C. Neill Epperson, MD, is the Robert Freedman Endowed Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Epperson is internationally known for her unique lifespan approach to women’s reproductive and behavioral health in both the clinical and research realms. Her work related to early life stress and its impact on risk for affective disorders during periods of hormonal change, in addition to projects relating to cognitive decline during menopause and sex differences among smokers, has been funded by the National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Mental Health, the Office of Research on Women’s Health, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Her body of work has led to a greater appreciation of the impact of childhood adversity on physiologic responses during times of hormonal fluctuation, as well as gonadal steroid effects on the brain and behavior. Dr. Epperson’s research has been funded consistently by the National Institutes of Health for over two decades. She is a mentor and independent investigator with over 200 peer-reviewed publications and presentations.

Noy Phimphasone-Brady, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. She is committed to improving mental health care access for chronic women’s health conditions, especially for underserved women. As a clinical health psychologist, she provides psychotherapy and mental healthcare services in integrated women’s health settings especially for polycystic ovary syndrome and chronic gynecologic and metabolic conditions. She co-directs the CU Anschutz Multidisciplinary PCOS Program. As an implementation scientist, she evaluates the implementation and sustainability of evidence-based programs to promote equitable healthcare access to improve women’s physical and mental health conditions.

​View Dr. Phimphasone-Brady’s profile: https://som.cuanschutz.edu/Profiles/Faculty/Profile/30306

Andrew M. Novick, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. He specializes in women's behavioral health, focusing on mental health during pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Dr. Novick's clinical interests include tailoring care to individual experiences and biology, with a particular emphasis on psychopharmacology and innovative treatments like psychedelics for psychiatric disorders.

Dr. Novick earned his MD and PhD from the University of South Dakota and completed his psychiatry residency at Brown University. His research explores the impact of hormonal changes on brain function, mood, and psychiatric health. He also studies the effects of novel therapies like psilocybin in treatment-resistant depression.

 View Dr. Novick’s profile: https://som.cuanschutz.edu/Profiles/Faculty/Profile/29109

Christina Metcalf, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor. Her clinical and research work focuses on the mental health of women experiencing mental health concerns during pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause. She explores how childhood adversity may affect the prevalence and treatment of these concerns during periods of dynamic hormonal flux.

Dr. Metcalf’s current research investigates stress and inflammatory mechanisms that may underlie associations between childhood adversity and mood and cognitive issues during the menopause transition. Her research goals are to (1) identify mechanisms and moderators underlying perimenopause mood and cognitive concerns, (2) apply this information to develop efficacious psychological interventions to improve perimenopause mental health, and (3) use findings to inform which psychological treatment approaches may be most efficacious for whom based on psychosocial, psychiatric, and biological risk factor profile.

Dr. Metcalf was one of the first recipients of the Women’s Health Innovation Scholar (WHINS) Program from the Ludeman Family Center for Women’s Health Research, which supports early-career researchers studying the intersection of mental and physical health in women who have strong potential to positively impact clinical practice. She earned her PhD at the University of Colorado Boulder and completed her residency at Brown University. 

View Dr. Metcalf’s profile: https://som.cuanschutz.edu/Profiles/Faculty/Profile/29107

Laura Vargas, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department Psychiatry. Her expertise lies in mental health research focused on trauma and its impacts, particularly within Latinx immigrant populations. She studies how individual characteristics, such as gender, age, and education, influence the effects of traumatic experiences and the manifestation of mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Dr. Vargas has a robust academic background, holding a Ph.D. and MSW from Columbia University, an MPA from Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs, and a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame. Her research is supported by the National Institute for Minority Health and Health Disparities, aiming to improve culturally informed treatments for immigrants.

Beyond her research, Dr. Vargas is actively engaged in public health and policy, focusing on reducing systemic health disparities and advocating for upstream interventions to address the root causes of mental health challenges in underserved communities.

View Dr. Vargas’ profile: https://som.cuanschutz.edu/Profiles/Faculty/Profile/37329

Megan Patterson, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. Their work explores the biological and developmental factors that influence how puberty may contribute to the risk of psychopathology both during adolescence and with lasting impacts across the lifespan. By integrating insights from genetic and longitudinal studies, they aim to better understand the mechanisms underlying the link between puberty and mental health in order to identify when and for whom puberty-related factors are most relevant to the development of emotional and behavioral challenges. They are currently the Principal Investigator of a NIMH Career Development Award (K08 MH132903), focused on investigating the genetic underpinnings of pubertal changes and their links to psychopathology across the lifespan.

View Dr. Patterson’s profile: https://som.cuanschutz.edu/Profiles/Faculty/Profile/38464

Catherine Demers, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. Her work focuses on women's behavioral health, particularly the effects of mental health during pregnancy on outcomes like gestation length and child development. She has contributed to research on the impacts of prenatal maternal depression, emphasizing low-cost and safe interventions such as interpersonal psychotherapy to improve maternal and newborn health. Dr. Demers has published extensively in areas like genetics, addiction, and neurodevelopment, making significant contributions to understanding mental health's interplay with biological and social factors​.

Review Dr. Demmers profile: https://som.cuanschutz.edu/Profiles/Faculty/Profile/38463

Aviva Olsavsky, MD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. She specializes in child, adolescent, and perinatal psychiatry, with a focus on substance use disorders. Dr. Olsavsky leads research on how stress and substance use impact maternal and child mental health, contributing to various NIH-funded studies. She is also involved in clinical programs supporting young mothers and their children​.

Review Dr. Olsavsky’s profile: https://som.cuanschutz.edu/Profiles/Faculty/Profile/25644

 

 

Dr. Love is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado with an extensive background in psychiatric neuroimaging and expertise in the areas of stress and motivation. Primarily, Dr. Love’s academic interests focus on understanding the neurobiological processes that underlie sensitivity to pain, reward, and addiction. She has over 20 years of experience utilizing neuroimaging to answer important research questions in the domains of addiction, mood, hormonal regulation, reward, and stress. Over the course of her career, Dr. Love has been strongly committed to conducting patient-oriented translational research. Using imaging techniques including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), arterial spin labeling (ASL), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and positron emission tomography (PET), Dr. Love has applied her experience and training towards investigating the neurobiological mechanisms conferring risk for psychiatric disorders and explored the influence of sex and reproductive hormones on neural responses to salient stimuli and their relationship to motivational and behavioral functioning.

 

Review Dr. Love's profile: https://som.cuanschutz.edu/Profiles/Faculty/Profile/38876

Mary Sammel, ScD

Dr. Mary Sammel is an expert in biostatistics and women's health, with a focus on psychiatry and behavioral health. At the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, she leads efforts to improve research and education through the Center for Innovative Design & Analysis (CIDA). Her work emphasizes team science, mentoring, and the development of statistical methods like factor analysis and longitudinal modeling.

Dr. Sammel collaborates with the RAHH Lab, applying her expertise to observational studies exploring the links between hormonal contraception, mood changes, adverse childhood experiences, and aging, particularly focusing on sex differences in health outcomes. With over two decades of experience at the University of Pennsylvania, she has made significant contributions to advancing women's health and psychiatry research.

View Dr. Sammel profile: https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/resources/directory/directory-profile/Sammel-Mary-UCD6003095529

Dr. Zachary Giano, MA, PhD

Dr. Zachary Giano: A Research Associate in the Department of Biostatistics and Informatics at the Colorado School of Public Health. His research explores health disparities and social determinants of health, particularly the impact of adverse childhood experiences on health outcomes. Dr. Giano has expertise in statistical modeling and public health research​.

View Dr. Giano’s profile: https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/resources/directory/directory-profile/Giano-Zachary-UCD6003986228

 

Rachel Johnson, MS

Rachel Johnson, MS, is a Senior Research Instructor at the University of Colorado's Anschutz Medical Campus within the Center for Innovative Design & Analysis (CIDA) and the Department of Biostatistics & Informatics. She plays a key role in supporting research initiatives by offering expertise in biostatistics. Rachel collaborates on data analysis, design methodologies, and provides guidance to academic and research teams. Her contributions ensure high-quality statistical support across various projects conducted at CU Anschutz​.

View Rachel’s profile: https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/research-and-practice/centers-programs/cida/about-us/our-team/directory-profile/Johnson-Rachel-UCD6000383988

Chloe Page, PhD

Dr. Chloe Page is a neuroscientist and science writer with a PhD in neuroscience from Ohio State University. Her work explores the mechanisms of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, with an interest in neuroanatomy and emotion processing. At CU Anschutz, she is an instructor and science communicator, contributing to the dissemination of complex neuroscience and psychiatry topics through various mediums, including public-facing articles and educational resources.

View Dr. Page’s profile: https://som.cuanschutz.edu/Profiles/Faculty/Profile/36449

Korrina Duffy, PhD

Dr. Korrina Duffy is an Assistant Professor and scientific writer in the Department of Psychiatry. Her work advances scientific knowledge by uncovering potential mechanisms linking early life adversity to physical and mental health outcomes, informs clinical practice by providing insights that could guide the development of interventions, and promotes equity in research by advocating for the inclusion of diverse populations in research and emphasizing the importance of considering sex as a biological variable, ensuring that findings are generalizable and applicable to all. Through her work, she aims to advance science, inform policy, and improve lives across generations.

View Dr. Duffy’s profile: https://som.cuanschutz.edu/Profiles/Faculty/Profile/29607

 

Paul Dormond-Brooks, BA

Paul Dormond-Brooks, BA, is the RAHH Lab manager at the Women's Behavioral Health and Wellness Center in the Department of Psychiatry. With over a decade of experience in allied health, his expertise spans clinical and behavioral research, clinical laboratories, community health, and research program management.

He leads and supports the coordination of operations for multiple psychiatric research projects. His work often involves organizing and managing studies focused on women's behavioral and mental health interventions. Paul graduated from the University of Colorado – Denver Campus with a BA in Integrated Studies in Public Health and Health Humanities. He began his healthcare career with a degree in medical laboratory science from the University of Costa Rica.

 

Erin Weinhold, BA

Erin Weinhold, BA, is a Research Services Professional in the Department of Psychiatry, specializing in women’s behavioral health and wellness. With a strong foundation in biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscience from the University of Michigan, her current work focuses on facilitating the CHARM Study (Contraceptive Hormone and Reward Measurement study). She is deeply committed to advancing women's health through meticulous research coordination, data management, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Erin graduated from the University of Michigan with a Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience degree and double-minored in Spanish and Gender and Health. Her research values include patient-centered care with an emphasis on the mind-body connection.

 

Stephanie San German, MS

Stephanie San German, MA, is a highly motivated and compassionate Research Services Professional in the Department of Psychiatry, specializing in women's mental and behavioral health research. Fluent in English and Spanish, she bridges cross-cultural gaps to enhance participant engagement and streamline clinical trial processes. Stephanie combines her extensive research expertise with her passion for client-centered care and her ability to build strong client relationships and manage complex research initiatives.

As a certified yoga therapist, she brings a unique perspective on holistic health, further enriching her work in behavioral health research. Stephanie’s commitment to excellence and her proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams make her an invaluable asset to advancing public health initiatives.

 

Payton Nelson, MA

Payton A. Nelson is a committed Research Services Professional who strongly focuses on mental health and the intersection of environmental factors with human health. With a Master’s degree in Psychological Sciences from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and a Bachelor’s in Psychological Sciences from Austin Peay State University, Payton has developed a robust academic and research background. She is currently the research coordinator for the SPERM study, investigating how environmental factors, such as early life experiences and stress, affect the physical and genetic characteristics of human sperm. Her prior work has explored innovative mental health interventions, such as online mindfulness programs, underscoring her commitment to accessible, evidence-based approaches to health and well-being.

Balanced and Empowered Eating (BEET) in Diabetes Feasibility Trial

PI: Phoutdavone “Noy” Phimphasone-Brady, PhD

This study plans to learn more about unhelpful eating habits that patients with diabetes may develop and effective strategies to help patients with unhelpful eating habits. This study will gather information and analyze data to better understand how to improve behavioral health care for people with type 2 diabetes by testing the implementation of two programs: the Balanced and Empowered EaTing (BEET) in Diabetes (or the BEET Diabetes Program) or the original Cognitive Behavioral therapy.

Study participants will: 

 Complete online surveys

• Participate in a 6-session behavioral intervention
• Complete 3 visits to provide data and blood samples 

 

You may be eligible if you are:

• Between 18-65 years old
• Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes
• Dealing with eating problems related to diabetes
• English or Spanish-speaking
• Have a HbA1c ≥ 6.5
• A patient of one of the participant clinics; 
• WISH Clinic at UCHealth Family Medicine
• CU Family Medicine Louisville
• CU Family Medicine Westminster
• Denver Health Webb Clinic
• Denver Health Westside Clinic
• Denver Health Pena Clinic

-Screener Link: https://redcap.link/BEETFeasibilityTrial

Study Coordinator: Stephanie San German San German | [email protected]

Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression Clinical Trial

 

PI: Dr. Andrew M. Novick, MD PhD

This study is examining the effects of psilocybin along with psychological support on treatment-resistant depression. Specifically, the study seeks to understand psilocybin's effects on anhedonia, a common symptom of major depressive disorder that refers to an individual's loss of ability to feel excitement, motivation, or pleasure.

Study participants will: 

• Be randomly assigned to receive either active psilocybin or placebo.
• Participate in the study for at least 13 weeks, up to a maximum of 26 weeks.
• Complete:
• A physical exam
• A blood draw
• Two MRI scans
• Surveys and psychological assessments
• Weekly study visits.
• Certain medications may need to be stopped during the trial.

You may be eligible if you:

• Are age 21 years or older
• Have a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), moderate to severe
• Your MDD meets the criteria for being treatment-resistant
• Are currently under the care of a psychiatric practitioner (MD, DO, NP, PA) OR under the consistent care of a clinician within the UCHealth/CU Medicine health system
• Are English-speaking
• Are right-handed
• Women of childbearing potential must agree to practice an effective means of birth control throughout the study
• Have an identified support person and agree to be accompanied home by the support person following dosing
• Can abstain from caffeine and nicotine for 2 hours prior to MRI scan visits

-Screener Link: https://redcap.link/c577i98r

Study Email: [email protected]

The Endocrine and Mental Health Study (TEAM Health Study)

PI: Phoutdavone “Noy” Phimphasone-Brady, PhD

This study is designed to understand the mental health concerns among those with self-reported symptoms of endocrine and ovulation disorders, such as Polycystic Ovary/Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), compared to those who do not self-report such symptoms. This study also aims to understand mental health treatment satisfaction from those who have been diagnosed with PCOS.

If you join the study, you will be asked to complete an online survey, which asks questions about your experience treating individuals with menstrual challenges and your understanding of symptoms associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). You will also be asked to complete basic demographic and practice information. We anticipate completing the entire survey would take about 15-20 minutes.

You may be eligible if you: 

• Are between 18-45 years old
• Were assigned female at birth or identify as an intersex individual who has experienced menstrual periods
• Experience any of the following (past or present):
  • Hormonal acne
  • Skin problems
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Unwanted face or body hair
  • And/or excess weight

   

Study Coordinator: Paul Dormond-Brooks, BA | [email protected]