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Pediatric Behavioral health and Wellness at Pride

Thank you to all those who joined us in July for Rochester Pride! A number of our programs walked in the parade and tabled throughout the day to share mental health and wellness resources available at UR Medicine.


Telva Olivares, MD Named Interim Senior Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion

Telva Olivares

Telva Olivares, MD will be taking on the role of interim senior associate dean for equity and inclusion at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry. In this role, she will provide leadership on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice issues for students, faculty, and staff at the School of Medicine and Dentistry. While she will be stepping aside from her role as clinical chief of our Division of Medicine in Psychiatry, she will remain Associate Chair of Diversity, Inclusion, Culture, and Equity in Psychiatry and director of our Lazos Fuertes program. READ MORE>>>


Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Center Opens

The Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Center officially opened on July 15th! This first-of-its-kind program will provide walk-in mental health care for those 18 and under who are experiencing acute distress from 12 PM to 7 PM every day. Watch a walkthrough of the new space above or click here for more info about the center.


YoUR Support Team Named Meliora Award Recipient

YoUR Support Team

The YoUR Support Team was recently awarded the University of Rochester's 2024 Meliora Award, recognizing its exceptional contributions to staff well-being since its inception in 2013. The team of 25 volunteers offers emotional support to staff experiencing work-related trauma, ensuring no staff member feels isolated after critical incidents. READ MORE>>>


Targeting Social Networks May Help Prevent Suicide In Young People At High Risk for Psychosis

Anna Defayette, PhD was featured by the Clinical & Translational Science Institute for her Career Development K Award (KL2) scholar project, "Social Networks and Inflammation as Potential Targets for Suicide Prevention in Young People at Clinical High-Risk for Psychosis.” This study, published alongside Steven Silverstein, PhD, and Anthony Pisani, PhD, examines social networks as a potential target for intervention to prevent suicide among youth at high risk for psychosis. READ MORE>>>

A New Chapter for Kate Cerulli


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!

catherine Cerulli

Tammy Owens Joins Psychiatry


Please join us in welcoming Tammy Owens in her new role as Business Administration Manager in Psychiatry! She will primarily serve the Medicine in Psychiatry Services and Inpatient Medicine in Psychiatry programs. Tammy joins us from her previous role at the University Counseling Center.

Tammy-Owens image

Janeen Thompson Named to Assistant Director in Business Administration


We would like to announce the promotion of Janeen Thompson to the role of Assistant Director of Business Admin - Centralized Ambulatory Operations & Special Projects. In this role, she will provide leadership for clerical and front-end operations in our ambulatory services to maintain policy compliance, support operations, and enhance patient access. 

Janeen Thompson

Political Tension–Psychologist’s Advice for Protecting Yourself and Others

Tony Pisani, PhD recently shared a few insights on taking care of your mental health during times of political turmoil using strategies like political empathy, productive focus, and humble reflection.


A Promising Option to Help Individuals Experiencing a Behavioral Health Crisis

The UR Medicine Recovery Center of Excellence and SafeSide Prevention recently published a report on the potential of Community-led Safe Spaces to provide emotional and practical peer support for those experiencing a mental health crisis. READ MORE>>>


Sheftall Lab at Agape Haven of Abundance Summer Community Outreach

Sheftall Lab at Summer Community Outreach

In July, the Sheftall Lab stopped by Agape Haven of Abundance's Summer Community Outreach to share information about the research the lab is doing to prevent youth suicide.


Third Place Groups Underway in Psychiatry

Faculty 3rd Place Meeting

We are happy to share that a pilot for Third Place Groups is now underway in Psychiatry! These get-togethers are intended to build community by encouraging faculty to meet together for a meal. We hope to expand this program to include more Psychiatry employees in the upcoming year.


8th Annual Behavioral Health Integration Symposium Takes Place on September 6th!

Our 8th Annual Behavioral Health Integration Symposium, “How Health Systems' Collaboration with Community Partners Impacts Service Delivery,” will take place on September 6th at the Hilton Garden Inn at Collegetown! This event will provide interdisciplinary education on the integration of behavioral health in nonpsychiatric settings as well as the promotion of team-based biopsychosocial approaches to medical conditions. READ MORE>>>  


Strong Recovery 3rd Annual Health and Wellness Fair

Strong Recovery Fair flier- September 20th, 2024 9AM to 12PM 2613 W. Henrietta Rd. Rochester, NY 14623

Our Strong Recovery program will host its 3rd Annual Health and Wellness Fair on September 20th! Join staff, patients, families, and community partners in honor of Recovery Month in September! Resources on recovery will also be available during the event. READ MORE>>>

Psychiatry in the News

Pediatric Mental Health Center at URMC Seeks to Support Children at a Time of Crisis

Michael Scharf, MD spoke with WHEC on the opening of the Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Center, which offers a different way for families to seek help for their kids in times of crisis and emotional stress. READ MORE>>>


What’s the Best Way to Make an Exercise Plan Stick?

Sticking to a fitness plan can be one of the hardest parts of building healthy habits. Sports psychologist Craig Cypher, PsyD spoke with UR Medicine on tools you can use to achieve your exercise goals. READ MORE>>>

DICE Corner

2024 DICE Summer Brown Bag Series Continues

Illustration of people holding hands

Our 2024 DICE Summer Brown Bag Series, "Creating Inclusive and Psychologically Safe Spaces," continues throughout August! Join speakers every Wednesday starting at noon to learn about inequities surrounding our communities through a diverse lens. CEU and CMEs are available. Click here to register to attend either virtually or in-person the remaining sessions for the summer.

Alumni Highlight

Has Medicine Lost Its Mind Book Cover

Has Medicine Lost Its Mind? To Be Published in 2025


Has Medicine Lost Its Mind?, a new book by Robert C. Smith, MD, MACP (Fellowship in Biopsychosocial Medicine, '80), is set to be published in March 2025. The book will review the mental health crisis, why it occurred, and what the public can do about it. READ MORE>>>

July Publications

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