News
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.
Read More: Why Teens With ADHD Are So Vulnerable to the Perils of Social MediaJ. Richard Ciccone 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!
Read More: Chat with the Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy at a Graduate Program Open HouseWelcoming New Faculty and Staff to the Department of Psychiatry
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
In January, 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