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Get Psyched

Week of February 5th, 2024

Feb 5, 2003

MEDIA FEATURES

Dr. Michelle West is featured in a CU Anschutz Q&A on the relationship between cannabis use and psychosis in young adults.
“There’s at least one study that showed that young people who use cannabis and have early psychosis had better social functioning than young people with psychosis who did not use cannabis. It's not all bad, necessarily, and we never have the mindset of “cannabis is evil.” It’s just that there are more risks for young people who are vulnerable to psychosis and use cannabis, because it can make symptoms stronger. “

Emily Hemendinger, MPH, LCSW,  shares her thoughts on the “issue of technology overload and the so-called dopamine-detox solution” for a CU Anschutz News Q&A.

"Is AI Ready to Be Your Therapist?" Dr. Charles Hebert is the author of an article for Psychology Today on the role of artificial intelligence in mental health treatment.

Dr. Joseph Schacht discussed “avoiding overindulging after dry January” for KOA Colorado.

Dr. Andy Novick and Dr. Scott Thompson are featured in a 9News article on psilocybin as a treatment for depression. "One of the biggest outcomes we are looking for in this trial is to what extent does psilocybin affect this symptom of depression called anhedonia," said Dr. Novick


AWARDS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Dr. Joseph Sakai was named UCH Medical Staff Clinician of the Year! Dr. Sakai was celebrated at an awards dinner on January 25th, 2024. Colleagues who attended to support him dress "as him" (in khaki pants and white shirts), which was a big hit with both Dr. Sakai and other attendees. 

 

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Welcome to the Department of Psychiatry

The Department of Psychiatry is a diverse community of staff and faculty dedicated to our mission. It is comprised of over 300 regular, affiliate, and volunteer clinical faculty, working at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, UCHealth/University of Colorado Hospital, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Denver Health Medical Center, and the VA Medical Center, as well as at the Department of Corrections and the Colorado Mental Health Institutes at Pueblo & Ft. Logan. Currently, the general adult psychiatry residency is ACGME accredited for 45 positions, the child and adolescent psychiatry residency is ACGME accredited for 14 positions, the addiction psychiatry fellowship is ACGME accredited for 3 positions, the consult-liaison psychiatry fellowship is ACGME accredited for 3 positions and the forensic psychiatry fellowship is ACGME accredited for 4 positions. The department is dedicated to serving a community in which we value all people and have a continued commitment to diversity and inclusion in our clinical, research, treatment and educational activities. 

 

Dr. Neill Epperson

Chair, Department of Psychiatry

FULL STORY & VIDEO

Our  Vision

The CU Department of Psychiatry sets the standard for Education and Training of leaders in psychiatry and mental health care, conducts ground-breaking Research that aims to eradicate suffering due to psychiatric and substance use disorders, provides ready access to state of-the-art mental health preventions and interventions across the continuum of care, and collaborates with the community and other key stakeholders to promote well-being among all Coloradans. We accomplish this vision in a manner that respects, values and advocates for the dignity and worth of each individual and family.

Our Mission

Core Mission: We provide a safe, equitable and inclusive environment for trainees, faculty, staff, and patients.  We bridge the gaps of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, gender, gender identity, ability status, religion, political beliefs, socioeconomic status and any other factors related to systemic oppression by trusting and honoring each other and our differences. Our Department promotes unbiased recruitment of qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds in all mission areas.  We focus on retention, career advancement and promotion through empowering individuals and creating an environment that facilitates continuous growth and success.

Education and Training Mission: Through our educational programs, we train medical students, graduate students, residents, psychology interns, fellows, and practicing health care professionals to be future leaders in mental health and behavioral health disciplines.  We train leaders who recognize and work to eradicate health inequities that weaken families and communities.

Research Mission: Our interdisciplinary research programs produce new knowledge regarding the causes of mental illness and substance use disorders as well as the psychosocial, behavioral and sociocultural aspects of physical and mental health conditions. We identify, develop, and implement new, early prevention strategies and novel interventions to improve the lives of all human beings.  We seek to be rigorous and inclusive in all of our scientific endeavors. 

Clinical Care Mission: Through state-of-the-art clinical services, we deliver a full range of mental health and behavioral health interventions for patients and their families. These include neurobehavioral assessments, psychotherapy, behavioral change and health promotion strategies, neuromodulation and psychopharmacology services that recognize the wealth of cultural knowledge on how social contexts impact physical and psychological well-being. 

Community and Advocacy Mission: We work with our local communities, affiliated institutions, and state and federal government agencies to promote strategies for increasing mental health awareness, reducing stigma, identifying and eliminating health disparities, and standing against discrimination and harassment to all members in our community. 

 

 

Psychiatry (SOM)

CU Anschutz

Anschutz Health Sciences Building

1890 N Revere Ct

Suite 4003

Mail Stop F546

Aurora, CO 80045

303-724-4940

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