

To register, contact Stacey Ciotti. 

A Message from Department of Psychiatry Office of Diversity, Inclusion, Culture, and Equity

Friday, February 3, 2023

Violence in our country during the past 30 days have set off a whirlwind of emotions in all of us, but especially in the AAPI, Latino and Black communities.

Beginning on January 21 a mass shooting in Monterey Park claimed the lives of 11 victims at a dance studio on Lunar New Year. Two days later, a mass shooting in Half Moon Bay California took the lives of 7 Latino and Asian farmworkers in a senseless spree of violence that has swept through our nation. Just yesterday, 29 year-old Tyre Nichols, was laid to rest in Memphis, TN after having been senselessly beaten to death by police without evidence of a crime.

We stand together with all the victims of this past month, their family, loved ones and with all whose lives have been affected by these tragedies. 

The Department of Psychiatry and the University of Rochester stands against all forms of hatred and racism, in solidarity with those working tirelessly for a more compassionate world, and in steadfast resolve to Live Our Values Everywhere. We invite you to join the University of Rochester in the #LivetheSix initiative to embark on a sweeping movement to address racism and hate. Read more about #LivetheSix here.

If you are in need of any support please do not hesitate to reach out to the following resources:

• For Students: University Health Service Counseling Center at 585-275-3113
• For Employees: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 585-276-9110 or Interfaith Chapel at 585-275-4321
• For community members experiencing a crisis or needing someone to talk to: Monroe County crisis services and warm lines

Carol Podgorski Named Associate Chair of Faculty Affairs

Thursday, February 2, 2023

We would like to share that that Carol Podgorski, PhD, MPH, MS has been named Associate Chair of Faculty Affairs as of February 1st. In this role, she will oversee our faculty appointment, promotion and tenure processes and foster faculty career development among other responsibilities. Those who has worked with Carol would agree that It is hard to think of anyone more qualified than her for this important leadership role anywhere. 

Carol received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester (UR) followed by her MPH and, in 1990, her PhD in sociology. Initially appointed as an Associate in the Departments of Psychiatry and then Medicine, she worked with Drs. Pierre Tarriot and Anton Porsteinsson to develop the Program in Neurobehavioral Therapeutics (now the Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Education and Research [AD-CARE] Program) and with Dr. Bill Hall to design and direct the Center of Lifetime Wellness at Monroe Community Hospital. Because she also wanted to provide direct care to the patients and families these organizations served, Carol completed her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2005. She was initially named Assistant Professor of Nursing and Medicine, then joined our department for her primary appointment in 2006. She was promoted to her current rank of Professor of Psychiatry last year. 

Carol’s previous and current administrative responsibilities include as Director of URMC’s Memory Care Program, Associate Director of the URMC Office for Aging Research and Health Services (OARHS), Director of the Finger Lakes Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease (FLCEAD), Co-Director of our department’s Family Therapy Training Program, and discipline leader for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs).
Those who has worked with Carol would agree that It is hard to think of anyone more qualified than her for this important leadership role anywhere. 

Please, join me in congratulating her new leadership in Department of Psychiatry.

Mark Nickels Named Interim Director of Inpatient Psychiatric CL Services

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

It is with great pleasure that we also share that Mark Nickels, MD has been named the interim Director of our Inpatient Psychiatric Consultation-Liaison (CL) Services. 

Dr. Nickels completed his residency in Psychiatry at URMC and was Chief Resident between 1985-1986. He joined URMC as faculty in 1986 as has since progressed to be appointed Professor of Clinical Psychiatry in 2013. Dr. Nickels has had multiple leadership roles over the years including serving as the Director of the Psychiatric Consultation Liaison Service at Strong Hospital from 1996-1999, Director of Transplant Psychiatry since 2006, Director of CL Psychiatry fellowship from 2017-2020, Associate Director of Psychiatry Residency from 2020-2021 and now Director of Psychiatry Residency since 2021.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Nickels on his new appointment and thanking him for all he continues to do for our department and for our patients.

Addiction Psychiatry Leadership Changes

Thursday, January 19, 2023

We are thrilled to share a few changes to the leadership of our Addiction Psychiatry and Strong Recovery services.

As of December, Itza Morales, MSB, CASAC and Julie Achtyl, MS, LMHC, CASAC have been promoted to Co-Directors of Operations for Addiction Psychiatry. They will work in collaboration with Dr. Myra Mathis to continue advancing Addiction Psychiatry’s mission. 

Itza will oversee the OTP clinic, SUD-PC program and Access services. She is also assuming the role of Program Sponsor for Opioid Treatment Programs which includes being point of contact with the State Opioid Treatment Authority and federal regulatory agencies and ensuring compliance with OTP specific licensing rules.

Julie will oversee our Adolescent/Young Adult clinic, the Adult CD clinic and CCBHC Outreach services. She is also assuming the role of CASAC Discipline Chief which includes oversight of counselor education and training programs. 

To support the new leadership structure and management of each of its services, Strong Recovery will add a Clinical Coordinator for the OTP clinic to manage day-to-day operations of that clinic. And a Clinical Coordinator for the Adult CD clinic to manage day-to-day operations of that clinic.

Please join me in welcoming and congratulating Itza and Julie to their new and exciting roles!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week

Thursday, January 12, 2023

In partnership with the URMC Department of Neurology, the URMC Department of Psychiatry presents this year's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week, "Past, Present and Future: Rochester’s Civil Rights Journey Towards an Equitable Future." 

This year’s Department of Psychiatry MLK Week will be dedicated to the memory of Rev. Dr. John S. Walker, a beloved member of the department and a staunch advocate of civil rights and equitable health care. This year's daily events include: 

January 16th
Please view the documentary film below, July 1964, for the discussion with the director, Carvin Eison, on July 17th.
Read About the Documentary

January 17th
Discussion of July 1964 with filmmaker and producer Carvin Eison and a preview of his new film, Redlining
12 PM - 1 PM, Hybrid Event: Room 2-6424 Auditorium & Zoom Webinar

January 18th
MLK Jr. Grand Rounds: Panel on the present and future of Rochester in our journey towards civil rights and an equitable future
12 PM - 1 PM, Hybrid Event: Room Class of '62 Auditorium & Zoom Webinar

January 19th
Tribute to Rev. Dr. John S. Walker and his words on “Black Classical Music” and mental health
12 PM - 1 PM, Zoom Webinar Only

January 20th
Rochester’s MLK Choir Performance and readings of MLK Letters from Birmingham jail
12 PM - 1 PM, Hybrid Event: Room Class of '62 Auditorium & Zoom Webinar

Remembering Rev. John S. Walker

Friday, January 6, 2023

 It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Rev. Dr. John Walker, Adjunct Associate Professor in our Department of Psychiatry as well as the leader of our Clergy Mental Health Collaborative which brought together faith leaders in Rochester to address issues critical to the community.

 Rev. Walker had been a wonderful source of wisdom and knowledge and taught countless members of our community about the importance of diversity, mental health, and equity. He had provided gentle mentorship, guidance, and intimate knowledge of the community generously and selflessly in order to make us all better. He was a strong social justice advocate whose kindness, wisdom, and mentorship will be etched in the memories of many of us in the Department. 

 Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those in our community for whom this loss weighs heavily. He was a man with incomparable qualities. While he will be sorely missed, the lessons he has taught us will not be forgotten. With his guidance, “we must keep on going.” 
 
Reverend John S. Walker 
 
Reverend John Walker was born in Columbus, Ohio. He joined the United States Army during the Korean War. After his service, he attended Morris College in South Carolina, where he graduated at the top of his class. Called to ministry, he subsequently enrolled at the Colgate Divinity School in Rochester and graduated in 1969. He went on to earn his Ph.D. at Syracuse University and became a visiting lecturer in Rochester. 
  
In 1973, Rev. Walker became the director of the Baden Street Settlement Counseling Center, and in 1978, became the director of the Seventh Step Foundation. He also worked with FIGHT (Freedom, Integration, God, Honor, Today) and the Marcus Garvey Black Solidarity Committee and wrote for Communique, a black-run Rochester newspaper. In 1989, he became the pastor of Christian Friendship Baptist Church and established several successful outreach ministries such as the one at the Henrietta Corrections Facility. Also, he founded the Adolescent Pregnancy Program, the Rochester Anti-Apartheid Program, the Palestinian Resettlement Committee, the Malawian Hunger Project, the Swaziland Hunger Project, and the Freedom and Justice Program of South Africa. In addition, he taught history and political science at Monroe Community College for many years prior to retirement. 
  
Dr. Walker was also an expert on Jazz, or, as he called it, “Black Classical Music.” He wrote music articles for the Ohio Sentinel between 1960 and 1963 and hosted a local radio program called “Black Classical Music” for 28 years between 1981-2009. As a jazz commentator, he used his African name, Talik Abdul Bashir, and often played full recordings of obscure jazz musicians while detailing their histories for each set. He broadened our musical knowledge and enjoyment of “Black Classical” musicians for many of us.  
  
In 2013, he became co-seminar director for the Rochester Program of Research and Innovation in Disparities Education (PRIDE) which brought together faculty leaders from the URMC Clinical Psychology Training Program and community leaders from faith-based and community-based organizations and health and human service agencies in Rochester, NY.  Subsequently, he became the leader of the Clergy Mental Health Collaborative (CMHC), which meets monthly as a collaborative team of clergy members from diverse faith groups in the Rochester community working together to address issues critical to the community, particularly regarding the overall health of poor communities. 
  
In 2019, he became an essential member of the leadership team for the Office of DICE. He had provided gentle mentorship, guidance, and intimate knowledge of the community generously and selflessly in order to make us all better. He was a strong social justice advocate whose kindness, wisdom, and mentorship will be etched in the memories of many of us in the Department.

How to Beat the Holiday Blues: 3 Tips for a Brighter Holiday Season

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Anna Defayette, PhD, and Morica Hutchison, PhD, offer tips for beating the holiday blues.

News10NBC: Health professionals and Black churches partner to address rising suicide rates

Monday, December 19, 2022

University of Rochester Medical Center has a new partnership with predominantly Black churches called HAVEN-CONNECT.

Stemming the Tide: Investments in Pediatric Behavioral Health Make a Difference

Friday, December 16, 2022

Bringing Services Directly to Families

One of the most vital new GCH pediatric behavioral health services is located in a nondescript office in Henrietta. Within these walls are the headquarters of the Mobile Crisis Team, a multi-disciplinary unit that provides rapid-response services to children in both home and school environments. Utilizing psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, social workers, mental health counselors and other specialists, the Mobile Crisis Unit team provides assessment, stabilization, and rapid-linkage to treatment providers.

Meeting Them Where They Are: Research Examines Digital Interventions for Teen Suicide Prevention

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Arielle Sheftall, PhD awarded a $4 million NIH grant to study unconventional digital approaches to helping high-risk youth navigate difficult times. Her project will enroll participants aged 13 to 17 who will try a combination of a peer support app and/or at-home nerve stimulation.

What You Need to Know about Lecanemab, the Potential New Alzheimer’s Drug

Monday, December 5, 2022

Anton Porsteinsson, M.D., discusses results from a clinical trial for an experimental drug for Alzheimer’s, who benefits, and how the drug is an advance in care.

Nancy Bowllan, Heather O;Brien, and Courtney Blackwood Present Podium Presentation at Annual American Psychiatric Nursing Association National Conference

Thursday, November 24, 2022

This October, Psychiatric Nursing Leadership presented two podium presentations at the Annual American Psychiatric Nursing Association National Conference held in Long Beach, California. Nancy Bowllan RN, MSN, EdD, Heather OBrien RN, MSN, NPD-BC and Courtney Blackwood RN, MSN, NE-BC presented a two-hour pre-conference session on the development, implementation and evaluation of an educational initiative on “Implementation of a High-Fidelity Inter-professional Clinical Simulation Project in a Comprehensive Interdisciplinary CPEP Simulation for Behavioral Emergencies using Standardized Patients.” In addition, Nancy and Heather presented on the development and evaluation of a new Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Residency Program that was implemented in the spring 2022. Both presentations were well attended with much positive feedback offered.

Though simulation is well-publicized in the literature to enhance academic learning, there is minimal evidence of the impact of the use of high-fidelity simulation with interdisciplinary clinicians in emergency psychiatric situations using standardized patients. This project has the potential to further inform educational initiatives for this unique specialty area to the broader clinician population.

URMC has provided a one-year Nurse Residency Program at the larger hospital level for the past three years. Due to the unique nature of psychiatric nursing practice and a desire to enhance retention, strengthen competence and professional self-identity a 6- month PMHN residency program has been established for our novice psychiatric nurses. In addition, Lara Walker provided a poster presentation focused on further development of psychiatric nurse preceptors and the potential positive impact on transition of novice nurses to practice.

In Response to Colorado Springs

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

We are profoundly saddened by the senseless murder of five people, alongside the injuring of 18, this past weekend at Club Q, an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In response to rising racism, hate speech, and violence targeting the LGBTQ+ community, we would like to reaffirm the right of self-expression and self-determination for everyone.

For those that are struggling with processing the events from this weekend, our Crisis Call Line is open 24/7 at (585) 275-8686 to provide support and help if you are in a mental health crisis. In addition, please see below for a list of national and local resources. 
Additional Community Resources

• Trans Lifeline - Peer Support Phone Service, Family and Friends Hotline: (877) 565-8860
• Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741
• The Trevor Project - Text ‘START’ to 678-678, Reach a Counselor: 1-866-488-7386, Counselor Webchat
• Rochester.LGBT
• Rochester Lgbtq+ Together Facebook Group
• Blaque Out Magazine

Hochang Ben Lee Presents Plenary Session at Chinese Society of Psychosomatic Medicine

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Hochang Ben Lee, MD recently gave a plenary presentation as as President of the International College of Psychosomatic Medicine at the 28th Annual Meeting of Chinese Society of Psychosomatic Medicine. His presentation highlighted the Biopsychosocial Model and the future of healthcare.

What Your Retina Says About Your Physical, Cardiovascular, Mental, and Neurological Health

Thursday, November 10, 2022

URMC Media Spotlight

Steven Silverstein, Ph.D., professor of Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Ophthalmology, spoke to EveryDay Health (Nov. 3) about the ways diseases can leave evidence of their presence on the retina. "That means there are circumstances where diseases that affect the body leave traces—or biomarkers—within the eyes themselves, and we can observe those changes thanks to newly enhanced noninvasive imaging technologies," said Silverstein.

Aging Reimagined: A New View of Old Age

Friday, November 4, 2022

Scientists and clinicians in the University of Rochester Aging Institute are blowing stereotypes of old age out of the water, proving older adults can be capable of far more—cognitively, physically, ...

Anthony Pisani, PhD Among Medical Book Award Authors

Friday, November 4, 2022

Suicide Prevention: Stahl's Handbooks, a publication by Anthony Pisani, PhD alongside Christine Yu Moutier, MD of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Stephen Stahl, MD, PhD of the Neuroscience Education Institute, was recently awarded the British Medical Association's Medical Book Awards. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to medical literature. 

Suicide Prevention: Stahl's Handbooks provides quick tips for suicide screening, risk assessment, interventions, and follow-up communication to mental health and primary care professionals so that they may ensure comprehensive and patient-oriented care. 

Bennett, McDaniel Among Rochester Academy of Medicine Awardees

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Twelve individuals from the University were recognized by the Rochester Academy of Medicine (RAoM), including its two most prestigious lifetime achievement awards for Nancy “Nana” Bennett, M.D., and Susan McDaniel, Ph.D.

The Rochester Academy of Medicine is a community-based organization of health care experts seeking to advance learning, encourage service and initiate collaboration. It honored 20 local health care practitioners, researchers and students at its annual program Oct. 18.

​Bennett received the Dr. Albert David Kaiser Medal, given to a physician who exemplifies outstanding professional and personal qualities and lifetime service in medicine, public health and community welfare.

Bennett is a nationally-known expert in immunization, chronic disease prevention and community engagement, the founder and director of the Center for Community Health & Prevention, and co-director of the UR Clinical & Translational Science Institute. Most recently, she also served as director of the Finger Lakes COVID-19 Vaccine Hub.

In her award nomination, Medical Center CEO and Medical School Dean Mark Taubman, M.D., called Bennett a “tireless advocate” for local and regional efforts aimed at the prevention of disease and the promotion of health and health equity.

“She is the driving force behind URMC’s community health mission, which seeks to inform policymakers and the community about local health challenges, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and apply evidence-based practices to improve health and overall quality of life,” wrote Taubman.

McDaniel received the Dr. Madeline H. Schmitt, PhD, RN, FAAN Award for Interprofessional Education, which recognizes a professional who has broken barriers in health care and continues to change the landscape of health care education and practice.

McDaniel is the chief psychologist for the Department of Psychiatry, vice chair of Family Medicine, director of the Physician Faculty Communication Coaching Program, and director of the Institute for the Family. She also served as academic chief for Psychiatry’s division of Collaborative Care & Wellness until 2021.

In her award nomination, colleagues praised McDaniel’s work pioneering the integration of clinical psychology and medicine, most notably in the fields of family psychology and family medicine. For much of her career, she has focused on helping physicians improve their psychosocial knowledge and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration in patient care.

“Her skill in inviting and balancing multiple disciplines’ perspectives, alongside those of patients, families, and communities, is noteworthy,” wrote nominator Tzipora Rosenberg, Ph.D. “Her focus on integrating these principles into living, breathing health care systems, inpatient and outpatient, hospital- and community-based, is admirable.”

Other winners from the University included:

Distinguished Service Awards

Sukardi Suba, Ph.D., RN – URMC, UR School of Nursing
Distinguished Service Award: Early Career

Mehmed Emre Aktas, BS – University of Rochester
Distinguished Service Award: Health Care Individual

Jan Schriefer, MBA, MSN, Dr.P.H. – URMC
Distinguished Service Award: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Academic Awards

Silvia Sörensen, Ph.D., Rachel Missell, MS, Alexander Eustice-Corwin, MA, Dorine Otieno, MS, MPH – Warner School of Education
Carter & T. Franklin Williams Geriatric Award

Michael Privitera, M.D., MS, Kate MacNamee, MS – URMC
Robert L. Berg, M.D. Community Health/Health Care Crisis Award

Student Scholarship Award

Ericka Scott – School of Medicine & Dentistry
Dr. Lemuel A. Rogers’ Memorial Scholarship

Patrick Seche Replaces Carole Farley-Toombs as Psychiatry’s Lead Administrator

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Replacing 40-plus years of experience is never easy, but for the Department of Psychiatry, the answer to the retirement of Carole Farley-Toombs, MSN, MSED, RN, NEA-BC, was clear.

Patrick Seche, M.S., CASAC, who has provided strong leadership in several roles since joining URMC in 2001, will succeeded her as chief administrative officer (CAO) for Department of Psychiatry, effective Oct. 1. His appointment followed a national search.

“Patrick brings a deep knowledge of our department and a deep wealth of experience to his new role,” said Hochang Ben Lee, M.D., John Romano professor and chair of Psychiatry. “He is a prominent leader at the local, regional and state levels and a shining example of how a gifted clinician can expand his role to make great differences at the system level. One of the highlights of my tenure as chair has been to develop a close partnership with Patrick in our ongoing fight against the Opioid Epidemic in our community. It is truly a privilege to work with someone so dedicated to improve the lives of arguably the most stigmatized medical condition in health care.”

Lee praised Seche’s work ethic and creativity, along with his caring and collaborative nature, which he said would aid him greatly in his new role.

“I look forward to continuing to work with our highly skilled Psychiatry team in my new role,” Seche said. “I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Carole for several years and have absorbed a lot from her incredible institutional knowledge. Her dedication to our department’s mission is unmatched.  I am truly honored to be her successor in this role and will look to carry our mission forward for many more years.”

Farley-Toombs served as Psychiatry’s clinical administrator for three years and the lean administrator for the last four years, but her medical center career stretches back to 1980. She began her career as a psychiatric nurse before moving into leadership role including chief of psychiatric mental health nursing for 24 years. She has been recognized at the local, state and national levels as a champion for patients with psychiatric conditions and been instrument in developing and implementing innovative approaches to mental health care that have helped to cement URMC’s reputation as a national leader.

Among other efforts, she helped to spearhead a medical-behavioral health inpatient unit where staff are trained in both internal medicine and behavioral health to improve care for inpatients with mental illness; active support for the development of a Skilled Nursing Facility  Telepsychiatry Program that is now statewide and a national model; collaborating with Seche to submit a successful application to be a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic SAMSHA Pilot Demonstration site in 2017, which is now a robust and instrumental part the department’s clinical service delivery model; and, more recently, the development of an Inpatient/CPEP Crisis Specialist Team to support patient and staff safety through focused patient engagement.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve our department, our medical center and our patients over so many years,” Farley-Toombs said. “Patrick and I have worked together for many of those years in strategic projects that have had great impact on our clinical services and outreach, so I am thrilled with his appointment and by what he will bring to the role.”

Seche began his clinical career as an alcoholism counselor with The Health Association’s MainQuest Treatment Center in 1998 and later worked at the Baden Street Settlement’s Counseling Center.

Since joining URMC, he has held several clinical operations leadership roles, including as director of Strong Recovery and Psychiatry’s associate clinical administrator, overseeing  integration of addiction treatment throughout the UR Medicine system. He also serves as the executive director of Strong Memorial Hospital’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration project.

He has served as president of the Finger Lakes Consortium of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, vice president of the COMPA board (New York’s association of medication assisted treatment providers and advocates), 3rd vice president of the New York State Association of Substance Abuse Providers and a member of the Opioid Task Force of Monroe County and OASAS’ Administrative/Regulatory Relief Workgroup.  He currently has a public service appointment as member of New York State’s Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council.

The Rochester Business Journal recently recognized him as one of its 2022 Health Care Heroes. 

Supporting Puerto Rico in the Aftermath of Hurricane Fiona 

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

In response to the recent devastation Hurricane Fiona has left up the Atlantic coast, we will be partnering with Ibero American Action League & Puerto Rican Independence Diaspora from Rochester and their friends to collect supplies for individuals and families in Puerto Rico which has been particularly hard-hit by flooding and mud slides. You can currently drop off any supplies to Brighton Health Center in Suite F (Care Management), 315 Science Parkway (Older Adult Services and Memory Care Program), and the first floor of our 300 Crittenden Blvd. location. Items will be picked up weekly with shipment to Puerto Rico beginning early October. Thank you to Richard Betancourt Rivera for his leadership in this effort. ​For any questions, please reach out to Diana Julian for any questions

Items Needed Include: DIAPERS, WIPES, TOILET PAPER, SANITARY PADS, OTC MEDS-TYLENOL, IBUPROFEN, ASPIRIN, ETC, DEODORANT, BATTERIES, TOOTHBRUSH, PASTE, SOAP, TOWELS, SOLAR LAMPS, WATER FILTERS, PURIFICATION TABLETS

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: A Q&A with Dr. Olivares

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

URMC Newsroom, in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, had an opportunity to sit down with Dr. Telva Olivares. 
View full interview on LinkedIn

New Studies Show Telemedicine is Effective, Doesn’t Reduce Access to Care

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

URMC Newsroom - Myths Busted: New Studies Show Telemedicine is Effective, Doesn’t Reduce Access to Care

Department of Defense Funds Trial Optimizing Digital Behavioral Treatment for Co-Occurring Insomnia and Depression

Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Wil Pigeon, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry was awarded a $6 million contract from the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) to conduct a study entitled Optimizing digital behavioral treatment for co-occurring insomnia and depression. The two-phase pragmatic trial will assess heterogeneity of treatment effects in one clinical trial and then develop and evaluate a precision medicine rule for assigning the right treatment(s) to the right individual in a second trial. The overall study will enroll up to 2,300 U.S. Military Veterans with co-occurring depression and insomnia and will be conducted with Co-Investigators Todd Bishop, PhD at URMC, Ron Kessler, PhD at Harvard Medical School, Rob Bossarte, PhD at University of South Florida and Stephen Schueller at UC-Irvine.

NIH Grant Funds App-based Intervention to Reduce Postpartum Depression in High-Risk Women

Monday, September 19, 2022

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 1 in 7 mothers in the US with double the rate among low-income women, causing emotional distress, consequences for infant development and later child adjustment, disruptions in family relationships, and significant financial burden. A new $1.66 million grant from the National Institutes of Health will support the development of an app-based version of the ROSE Program (Reach Out, Stay Strong, Essentials for mothers of newborns), an evidence-based intervention for mothers at high-risk for PPD. Currently there are major obstacles to disseminating ROSE broadly to women at risk for PPD such as the labor-intensive nature of offering live group sessions with facilitators trained to fidelity and requiring pregnant individuals (many with young children and competing demands) to attend group sessions at prescribed times. This digital version of ROSE, called e-ROSE, will let soon-to-be mothers at high risk of PPD to access the intervention at their own convenience. e-ROSE will be tested in a clinical trial compared to ROSE delivered as usual to see if there are differences in uptake and effectiveness. Ellen Poleshuck, PhD  will serve as the Primary Investigator on this project. 

University of Rochester Department of Psychiatry Recognized by Senator Samra G. Brouk

Thursday, September 15, 2022

At the International College of Psychosomatic Medicine's 26th World Congress, the University of Rochester Medical Center Department of Psychiatry was recognized by New York State Senator Samra Brouk for our 75th Anniversary with an official proclamation. Read Full Proclamation 

Psychiatry Grand Rounds resume on Sept. 14th!

Monday, September 12, 2022

WEDNESDAYS 12 pm - 1 pm. Hybrid Events attend in-person or via Zoom!
Visit the Grand Rounds Webpage for more information. 

ICPM 26th World Congress starts on Wednesday Sept. 7th!

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

The International College of Psychosomatic Medicine 26th World Congress ‘Biopsychosocial Model: Past & Future. is September 7th -9th. 
Due to popular demand, registration for the ICPM 26th World Congress will remain open even during the conference!
Visit https://bit.ly/ICPM2022 for details including registration, schedule of speakers, and information about CME. 

Rochester First highlights URMC's partnership with the YMCA

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

URMC Media Spotlight 
Rochester First (Aug. 24) highlighted URMC's partnership with the YMCA aimed at equipping youth camp staff to help children and teens with mental health issues. Allison Stiles, Ph.D., said the first-aid training is designed to help staff members understand a variety of situations, ranging from minor to more severe. "A focus is on building the capacity of that staff," said Stiles. "We talk about real-life scenarios coming up in camp. How do we address those? How do we solve those? It's putting our heads together and applying the knowledge and skills they've learned in that training to be able to support each other."

Join us on Aug. 30th for the final 75th Anniversary Webinar - Biopsychosocial 2.0!

Friday, August 26, 2022

Biopsychosocial 2.0: The Future of Biopsychosocial Care, Discovery, Learning, and Community Partnership
Speaker: Ben Lee, MD, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry
Dr. Lee will outline a vision for the future of our department and together reimagine the biopsychosocial model to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

View the 2022 DICE Summer Series Webinars!

Friday, August 26, 2022

2022 DICE Summer Series - Using the Biopsychosocial Model to Promote Equitable Care at UR Medicine

Watch video recordings of the summer series on our website. 

Visit the CCBHC Community Resource & Wellness Fair on Sept.9th

Monday, August 22, 2022

CCBHC Community Resource & Wellness Fair
Friday, September 9th, 10 am - 2 pm, 2613 West Henrietta Rd. 
Check out local agencies while enjoying music & snacks from local food trucks! 

New Division of Medicine in Psychiatry

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

The Department of Psychiatry enthusiastically announces the creation of a new division of Medicine in Psychiatry, charged with delivering comprehensive medical care to vulnerable psychiatric patients.

The ever widening medical disparities facing patients with psychiatric conditions today has led to an urgent need for innovations in providing comprehensive care for vulnerable populations. Recent growth and development of the Medicine in Psychiatry clinical services has supported the addition of new academic faculty committed to providing compassionate, evidence based medical care to patients who are often marginalized in the health system.

The Mission of the Division of Medicine in Psychiatry Services (MIPS) is:

1. To be a community leader for comprehensive healthcare targeted to patients with concomitant medical conditions and severe mental illness and/or substance use; and
2. To be a center for academic innovation focused on creating effective multidisciplinary teams and services that integrate medical, psychiatric and social services for vulnerable patient populations.

The MIPS division includes a patient-centered primary care medical home for patients with psychiatric conditions and 30 inpatient medical beds for patients with acute medical conditions and concomitant psychiatric conditions. In addition, MIPS provides medical consultation to the inpatient Psychiatry units. With 13 dedicated faculty members with expertise in family medicine, internal medicine, addiction medicine and psychiatry, the division plays a critical role in educating residents and fellows from multiple specialty and sub-specialty programs associated with the University of Rochester. The multidisciplinary approach of MIPS also means that there is active clinical and academic collaboration with colleagues in the fields of nursing, social work, psychology, pharmacy, substance and recovery counseling, and peer support.

Dr. Telva Olivares will serve as the clinical chief for the Medicine in Psychiatry Division
Dr. Marsha Wittink will serve as the academic chief for the division.
Dr. Kevin Brazill will take over as the medical director of the MIPS primary care clinic and Dr. Kirk Harris and Dr. Wittink will continue as medical directors of units G92 and 192, respectively.

Celebrating Telva Olivares's 28th Year at MIPS

Monday, August 1, 2022

On June 30th, we celebrated Dr. Telva E. Olivares's 28th and last year as the director of our Medicine in Psychiatric Services (MIPS) program. Those who have been in the area for a while will be familiar with Dr. Olivares work with Rochester's Latine community as director of Lazos Fuertes, a one-of-a-kind clinic that provides bilingual medical and psychiatric services, as well as her work with patients severe and/or persistent mental illness.

Tzeitel Hernandez BSN, RN-BC, nurse at Wilmot Cancer Institute, comments on Dr. Olivares's career, saying "As one of the founding members of [MIPS] and its director for over two decades, Dr. Olivares has been at the forefront of the intersection of internal medicine and psychiatry. . ."

While Dr. Olivares will be retiring from her role in MIPS, , she will continue to oversee other programs throughout UR Medicine such as Lazos Fuertes as well as our Office of Diversity, Inclusion, Culture and Equity (DICE).

How fast time flies by! Check out this then-and-now photo of Dr. Olivares with Dr. Roger Boulay, mentor and fellow founding member of MIPS!  

Bridge Art Gallery Now Accepting Artwork Submissions

Friday, July 29, 2022

Are you a local artist? Our Bridge Art Gallery is now accepting submissions of artwork for their next exhibition, Mind, Body, and World, which focuses on how our bodies, our psychology and our social contexts connect to impact health. Submissions are due August 25th! Check out their website for information on how to submit artwork!

Hochang (Ben) Lee to be Installed as President at ICPM World Conference in Rochester

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Hochang (Ben) Lee, M.D., the John Romano Professor of Psychiatry and chair of the Department of Psychiatry, will be installed this fall as president of the International College of Psychosomatic Medicine (ICPM).

The organization’s membership hails from more than 30 countries and consists of a broad range of professionals, including internists, general practitioners, pediatricians, nurses, social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists and other health care providers.

Lee’s two-year tenure begins in September, when URMC will host the 26^th World Congress of Psychosomatic Medicine. Its focus is the “Biopsychosocial Model: Past & Future.” As the birthplace of the biopsychosocial model, the University of Rochester Medical Center is proud to bring providers together from across the globe to discuss its history and impact on patient care today and into the future.

Early registration for the conference, to be held Sept. 7-9 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, is June 30, offering a reduced rate; final deadline is Aug. 10. Click here for more information and to register.

Myra Mathis, MD Named Medical Director of Strong Recovery

Monday, July 18, 2022

​We are exited to announce that Dr. Myra Mathis has been appointed the Medical Director of our Strong Recovery clinic. Dr. Mathis joined our Department of Psychiatry in August 2020 as an Addiction Psychiatrist after getting her medical degree from University of Rochester and completing her post-doctoral training and residency at Yale University. Dr. Mathis is the recipient of several awards while in medical school and throughout her residency and fellowship.

After 30 years in the role, Dr. Gloria Baciewicz is passing the Medical Director baton to Dr. Mathis. Dr. Baciewicz will continue as a faculty working on Strong Recovery's projects.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Mathis on her new and exciting journey as Strong Recovery’s Medical Director!

Register Now! Early Bird Registration Discount for ICPM Ends July 15th

Friday, July 1, 2022

Early Registration Deadline for 26th World Congress, International College of Psychosomatic Medicine (ICPM) Has Been Extended! Register by July 15th to receive an Early Bird Special price for the 26th World Congress of the ICPM, happening September 7-9, 2022 in Rochester, New York. The Congress will feature a stimulating academic program that includes cutting-edge research in bio-psycho-social, brain-behavior-health-disease relationships. Many of our speakers are world renowned leaders in research and academia.

Join us for the 2022 DICE Summer Series starting on July 13th!

Monday, June 27, 2022

Using the Biopsychosocial Model to Promote Equitable Care at UR Medicine

The Department of Psychiatry, in collaboration with Golisano Children's Hospital, Wilmot Cancer Institute, the Department of Neurology, and the School of Nursing, will present the 2022 DICE Summer Series.  Wednesdays 12-1pm, July 13th - August 224th 

Is There a Link between Sleep and Dementia?

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Dr. Anton Porsteinsson, professor and director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Care, Research and Education Program (AD-CARE) at the University of Rochester Medical Center, talked to Medical News Today, a consumer-focused digital publication, on this topic.  Read the article:  Dementia and Sleep: What Do We Know about this Link?

Aileen Aldalur, Ph.D. Among CTSI's KL2 Career Development Awardees

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Our very own Dr. Aileen Aldalur is among the awardees of a KL2 Career Development Award. This award provides early-career scientists with mentored research support in order to help advance their career. Dr. Aldalur 's project will be adapting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for use with Deaf individuals. 

Join us for the 74th Annual Key Day Ceremony on June 14th

Thursday, June 9, 2022

Key Day Ceremony - Department Of Psychiatry
Tuesday, June 14, 2022 | 4:00 – 6:00pm   Flaum Atrium

Key Day is a valued ceremonial tradition of our Department during which we officially recognize trainees who are completing their educational programs in 2022. Join us in the Flaum Atrium.

Excellence of URMC Faculty, Staff Recognized by Quality Institute, URMC Board

Monday, June 6, 2022

Suzanne Haber, PhD leads new NIMH award to investigate the brain networks central to OCD

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

“Obsessive-compulsive disorder is among the most disabling psychiatric disorders,” said Haber, professor of Pharmacology and Physiology, Neuroscience and Psychiatry at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. “It affects one to three percent of the population worldwide, yet it hasn’t received the same level of attention as other mental health disorders. We’re excited to receive this funding and use translational methods to understand circuit dysfunction in the disease and to develop new treatment approaches that can improve the lives of patients.”

AAPI Support Group presents Rise of Rochester’s Asian Community Webinar on May 24

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

​In celebration of May AAPI Heritage Month, please join us on 5/24 at noon by zoom:

Rise of Rochester’s Asian Community
Mimi W. Lee, President of APAA, and Lily Lee, Board Secretary/Communications Director of APAA

Asian/Pacific Islander/American Association (APAA) of Greater Rochester is a not-for-profit organization committed to a stronger Greater Rochester Area community where diverse Asian/Pacific Islander American peoples are valued, their heritages and histories are preserved and celebrated.  Our Department of Psychiatry Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Support Group is honored to have APAA leaders Mimi Lee and Lily Lee joining us to share the rich history of our local Rochester AAPI community.

Support the UR Psych Team at the NAMI Rochester Walk Saturday May 21st

Friday, May 20, 2022

NAMI Rochester’s Walk is taking place on Saturday, May 21st, at the Village Gate.
Support the UR Psych Mental Health & Wellness Team!

Stroll for Strong Kids June 4 - Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness Tent

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

The Stroll for Strong Kids will return as a live event this year!  5K in the early AM, followed by the Stroll/walk and picnic.  There will be a Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness Tent with activities. We also have a team you can “join” so that any funds raised/donated will go to our Child and Adolescent Psychiatry services.  Saturday, June 4, 2022 (in-person) and Friday, June 3 - Sunday, June 5, 2022 (virtual) 

75th Anniversary Webinar - Innovations in Community Partnerships May 24th

Monday, May 16, 2022

Please join us on Tuesday, May 24th, 6-7:15pm for UR Psychiatry's 75^th Anniversary Webinar exploring Biopsychosocial Innovations in Community Partnerships.  You will hear from panelists across disciplines and programs within UR Psychiatry discuss the impact of the biopsychosocial model on community partnerships. 

Moderator: Leah Hill, Clinical Engagement Specialist 
A conversation with: Eric Caine, Catherine Cerulli, Yeates Conwell, Stephanie Gamble, Melissa Heatly, Rev. John S. Walker, and others.

Join the Department of Psychiatry AAPI Support Group for Heritage Month Events

Monday, May 16, 2022

May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. To celebrate, our Department of Psychiatry Asian American Pacific Islander Support Group has compiled a calendar of events around Rochester throughout the month of May celebrating AAPI culture, cuisine, and artists. View the calendar here. 

UR Medicine is Thinking 'Digital First' Under Leadership of Chief Digital Health Officer Michael Hasselberg

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

When Michael Hasselberg, M.S., Ph.D. was approached about digital health, Michael Rotondo, M.D., CEO of the University of Rochester’s Medical Faculty Group, simply said: “We need a strategy.” The pandemic had forced many organizations to jump headfirst into telemedicine but no one was really thinking about how to strategically roll-out digital tools to make care easier to access for patients–with or without a pandemic.

Luckily for UR Medicine, strategy is where Hasselberg shines. A Ph.D.-prepared nurse with a specialization in geriatric psychiatry, Hasselberg is URMC’s Chief Digital Health Officer tasked with overseeing our clinical enterprise’s “Digital First” strategy – a three-phase program that will integrate digital tools into our health system so that we can serve a wider range of patients in the most effective and efficient way possible.

The first phase of the “Digital First” strategy is already underway and the entire plan works like a funnel.

“We need to get people in the front door of our organization, whether that means literally into our practices or digitally meeting with our providers from the convenience of their own home,” explains Hasselberg. “In phase two, we focus on engaging our patients using devices they already own – like smartphones, wearables, and tablets. Finally, in the last phase, we will look at ways to leverage all the data we’re collecting to provide incredibly personalized care and value.”

“We need a strategy,” Rotondo said and a strategy is exactly what he got.

Psychiatry Musicians to be Featured in Spring Showcase

Monday, April 25, 2022

TOMORROW, April 26th, from 12-12:45pm, our URMC Department of Psychiatry will present the first virtual Creatively Connecting: Spring Showcase! This event will feature musical performances by members of the department. We hope this will be an opportunity to not only connect with one another, but also connect with our local Rochester community. View the video recording of the event below.  

Registration Open for Family Therapy Program 29th Annual Intensive

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

The Institute for the Family's Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Training Program has opened registration for their 29th Annual Intensive on Integrated Care and Medical Family Therapy. This intensive is a one week interdisciplinary training that blends clinical presentations, small group learning, and skill development to provide training for professionals interested in health care and mental health collaboration when working with patients and families dealing with illness, health concerns and trauma. For more information, contact the MFT program or click here. 

Clinical Psychology Training Program - April 2022 Newsletter

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Read the April 2022 Clinical Psychology Training Program newsletter for an update from the Training Director, the latest program news, current projects, and upcoming events.

Caroline Nestro Moves to New Role in School of Nursing after 38 Years

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

It is with mixed emotions that we announce that Caroline Nestro, PhD has left the Department of Psychiatry after accepting a new leadership position at the University of Rochester School of Nursing. Caroline has been with our department for over 38 years in various roles, including as a nurse on many of our units and programs, a nurse manager for the adult ambulatory service, Co-Director of our Office of Mental Health Promotion until 2017, and most recently as the Director of our Office of Diversity, Inclusion, Culture, and Equity. A celebration was held in March in honor of her many contributions to the department. We will dearly miss her but wish her all the best as she enters this new chapter of her career. 

MSN features Susan McDaniel, PhD on the ‘destabilizing’ effect of illness

Friday, April 15, 2022

Why divorce is more common if the wife gets sick: The ‘destabilizing’ effect of illness

75th Anniversary Webinar: Innovations in Research

Friday, April 15, 2022

Join us on April 26th for the next 75th Anniversary Webinar session: How the World Changed UR Psychiatry and UR Psychiatry Changed the World | An Overview of Biopsychosocial Innovations in Research. A conversation with: Tom O'Connor, Kim Van Orden, Jan Moynihan, Anton Porsteinsson, Steve Silverstein, Peter Wyman, and others. Moderated by Yeates Conwell

Learn How to Defuse Challenging Situations with Bystander Training

Thursday, April 14, 2022

The TRANSFORM Research Center invites you to join a free 3-hour intensive bystander training exclusive for our Rochester community. "Support Over Silence for KIDS" is a call to action that gives community members the skills to confidently defuse challenging moments between a caregiver and their child in public. Nancy L. Weaver, PhD, MPH, Professor of Behavioral Science at Saint Louis University, created this program to educate community members on how to listen empathetically and non-judgmentally to caregivers in tense situations to help deescalate what’s happening in the moment. For your convenience we are offering three dates for this important training - classes will be held via ZOOM. Please choose one:

• Friday, April 22, 9:00AM-12:00PM (EST)
• Tuesday, April 26, 1:00PM-4:00PM (EST)
• Wednesday, May 4, 5:00-8:00PM (EST)

The first virtual Creatively Connecting: Spring Showcase will be held on April 26th

Monday, April 11, 2022

On April 26, 2022, from 12-12:45pm, the URMC Psychiatry Department will be presenting the first virtual Creatively Connecting: Spring Showcase! This event will feature musical performances by members of the Psychiatry Department. We hope this will be an opportunity to connect with one another, but also connect with our local Rochester community. This event will feature Gre's Concoctions, a locally owned business right on Mt. Hope Ave! A YouTube link of the showcase will be shared via email, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. We hope you can join us! ​

Welcome to Our Incoming Psychiatry Residents!

Monday, April 4, 2022

​March 19th was Match Day, which marks the day when soon-to-be-graduating medical students around the United States find out where they will be beginning their career as physicians as residents. We're excited to welcome our incoming class to our Psychiatry Residency program! Our new residents come from medical schools around the world with a wide range of backgrounds, life experiences, and interests. Welcome again, and we look forward to seeing you all soon!

Meyerowitz Lecture to feature Kelli Harding, MD, MPH

Saturday, April 2, 2022

​Kelli Harding, MD, MPH, URSMD grad of 2002, will be speaking on the science of kindness for the Department of Psychiatry’s annual Meyerowitz lecture: “Feel Better With Kindness:  A Framework of Care for our Patients, Colleagues, and Ourselves.”  Dr. Harding is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University Vagelos College Of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City.  She is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, as well as boarded in the specialty of psychosomatic (mind-body) medicine.

The Sanford Meyerowitz Memorial Fund was established in 1977 as a memorial to Dr. Meyerowitz, a 1954 graduate of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and at the time of his death, Associate Dean for Medical Education at URSMD. The fund was established by a committee to create a living memorial in support of Dr. Meyerowitz’s many and numerous interests and enthusiasms. He was actively engaged in Medical Education, Clinical Psychiatry and Psychoanalysis, Psychosomatic Medicine and Arthritis Research. He made important contributions to the relationship between undergraduate and medical education. Each year the Committee selects a host department to be responsible for the selection and arrangement of the guest lecturer.  Open to all University of Rochester affiliated faculty, students, residents, fellows and staff. This activity has been approved for physician, psychology and social work CEUs. The event will take place on April 28^th, 2022 at 12pm both in-person at Class of ’62 Auditorium and virtually. 

April 21st is Psychology Day

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

April 21st is our 4^th annual University of Rochester Medical Center Psychology Day! Thank you psychologists and psychologists-in-training for all you do for our patients, their families, our community, and our healthcare system at large. This year we especially honor your dedication as we continue to navigate the mental health surge related to the coronavirus pandemic (along with our other dedicated mental health colleagues!). THANK YOU!

Please join us in celebration across social media platforms by using the hashtags #PsychologyDay2022 and #PsychDayUN2022.

April 21^st is also Psychology Day at the United Nations as well. Visit their virtual talks between 11am and 2pm.

At URMC, we want to take this day to thank our many psychologists and psychologists-in-training across the UR system, including:  Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Cancer Center, Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, Ob/Gyn, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics, Neurology, and Psychiatry plus the College Counseling Center on River Campus. We have students, interns, and postdoctoral fellows, drawing top candidates from across the US to each.  In addition, we have psychologists across our UR Leadership, including President Sarah Mangelsdorf. Please spread the word to all your Psychology colleagues!

A Q&A with Catherine Cerulli on intimate partner violence

Monday, March 28, 2022

Catherine Cerulli, director of both the University’s Susan B. Anthony Center and the Laboratory of Interpersonal Violence and Victimization talks about how to spot an unhealthy relationship before domestic violence starts.

Paul Geha leads a new study on brain linking pain and food

Thursday, March 10, 2022

URMC Newsroom: Researchers find new clues in the brain linking pain and food

A new Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience study led by Paul Geha, MD an assistant professor of psychiatry, of neurology, and of neuroscience, suggests that circuitry in the brain responsible for motivation and pleasure is impacted when someone experiences pain. “These findings may reveal new physiological mechanisms linking chronic pain to a change in someone’s eating behavior,” says Geha. “And this change can lead to the development of obesity.”

Anthony Pisani to Speak at Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide

Monday, March 7, 2022

Anthony Pisani, PhD will be speaking on the March 7th hearing of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide of Australia. Dr. Pisani will be sharing his expertise in suicide prevention with the commission as they hear from community members and experts on the issues surrounding the rise in deaths by suicide among serving and ex-serving Defence members. The hearing will be streamed live on the Royal Commission's website from 6 PM to 12 AM Eastern Time. ( March 7th, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm AEDT).

Support Partnerships with Historically Marginalized Communities through the GCH Jacket and Shirt Sale

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

The Racial Justice Initiatives Team of Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness is hosting a GCH Jacket and Shirt Sale as a fundraiser this year. Jackets and shirts will have the UR Medicine/Golisano Children’s Hospital embroidered logo and Sandy and Friends emblem on opposite sides. “Equality for All” will be written on the sleeve of each item (back of the collar on vest). You have the option to add a service’s name and/or personalization for an upcharge. The money raised from the fundraiser will enable us to expand our community partnerships and outreach efforts to support emotional wellness in historically marginalized families. For example, in November we collaborated with God’s Work Pentecostal Church & Pentecostal Power of Deliverance (with financial assistance from the National Parent Leadership Institute and the Greater Rochester Health Foundation) to sponsor a great day filled with discussion on children's mental health, food, and give-a-ways.  Please consider purchasing a jacket, shirt, mug, backpack or lunch bag to support more of these events and others. The link to items is below and will be active throughout February, Black History Month. 

Anton Porsteinsson, MD spoke to WXXI about the health benefits of playtime

Friday, February 11, 2022

URMC Media Spotlight: Anton Porsteinsson, M.D., spoke to WXXI (Feb. 11) about the health benefits of playtime, which can be a fun way to relieve stress, alone, or with other people. "We know that stress is neurotoxic, it increases certain compounds in the brain that basically can cause accelerated nerve cell death."

January 2022 Publications

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

• Primary care providers must be able to assess and manage patients' suicidal ideation, intent, and behaviors. A new study by Psychiatry faculty looked at whether didactic training helped develop suicide-specific assessment skills. 
• Robyn Dean, PhD of Rochester Institute of Technology NTID and Robert Pollard, PhD recently published a paper on how imparting principled reasoning through case analysis can improve current discourse related to professional ethics among interpreters.

Leadership Changes at HEAL

Friday, February 4, 2022

We are excited to share that Kristen Holderle, PhD will be taking over as the director of the Healing through Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law (HEAL) Collaborative, effective January 1st, 2022. Dr. Holderle will bring to this role her expertise in team-based trauma-informed care, and treatment for patients and families with chronic health conditions.

Dr. Holderle will be assuming this position from Ellen Poleshuck, PhD who has held the position since 2017. Under Dr. Poleshuck's leadership, HEAL became a valuable resource to patients and families experiencing interpersonal violence in our community, as well as for the clinicians who care for them.

Welcome, Dr. Holderle, to this new role and thank you, Dr. Poleshuck, for all your years of dedication to helping those facing trauma and safety issues. 

Bridge Art Gallery Celebrates Decade of Fostering Healing, Connection through Expression

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Can making art help people heal? Or feel empathy for someone who expresses their pain through art? Ten years ago, members of the Department of Psychiatry looked to answer these questions by establishing a community art gallery at URMC to showcase work addressing themes related to mental health. The results​ have been a remarkable success.

The Bridge Art Gallery is a dedicated space at SMH where artists can connect with each other through art, either by creating or experiencing it. In keeping with its name, the gallery gives Psychiatry a presence in the community by giving a platform to artists who work at URMC, visit the hospital, or simply live in the local community.

“To me, art is one of the transformational ways we engage in the lives of others and bring them into our own lives and interact with them,” said Eric Caine, M.D., who was the Psychiatry Chair when he and fellow department members, including Caroline Nestro, Ph.D., and others, took the idea from inception to reality. “It gave us a way to bring people beyond our walls inside. It also became a way for people who were ‘inside’—staff, patients, families—to look out to a wider world.”

Since it was founded, Bridge has hosted more than 28 exhibits and shown nearly 670 works of art from 363 different artists. Contributors range from amateur to professional, many of whom shared their work publicly for the first time because Bridge provided the opportunity.

One such artist is Getachew Taye, who works at SMH as a patient care technician on 7-1400. Originally from Ethiopia, he came to the U.S. in 2004 and married his wife, Deborah, who also works at URMC. He is a lifelong artist with an art degree that he earned while studying on scholarship in Ukraine. He also lived several years in Germany as an asylum seeker, teaching art and working as a caseworker helping fellow refugees.

After coming to the U.S., Getachew started working at SMH in Environmental Services. He says he would sometimes draw on white boards in patient rooms and it wasn’t long before his manager noticed his talent and told him about the Bridge Gallery. He has been a regular contributor ever since–even selling one of his prints, a beautiful painting depicting a dancing ballerina in motion, “In the Still of the Night,” to Chief Operating Officer Kathy Parrinello at one of the exhibit openings.

For him, art will always be fulfilling, and a source of great enjoyment–especially when it can be shared with others. It can help others catch a glimpse into what inspires you, and appreciate what makes your own artistic style unique.

And while working in a patient care setting may not seem like a place to flex one’s creative muscles, he has used it for good. In 2016, he even started a 5x5 art exhibit on 5-1200, where he worked at the time. Coworkers and hospital visitors drew or painted on paper squares that he provided, and 100 colorful pieces lined the walls when complete. Whether it’s inspiring others or building upon his own talent, Getachew says art is a way to leave your mark.

“I feel an obligation to leave something behind,” he said.  “You do it for yourself, but also for your family, community or country.”

Watch this video to hear more from the artist. 

Stop by the Exhibit

“The Bridge Art Gallery Celebrates 10 Years of Bridging Art and Mental Health” is on display now through March 31. This features artwork of contributors and special collections of works by Renee Simone Lee and George Engel, one of the Department of Psychiatry's founders (like below). 

​
Where: First floor of SMH Psychiatry, near the Blue Elevators. 
Follow Along: Learn more about Bridge by visiting their website, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to see current art, upcoming exhibits and calls for entries.
Other Locations: In addition to the gallery on the first floor, Bridge has satellite galleries, on the ground floor of Mental Health & Wellness (G-9000) and an offsite gallery at Strong Minds, Adult Ambulatory Outpatient Psychiatry (150 N. Chestnut St.)
Questions? Email Amanda_Lai@urmc.rochester.edu

Psychiatry Celebrates 75 Years

Psychiatry’s 75^th anniversary. Throughout 2022, URMC faculty and staff, alumni and community members are invited to participate in discussions about the department’s rich history, including its key role in the innovative biopsychosocial model, and learn about its clinical, research and education initiatives impacting
leading-edge mental health care. A webinar series begins Feb. 8. The anniversary celebration culminates with URMC hosting colleagues from around the globe at the 26^th International Congress of Psychosomatic Medicine World Congress in September.

The Past, Present & Future of Biopsychosocial Education, Care, Research, and Community Partnerships

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

As part of our anniversary this year, the 75th Anniversary Webinar Series will examine our history and attempt to understand the staying power of the biopsychosocial approach which remains the cornerstone of our practice.​ These webinars will be held throughout the year and will discuss the many ways in which UR Psychiatry has been an innovator in clinical care, education, research, and relationships with the communities in which we live and work.

Deadline to Submit Abstracts to ICPM 26th World Congress

Monday, January 31, 2022

After postponing last year, we are thrilled to announce the 2022 International College of Psychosomatic Medicine (ICPM) Meeting entitled “The Biopsychosocial Model: Past, Present and Future” will take from September 7th to September 9th in Rochester, New York. The ICPM Meeting will offer diverse keynote addresses, workshops, symposia, and presentations that highlight the biopsychosocial model developed by George L. Engel, MD. The deadline to submit abstracts has recently been extended to February 28th, 2022!  

Harriet Washington Speaks at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Grand Rounds 

Saturday, January 8, 2022

Our 14th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Grand Rounds will take place on January 19th, 2021 from 12 PM to 1 PM. Join us for a guided conversation with Harriet A. Washington '76 ranging from topics including the relevance of her work, Medical Apartheid, and environmental racism to the overall care we provide at the URMC. This event is held in partnership with the URMC Office of Equity & Inclusion, The Wilmot Cancer Institute, the School of Nursing, and the Departments of Medicine, Neurology, and Pediatrics.

ABOUT HARRIET A. WASHINGTON

Harriet A. Washington is a prolific science writer, editor and ethicist who is the author of the seminal Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present, which won a National Book Critics Circle Award, the PEN/Oakland Award, and the American Library Association Black Caucus Nonfiction Award and five other well-received books, including A Terrible Thing to Waste: Environmental Racism and its Assault on the American Mind as well as the forthcoming Carte Blanche: The Erosion of Informed Consent in Medical Research, will be published in 2021 by Columbia Global Reports. 

Michael Hasselberg Named Top 50 Leader in Digital Health

Friday, December 24, 2021

We are congratulating Michael Hasselberg, MS, PhD for recently being named one of Rock Health's Top 50 Leaders in Digital Health. Dr. Hasselberg is the UR Medicine's first Senior Director of Digital Health as well as co-director of the UR Health Lab, which developed the  open-source Dr. Chat Bot software to make sure it is safe for university employees to report to work everyday. We commend Dr. Hasselberg's leadership in telehealth, digital innovation and technology, particularly during these unprecedented times.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Service Begins at UR Medicine

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

We are excited to share that our Interventional Psychiatry team has recently begun offering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment for Major Depressive Disorder. This non-invasive procedure uses a magnetic field to stimulate brain regions associated with depression and is FDA approved for people suffering from major depression that have not had adequate response to other treatments. UR Medicine is the first health system in the area to offer this treatment widely in the community. The TMS service is starting small and plans to grow quickly to meet community needs and consumer preferences.

Sam Huber, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, thanked all those involved with the service launch, saying "We have an amazing TMS crew including Drs. [Samantha] Kamp, [Oner] Gonen, and [Telva] Olivares, as well as RNs Marie Page and Lily Caron, and Practice Manager Leah Green. Each have contributed to our new service in ways that cannot be understated. This team truly lives our Interventional Psychiatry mission of 'providing psychiatry’s most effective treatments in the most effective ways.'" 

Supporting the Community This Holiday Season

Saturday, December 4, 2021

If you are looking for a way to give back while doing your holiday shopping this season, check out the Zoey's Lovely Heart Club 6th Annual Tree Farm Fundraiser on December 4th and 5th!

Started by our very own Dr. Megan Lytle and her husband Patrick, this fundraiser helps support Golisano Children's Hospital. In addition, you and your family can stop by to help create holiday stockings/giftbags for families in the NICU.

Carol Podgorski Receives 2021 Family-Oriented Care Award

Friday, November 19, 2021

Message from Dr. Susan McDaniel,
Dr. Laurie Sands Distinguished Professor of Families & Health
Director, Institute for the Family, & Chief of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Carol Podgorski as the recipient of the 2021 Family-Oriented Care Award given today at the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association annual conference. This award recognizes an outstanding clinician and/or researcher who incorporates the principles of family-oriented care into their day-to-day work promoting health (prevention and intervention) with patients and their families. Dr. Podgorski is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and Associate Director of the Institute for the Family. For those of your who don’t know a lot about Carol’s background, as she is unlikely to advertise her many accomplishments, it begins with her training:  She received a PhD in sociology. Because of her commitment to understanding families and health systems, she went on to acquire master’s degrees in public health, and another master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and presently serves as the Director of the Finger Lakes Center of Excellence in Alzheimer’s Disease and as Co-Director of URMC’s Family Therapy Training Program.

Dr. Podgorski was nominated for this award by geropsychologist and fellow family therapist, Lauren DeCaporale-Ryan PhD. I’d like to share with you some of Lauren’s letter of nomination as it is an excellent description of Carol and her accomplishments. Carol promotes attention to families through direct patient care, research, education and professional advocacy.

• Clinical Service. When you walk down the halls of Strong Family Therapy Services, it is not uncommon to see parents and spouses entering our clinical venue. Their participation in treatment is at the core of how we approach clinical care and Carol has played a significant role in ensuring families’ presence. She regularly works with aging families to adjust to chronic disease diagnoses, navigate new caregiving responsibilities, and manage long-term family dynamics that can be disruptive to the safety and wellbeing of all family members. Adult children, spouses, grandchildren, and others that patients identify as important in their personal context are included in care. She views the family system as the patient. She honors the presence and importance of each, she recalls small but critical details that help each person feel understood, and sits with families through major life transitions.
• Research. Recently, Carol took a sabbatical. During this time she focused her attention on family interventions for individuals and their caregivers facing a diagnosis of dementia. Her efforts have yielded a beautiful framework that is intended to guide multidisciplinary clinicians to attend to the needs of the patient and the family. What Carol has developed reflects on the intersectionality of the identified patient, the family caregiver, their social networks, and everything between. As part of this initiative, she has also developed guidelines and recommendations for clinicians that help promote the inclusion of families in primary care visits and that will aid improved understanding of aging families.
• Education. As Co-Director of the Institute’s Family Therapy Training Program, Carol serves as course instructor, clinical supervisor, and provides oversight to our post[1]degree program in medical family therapy. As one of our graduates said: Carol so clearly embodies the role of educator. Given the depth and breadth of her experience and expertise with systems/family[1]oriented approaches, it has been a true joy to learn about being a well-rounded clinician and supervisor from her. Whether in group settings with other trainees or during our time together for an independent study, I have greatly appreciated her thoughtful, compassionate, and authentic leadership and teaching style. Time and again, Carol has gone out of her way to offer her support and assistance despite her busy schedule and numerous responsibilities.
• Professional Advocacy. Carol has been a tremendous advocate for the integration of behavioral health clinicians into routine healthcare, with particular attention to marriage and family therapists. She is a very effective advocate and has lobbied at the state land federal level. When Carol speaks, she does so with patients, their families, and clinicians in mind.

In sum, Carol is a tremendous gift to family therapy, psychiatry, geriatrics, and medicine. She is a fierce advocate for family caregivers, always prioritizing having a family caregiver co-present with her when giving a talk, ensuring that the family voice be heard. Carol constantly demonstrates an appreciation of the application of science to practice, gives to the next generation of learners routinely and generously, and has a clear respect for diversity across the lifespan.

Congratulations for this well-deserved recognition, Dr. Podgorski!

October 2021 Publications

Friday, November 12, 2021

• Thomas O’Connor, PhD and Allison Ciesla, PhD published this paper which researched the Maternal Immune Activation hypothesis and its effect on understanding prenatal influences on individual differences
• Yeates Conwell, MD coauthored this paper aimed at estimating the impact of continuity of care (COC) on successful community discharge after hospitalization in older veterans with dementia.

Psychiatry Mental Health Nursing Team Promotes Staff Wellness

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Service, in conjunction with the Strong Memorial Hospital Strategic Nursing Wellness Committee, held a Wellness Fair on Wednesday, Oct 6th, 2021 on 4-9200. We had multiple wellness stations for the inpatient nursing staff to visit that included: Biometric Screening, Workplace Orthopedic Screens, Employee Assistance Program and Well-U, The Running Company, Healthy Snacks, and Flu Shots. In addition, we developed several additional stations that we thought would be helpful and supportive to our staff, these included: Secondary Traumatic Stress, Promoting Better Sleep, Mindfulness & Meditation resources, and Take a Hike, Bike, or Stroll. (We asked for suggestions from participants for hikes and daytrips to try on your day off.)  

We also celebrated the grand opening of the Nursing Wellness Room. This is a place that allows staff some space to decompress after a difficult event has occurred on one of our inpatient units. The room is comfortable, quiet, allows staff some distraction, and self-care activities, and perhaps to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee before regrouping to return to their unit. Nursing Leadership donated and purchased prizes with wellness themes that were  raffled off to staff.  

Staff that assisted during the seven-hour Wellness Fair included Lara Walker, Nurse Manager (4-9000); Brian Swart, ANM (3-9200); Laura Aikens, RN 39000; Mary Jo Newcomb, RN Ambulatory; Tara Augenstein, PhD, Inpatient Psychology;  Autumn Gallegos, PhD, Department Wellness Officer, and Heather O'Brien, Senior Nurse Educator. 

HEAL Celebrates 5 Years

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

​In October, the Healing through Health, Education, Advocacy and Law (HEAL) Collaborative celebrated its five year anniversary. HEAL was developed as a partnership between URMC, people who have lived experience with domestic violence, and community partner agencies to provide psychological, medical, legal, and personal support for those who have experienced psychological, physical, or sexual abuse, as well as child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, and/or elder abuse. Partners include Willow Domestic Violence Center, the Rochester Police Department, Just Cause, the Legal Aid Society of Rochester, Lifespan, SAFER (an advocate group), and Monroe Family Court. The services HEAL provides include legal assistance, social work support, trauma-focused psychotherapy, and medical consultation, and in response to the pandemic, the team has moved to a hybrid model of services. Congratulations to HEAL for this milestone, and keep up the great work! 

Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy Program Holding Open Houses

Saturday, November 6, 2021

Our Masters of Science Program in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) will be holding two virtual open houses on November 5th and December 3rd! This will be an opportunity for those interested in a career in Marriage and Family Therapy to learn more about the program. To register for either session, email mft@urmc.rochester.edu.

Ambulatory Team Recognized for Vaccination Efforts

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

East House recently recognized our ambulatory psychiatry nursing team and the ambulatory provider group with the Partner In Hope Award for their help in administering COVID-19 vaccines. Back in February, this team held Mobile Vaccine Clinic days to help vaccinate East House staff and patients.

Speaking on the ambulatory team, Kim Brumber, President and CEO of East House said, "[This] partnership to vaccinate our staff, but even more so, our clients for whom transportation can be challenging in the best of times, was truly lifesaving. East House experienced lower COVID numbers than our peer organizations and we in large part credit that to your support."

Kudos to the ambulatory team as well as to the team coordinators, Laura Inclema, MS, RN-BC and Telva Olivares, MD, for their work in supporting our community! 

Lisham Ashrafioun Awarded Two Grants from Veteran's Affairs

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will soon be supporting interventions to help Veterans experiencing substance use disorder at UR Medicine. We are excited to share that Lisham Ashrafioun, PhD recently was awarded two grants from the VA. The first of the funded studies will test an intervention to increase the management of pain without medications among veterans taking prescription opioids. The second will develop and assess an intervention to decrease loneliness among Veterans with a substance use disorder. Congratulations to Dr. Ashrafioun for these awards in an important topic!

Patrick Seche Receives 2021 Collaborative Care Award

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Congratulations to Patrick Seche, MS, Director of Services in Addiction Psychiatry, for being awarded the 2021 Collaborative Care Award. We celebrate your leadership and commitment to people struggling with substance abuse disorders as well as to the staff and clinicians who are involved in this important work.

September 2021 Publications

Saturday, October 16, 2021

• Several Psychiatry researchers were authors on a case study examining our Healing through Health, Education, Advocacy and Law (HEAL) Collaborative as an example of a biopsychosocial approach to addressing family and intimate partner violence and abuse. 
• Robert Q. Pollard Jr., PhD published a paper in Interpreting and Society: An Interdisciplinary Journal examining cortisol dysregulation in ASL interpreters in different work settings and what it might mean for health risks and burnout for those in the field.

Psychiatry Faculty Among Awardees for Roc STAR Pilot Awards

Friday, October 15, 2021

The Rochester Roybal Center for Social Ties and Aging Research, a research center focused on promoting the social well-being and healthy aging of those caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, recently announced the recipients of their 2021 pilot awards. Among the awardees are research teams led by three Psychiatry faculty- Kimberly Van Orden, PhD, Caroline Silva, PhD, and Autumn Gallegos, PhD- who will be researching psychotherapy to promote social connectedness among caregivers, culturally tailoring interventions for Hispanic and Latino caregivers, and smartphone apps for mindfulness training for older adult caregivers, respectively.

Taking Suicide Out of the Darkness

Thursday, October 14, 2021

​"Loss survivors continue to need support well after a suicide death occurs," says Steven Schonfeld, MD. 

September marked Suicide Prevention Month, a time to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most. A recent endowed donation from Dr. Schonfeld, a 1974 graduate of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, will support the science and study of suicide prevention through our Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide. 

Register for the Behavioral Health Integration 6th Annual Symposium

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Registration for the University of Rochester Behavioral Health Integration 6th Annual Symposium is now open! Between September 17th and October 8th, speakers will hold virtual talks every Friday on substance use, suicide prevention, and public health. Register for this free event here. 

Renewed Funding Supports Continued Telepsychiatry Care for Nursing Home Residents

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Our UR Medicine Telepsychiatry Program is a pilot project that was started in 2017 and demonstrates that telepsychiatry reduces emergency department visits and re-hospitalizations for nursing home residents.

Today, we are happy to share that the program was recently awarded a grant from the Office of Mental Health (OMH) to continue providing telepsychiatry to nursing homes throughout New York State, making it the first OMH legacy program at the University of Rochester. 

July 2021 Psychiatry Publications

Monday, August 23, 2021

• Wilfred Pigeon, PhD, Hugh Crean, PhD, Catherine Cerulli, JD, PhD, Todd Bishop, PhD and Kathi Heffner, PhD published this article exploring a clinical trial of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia as a supplement to standard PTSD treatment in survivors of interpersonal violence.
• Leah Reece, MA and Deanna Sams, PhD recently published a paper looking at how often the COVID-19 pandemic was listed as stressor in adolescent psychiatric inpatient admissions

Psychiatry Debuts First-of-Its-Kind SUMMITS Unit

Thursday, July 29, 2021

New model stems from Pursuing Excellence project that focused on reducing readmissions, identifying need for less-stigmatized care

The Department of Psychiatry has created a 10-bed inpatient medical-psychiatry unit to provide specialized care and mental health resources for hospitalized individuals who have a co-morbidity resulting from substance use disorder (SUD). An open house and ribbon-cutting were held last week.

Called the SUMMITS (Substance Use, Medical Management, Infection Treatment and Support), the patient care model offered on G-9200 is thought to be the first of its kind in the nation, serving patients who require longer hospital stays to manage medical issues related to alcohol or drug use, said SUMMITS director Kirk A. Harris, M.D.

“For patients who need hospitalization for something that will last a while—for example, organ failure due to alcoholism—we now are able to provide tailored resources earlier to help them begin addressing their substance use disorder prior to discharge,” Harris said.

The unique model includes embedded SUD counselors and peers, 24/7 coverage provided by dedicated and specialized med-psych RNs, LPNs and Techs with expertise in the field and a focus on group and individual activities to support patients. It allows the SUMMITS team to help bridge patients to eventual outpatient services at Strong Recovery and, for some patients, it may help mitigate the need for intensive substance use programs post-discharge.

“This is a truly unique, multidisciplinary service that will positively impact medical care and outcomes for some of our sickest patients with substance use disorder,” said Hochang (Ben) Lee, M.D., the John Romano Professor and chair of the Department of Psychiatry. “This innovative med-psych unit will provide a comprehensive approach that brings necessary medical and behavioral treatment into their care plan as early as possible. It certainly will be a model that will be adopted by hospitals across the country and we are proud to lead the way.”

The idea for SUMMITS originated with the leaders of the interdisciplinary inpatient medicine in psychiatry team, led by director Marsha Wittink, M.D. M.B.E., nurse manager Heather Jackson, M.S., R.N-B.C., and lead APP Lorraine Schild, M.S.N., A.N.P. As part of the first cohort of Unit-based Performance Program (UPP) teams to take part in the hospital’s Pursuing Excellence initiative, they focused their quality improvement project on reducing readmissions and subsequently identified a need to provide less-stigmatized, supportive medical care for patients with SUD.

Transfers to G-9200 are internal only and will occur based on key diagnostic criteria. Many patients will transfer from 1-9200, and staff will be shared between the two units. Referrals also will come from other specialties, such as Infectious Disease and Toxicology. A clinical team from the unit will meet with patients while they are elsewhere in the hospital to explain the new unit and discuss transfers to complete their stay.

The development of the unit included input from the Department of Psychiatry Advisory Council of Consumers (DPACC), a group that includes patients and family members.

Substance Use: Meeting the Challenges for Youth and Family

Thursday, July 22, 2021

Our Strong Recovery clinic invites you to a Community Conversation with providers from the Strong Recovery Adolescent and Young Adult Program and community representatives regarding substance use in youth. The event will take place on July 28th at noon, and there will be a question and answer section. 

Staff Awards Recognize Outstanding URMC Teams, Individuals

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Each year, the University recognizes staff who go above and beyond the call of duty with President’s Staff Awards. This year's awards recognize several URMC individuals and teams whose contributions were especially impactful during the pandemic. Award recipients will be formally recognized sometime in the future.

Maria Romana, Clinical Director of our Strong Ties clinic was recently featured by UR Medicine as one of the awardees of the Witmer Award. This award celebrates staff whose careers have been characterized by outstanding and sustained contributions.

Return on Investment: Sensitive Parenting in Childhood Creates 13-Fold Cost Savings

Thursday, July 15, 2021

A recent study found that sensitive parenting in childhood was related to lower social, educational and healthcare costs by the time participants were teens.

Thomas O'Connor, PhD, one of the coauthors on this paper, says, "In this paper, we show for the first time that early parenting quality predicted financial costs associated with health, education and welfare approximately a decade later. That is, poor early parenting is ‘costly’ not only in terms of child health and well-being, but also in terms of actual financial burden.”

9th Annual Summer Brown Bag Series Discusses Antiracist Clinical Care

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

We are excited to once again be holding our annual Summer Brown Bag Series throughout the months of July and August! This year's series of virtual talks will focus on anti-racist clinical care and will feature speakers every Wednesday between noon and 1 PM. On July 21st and August 11th, there will be small group discussions dedicated to further work on the topics discussed in the previous weeks. This year's series is cosponsored by Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, Medicine and the Wilmot Cancer Institute.

Ian Cero Receives UR CTSI Award to Address Suicide Prevention

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Ian Cero, Ph.D. is among the three recipients of an award from UR CTSI: University of Rochester Clinical & Translational Science Institute to support budding researchers. His project aims to adapt Wingman-Connect, a unique suicide prevention program focused on military personnel, to suicide prevention in teens.

Mongkae Siripornsawan Named Associate Medical Director for CPEP Education

Wednesday, July 7, 2021

We're excited to share that Mongkae Siripornsawan, M.D. will take on a new role in our Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) as the Associate Medical Director for CPEP Education. In this role, she will oversee CPEP education for our trainees as well as serving as the CPEP point person for complex cases involving children/adolescents.

Sue Digiovanni, M.D., Associate Chair for Clinical Services and Chief of the Adult Psychiatry Division, commented on Dr. Siripornsawan’s new role, saying, “With her new role working collaboratively with training programs, I am confident we will elevate the educational experience and learning environment in CPEP as an essential component of trainees’ experience in our department.”

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Siripornsawan on her new role!

Student Group, URMC Faculty Mentors Receive Grant to Build Partnership Between Incarcerated Individuals, Allies and Medical Centers

Friday, June 18, 2021

Mental Health and Wellness Family Room Reopens at UR Medicine Mental Health and Wellness

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Congratulations to our ACGME Residency and Fellowship Graduates!

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Clergy Mental Health Collaborative Holds Suicide Prevention Event

Friday, April 23, 2021

Skills Lab Collaborates with School of Nursing for Suicide Prevention

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Serina Tetenov, PhD, LCSW-R Named Director of Adult Ambulatory Services

Monday, April 5, 2021

Third Annual Psychology Day at URMC

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

"Youth for Racial Justice: Not a Moment, but a Movement" Art Show Highlights Youth Artwork

Friday, March 26, 2021

February 2021 Publications

Friday, March 12, 2021

Mobile Vaccine Clinic Brings COVID-19 Vaccines to Rochester Community

Thursday, March 11, 2021

January 2021 Publications

Friday, February 12, 2021

Death from Intentional Self-Injury Across U.S. a Growing Health Crisis

Monday, February 8, 2021

URMC to Launch New Brain Aging Research Center

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

April Aycock Named Office of Mental Health Director for Monroe County

Thursday, January 28, 2021

New Military Suicide Prevention Program Expands into Air Force Bases

Tuesday, January 26, 2021

December 2020 Publications

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Resources for Assessing Catatonia

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

November 2020 Publications

Monday, December 14, 2020

Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness, Bridge Art Gallery Now Accepting Submissions for "Not a Moment But a Movement" Art Exhibition

Monday, December 14, 2020

October 2020 Publications

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Tziporah Rosenberg Named Associate Chair of Education

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Celebrating Deborah King, PhD

Monday, November 2, 2020

Courtney Blackwood Joins Psychiatry as Director of Nursing

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Ellen Poleshuck Receives Susan McDaniel Collaborative Care Award

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Racial Justice Initiatives Group in Supporting Our Community

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

ACLP Appoints Hochang Lee, MD as Psychosomatics Editor-in-Chief

Friday, September 18, 2020

Psychiatry Postdocs Highlighted at National Postdoc Appreciation Week

Friday, September 18, 2020

5th Annual Symposium on Behavioral Health Integration Goes Virtual!

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

July Psychiatry Publications

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Faculty Members Join Expanded Roles

Monday, August 17, 2020

Kathleen Baynes Named Recipient of Faculty Training Initiative

Monday, August 10, 2020

New Adult Outpatient Mental Health Services Building Officially Opens

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Psychiatry Awarded Additional $2.5M to Combat Opioids in Rural Communities

Monday, July 20, 2020

Michael Hasselberg Appointed URMC Senior Director of Digital Health

Monday, July 20, 2020

8th Annual Summer Series Discusses Anti-Racism & Transformation

Monday, July 6, 2020

Our 8th Annual Summer Series, held in partnership with the Department of Neurology and Department of Pediatrics, will begin on July 8th, and presentations will continue on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of July and August. To capitalize on the current strides being made in the growing recognition of systemic, structural racism as our number one public health threat, this year's series is designed to help University employees broaden their understanding of themselves in relation to racism with a focus on how to become an anti-racist activist. Through didactics and small group conversations, personal, programmatic, and institutional actions will be jump started throughout the summer months.

In addition to these biweekly presentations, small group intensives will be held on the 1st and 3rd of July and August with exercises provided at the presentations the week prior. Space is limited for groups.

As PRIDE month comes to a close...

Monday, July 6, 2020

Multi-Year Grant to Study Peer-Led Vaping Prevention Program in Middle Schools

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

May 2020 Publications

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Virtual Graduation Ceremony Celebrates Residency and Fellowship Graduates

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Practical Tips for Family Wellness during COVID-19 Webinar Scheduled for May 29th

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Kelly Vandermark Featured in UR Medicine Primary Care

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Psychology Day is May 27th!

Thursday, May 7, 2020

A Person-Centered, Integrated Team Approach for Patients With Severe Mental Illnesses

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Psychiatry Residents Selected for American Psychiatric Association Fellowships

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Suicide Prevention During the Pandemic: An International Panel Conversation

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

April 2020 Publications

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Department of Psychiatry Grand Rounds Halted for 2020

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Psychiatry Joins Annual NAMIWalks For 2020

Friday, March 6, 2020

Todd M. Bishop Receives Sleep Grant Award During National Sleep Awareness Month

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

People Born Blind Are Mysteriously Protected From Schizophrenia

Monday, February 17, 2020

January 2020 Publications

Monday, February 10, 2020

Linda Chaudron Featured in "Women, Unlimited" Article

Friday, January 31, 2020

New Chief Social Worker

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Jewell Hopkins is a Rochester native and Chief Social Worker for the Department of Psychiatry SMH Social Work. She completed graduate school at Stony Brook University with the intent of obtaining a dual degree in Law and Social work. However, after starting her social work courses she had an instant connection with the field and realized it “fit with who she was.”

Much of Jewell’s passion and background revolves around children’s behavioral health. She loves working with kids, specifically on a micro level. Her first position out of graduate school was as Crisis Specialist with the Youth Emergency Services Program at Crestwood (a part of Hillside Children’s Center). Jewell spent quite a bit of time working at Hillside, where she further developed skills in day treatment, outpatient, crisis stabilization and in-home preventive programs. For Jewell, it was “good to see people in their own environment, to see beyond their challenges and see their growth.” Jewell also served as a Juvenile Justice Clinical Coordinator, a collaboration with Monroe County Office of Mental Health, Probation, and the Department of Human Services, assisting family court judges and probation officers with identifying and assessing youth with potential mental health issues and linking families to services.

Jewell began her career at UR Medicine as an inpatient medical social worker providing support on a medical/surgical unit where she gained a wealth of knowledge about the adult medicine world and a deep appreciation for the vast ways in which social workers can function and be effective in this field. She moved on to become the senior social worker for a Transitional Housing Project, which helped to identify and assist with problem solving around housing needs for patients at URMC.

Jewell loves the many different facets of the social work profession and the ways in which it allows a person to be “part of someone’s journey of healing and wholeness.” While social workers can take on many different roles and scopes within the department and across UR Medicine, what Jewell feels they hold consistent is the value and goal of serving those in need. She added that, "transitioning to psychiatry has been a learning process that has provided many opportunities to collaborate and grow, and the best part has been getting to know many wonderful people in psychiatry and across every discipline." She believes social work brings “support, advocacy, and empowerment to our department, not only for the patients but for our colleagues as well.”

Jewell emphasizes teamwork, saying: “We must work as a team so we are able to make a difference and promote the vision of providing good quality care.” For Jewell, the change and difference we are making are for the benefit of the community and she hopes that we can continue to reflect that approach. She adds: “I value and appreciate the hard work and dedication of every social worker and it has been a pleasure learning and seeing the impact of our profession across the department!”

In addition to the joy she gets from her career, Jewell enjoys and appreciates the art of music, which stems from playing the piano and cello as a child and through high school. She hopes that in the future she can reignite her passion of cello playing.

Future Behavioral Health Center Aims to Ease Demand for Adolescent, Children's Services

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Jeff Lyness Awarded 2020 APA Vestermark Psychiatry Educator Award

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Two Honored With Presidential Diversity Awards

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

URMC Awarded $6.7M to Combat Opioid Crisis in Rural Communities

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

$3.6M NIH Grant Funds Center for Social Ties and Aging Research

Friday, January 10, 2020

Adolescent, Young Adult Clinics Open at UR Medicine’s Strong Recovery, Strong Ties

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

TRANSFORM Center To Hold Meet and Greet

Monday, January 6, 2020

Bridge Art Gallery to Hold Reception for "Life is a Journey" Exhibit

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Lazos Fuertes Marks 20 Years

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Hochang “Ben” Lee Presents Judd Marmor, M.D. Memorial Lecture

Friday, November 15, 2019

November 2019 Publications

Friday, November 15, 2019

Strong Ties and Strong Recovery to Hold Open House

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Meliora Fund Recipients Selected

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Music for the Mind To Take Place At Lovin' Cup on November 14th

Monday, October 21, 2019

Research Finds Connections Between Adolescent Personality Traits and Dementia Rates In Later Life

Thursday, October 17, 2019

4th Annual Behavioral Health Integration Symposium To Be Held on October 25th

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Bridge Art Gallery Now Accepting Artwork Submissions

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

A New Partnership to Provide Care for Families

Monday, October 7, 2019

Adolescent and Young Adult Program Now Open at Strong Recovery

Saturday, October 5, 2019

In an effort to provide more comprehensive substance use disorder treatment (SUD) services for adolescents and young adults, Strong Recovery will be expanding their services at Brighton Business Center to include an adolescent/young adult (AYA) program. The program opened for business on October 4th, 2019, and will be accepting referrals starting October 5th, 2019.

April Aycock, MS, LMHC, CASAC (Ed.D. candidate at St. John Fisher College) has been hired into the position of Clinical Coordinator for Strong Recovery AYA. April has been a Clinical Supervisor in Strong Recovery since March 2016 and she has over 12 years of experience in the field, the majority of which has been in programs providing services for adolescents. She transitioned to the child and adolescent outpatient mental health clinic at Science Park after CCBHC implementation to develop and directly provide embedded adolescent SUD services. Referrals can be made by calling the intake line at (585) 275-5400.

Steven M. Silverstein recruited from Rutgers as Associate Chair of Research for Psychiatry

Friday, September 6, 2019

April Aycock Receives Helen Guthrie Memorial Youth Advocate of the Year Award

Friday, May 31, 2019

April Aycock, MS, LMHC, Master-CASAC is an Ed.D. candidate at St. John Fisher College and this year’s recipient of the Rochester Area Helen Guthrie Memorial Youth Advocate of the Year Award. This award is given by DePaul’s National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and recognizes professionals who have worked primarily with youth for at least five years, and have excelled in the promotion, enhancement and provision of youth substance use disorder (SUD) services.  Each year, the Council selects an awardee from the Finger Lakes region through a competitive nomination process.

April Aycock has been in the field of addiction treatment at various levels of care for over 12 years.  Throughout her career she has either worked directly with youth with substance use disorders or advocated for their care. She joined Strong Recovery as a Clinical Supervisor in 2015. April came to Strong Recovery with a wealth of experience in various positions, including at Villa of Hope, Westfall Associates, Genesee Mental Health Center and Monroe County Sheriff's Correctional Facility. 

Having April on the Strong Recovery team has was a major asset as we implemented the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), which required extending SUD services to serve adolescents.  She led the integration of SUD services in our Child & Adolescent Clinic at Science Park and is currently leading the task force developing the clinical content for our new Adolescent/Young Adult clinic at Brighton Health Center (coming in September).

April Aycock is without a doubt one of the leading voices in youth substance use disorder treatment in our region and we are very proud to have her on the Strong Recovery team and in the Department of Psychiatry. 

Psychiatry Discipline Chief for Licensed Mental Health Counselors

Friday, March 1, 2019

Meredith Griffin, LMHC is a Louisiana-native and the new Psychiatry Discipline Chief for Licensed Mental Health Counselors, as of March 2019. She had been operating in this role unofficially for over a year. This new role was made official in order to support this growing discipline, and to provide a clear reporting structure.

Meredith began her career in communications, graduating with a bachelor’s in Journalism from West Virginia University and then attaining a Technical Writing Communication Certificate from RIT. However, through her volunteer work with children at Villa of Hope (then St. Joe’s Villa), she discovered her true passion was counseling. After extended conversations, she concluded that she needed to further her education and decided to pursue her Masters in Counselor Education (M.Ed.) at the University of New Orleans.

Part of this education included advanced Play Therapy training, an evidence-based practice and one of a wide variety of approaches. As Meredith explains, talk therapy is often not enough when counseling kids and teens as it is difficult for them to just start talking about their feelings. Though it may seem unconventional, play gives kids an outlet to express what is happening in their lives, which Meredith and other counselors can then interpret and use to develop healthy coping skills.  

Local health systems back federal call to counsel new and expectant moms

Friday, February 15, 2019