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Drs. Amira Collison and Roya Ijadi-Maghsoodi attended the Rare Impact Fund Benefit on October 14, 2026, as invited grantees. The Rare Impact Fund, a foundation created by Selena Gomez, has supported FOCUS resilience programming and mobile tools for under-resourced schools in Los Angeles County over the past 5 years.
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November 18, 2026
Register Online: https://learn.wellbeing4la.org/detail?id=403567&k=1791485504
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November 10, 2026
Register online: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019f71d143d77d6cb6042f416b354ef9
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Over the past 5 years, the UCLA Division of Population Behavioral Health has been supported by the Rare Impact Fund to implement Road to Resilience for Los Angeles Schools. Road to Resilience is a community-partnered initiative by the UCLA Division of Population Behavioral Health (DBPH) in collaboration with Los Angeles County public schools to create and sustain a whole school…
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Kalshi Asks Regulator To Let Traders Bet With Borrowed Money. What Could Possibly Go Wrong? Cites previous expert commentary by Dr. Timothy Fong, addiction psychiatrist at UCLA Health and co-director of UCLA’s Gambling Studies program.
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Is kratom legal in Mississippi? What to know after Ole Miss deaths Expert commentary by Dr. Timothy Fong, addiction psychiatrist at UCLA Health and co-director of UCLA’s Gambling Studies program.
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As demand for online prediction markets grows, what are the risks? Expert commentary by Dr. Timothy Fong, addiction psychiatrist at UCLA Health and co-director of UCLA’s Gambling Studies program.
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Precision Biomarkers Could Help Match Patients to Psychiatric Treatments Coverage of study by Dr. Sahib Khalsa, psychiatrist and director of Anxiety Disorders Research at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.
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FactCheck.org FactChecking RFK Jr.’s Children’s Health Defense Keynote Cites previous expert commentary by Catherine Lord, the George Tarjan Distinguished professor of psychiatry at the Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA.
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Psilocybin may protect against a common, debilitating side effect of chemotherapy, early study finds Expert commentary by Dr. Thomas Strouse, professor of clinical psychiatry and a neuropathy researcher at UCLA Health.
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Could treating insomnia slow biological aging? Study finds promising link Coverage of study by Judith Carroll, an associate professor of psychiatry at UCLA Health.
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Being Patient Driving With Dementia: How to Know When It’s Time to Stop Expert commentary by Dr. Linda Ercoli, interim director of the UCLA Longevity Center and clinical psychologist at UCLA Health.
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‘Reporter Game’ Might Help Autistic Kids Manage Sensory Overload Coverage of study led by Shulamite Green, associate professor-in-residence of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at UCLA Health.
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Video Games and Collectibles May Be Hooking Kids on Gambling Mechanics Expert commentary by Dr. Timothy Fong, addiction psychiatrist at UCLA Health and co-director of UCLA’s Gambling Studies program.
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Coverage of study led by Shulamite Green, associate professor-in-residence of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at UCLA Health.
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Fear of ICE raids keeps immigrant kids from focusing in school Expert commentary by Dennis Dacarett Galeano, psychiatrist and assistant clinical professor at UCLA Health.
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A neuroscientist and psychiatrist shares 4 simple habits to protect brain aging Expert commentary by Dr. Gary Small, professor of psychiatry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and founding director of the UCLA Longevity Center.
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UCLA Says SKY Breathing Could Be the Missing Tool in Today’s Youth Mental Health Crisis Coverage of study by Dara Ghahremani, research professor at UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.
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Autism diagnoses rise among girls and women as recognition improves Expert commentary by Dr. Emily Hotez, developmental psychologist and assistant professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
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Scientists map key protein interactions linked with profound autism Expert commentary by Dr. Daniel Geschwind, professor of human genetics, neurology, and psychiatry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
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Teaching 9/11 to a generation that didn’t live through it: ‘We just heard tales of it’ Expert commentary by Melissa Brymer, director of terrorism and disaster programs at the UCLA-Duke University National Center for Child Traumatic Stress.
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Lindsay Clancy case shines a spotlight on postpartum mental health Interview with Dr. Katie Unverferth, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and director of the UCLA Women’s Life Clinic.
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11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
NFRC Talks for Parents and Caregivers: Identification and Intervention for Youth With Psychosis Risk Presentation by Haley Wang, PhD. Flyer, Register Online
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October 21, 2026
STAR Seminar Rethinking Anger: Moving Beyond Catharsis and Control: Wednesday October 21st at 9:00 AM. Flyer, Register Online
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Best mindfulness apps & sites for schools Article includes the UCLA Mindful app.
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52 Percent of Gen-Z investors took money meant for investing and put it on sports bets. New research reveals the financial cost Expert commentary from Dr. Timothy Fong, codirector of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program, director of the UCLA Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship and professor of psychiatry at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.
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Experts discuss the role of spiritual practices and engagement in substance misuse Expert commentary by Dr. Katrina DeBonis, clinical associate professor and vice chair of education at the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at UCLA Health.
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Experimental test could one day allow at-home autism assessment Coverage of study by Dr. Suma Jacob, director of the Child-Adolescent Psychiatry Division at UCLA Health.
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Has sports’ embrace of gambling contributed to scandals? Expert commentary from Dr. Timothy Fong, co-director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program, director of the UCLA Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship and professor of psychiatry at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.
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Yes, breathwork works—especially for trauma Coverage of study by Dr. Dara Ghahremani, research professor at UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and HumanBehavior.
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What is TMS therapy? A Guide to noninvasive treatment for depression Expert commentary by Dr. Andrew Leuchter, professor of psychiatry and associate director at the TMS Service of the UCLA Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences
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World vibrating capsule reveals gut-brain biomarkers for anorexia relapse Continued coverage of study by Dr. Sahib Khalsa, psychiatrist and neuroscientist who serves as Director of Anxiety Disorders Research and Associate Professor in Residence at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.
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Autism breakthrough as scientists find cheap drug backed by longevity experts may reverse symptoms Coverage of study led by Dr. Harley Kornblum, director of the UCLA Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center in the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.
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Why are IEPs rising in LAUSD and elsewhere? Expert commentary Connie Kasari, professor of Psychiatry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and founding member of the Center for Autism Research and Treatment at UCLA.
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Medical cannabis: What to tell your patients Interview with Dr. Michael Hsu, clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the UCLA Health.
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Postpartum depression: Zuranolone, emerging therapies, and screening for birth trauma Interview with Dr. Katie Unverferth, psychiatrist at UCLA Health.
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Tried rips, the card-pack app where users spend thousands chasing pricey Pokémon Expert commentary by Dr. Timothy Fong, addiction psychiatrist and co-director of UCLA’s gambling studies program.
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Scientists say you have a sixth sense, and it could affect your mental health Continued coverage of study by Dr. Sahib Khalsa, psychiatrist and neuroscientist who serves as Director of Anxiety Disorders Research and Associate Professor in Residence at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.
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Trump administration proposal would all but end scientific merit in grant funding, critics say Expert commentary by Jack Feldman, distinguished research professor and chair in neuroscience at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
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What’s behind the rise in mild autism? Expert commentary by Catherine Lord, the George Tarjan Distinguished professor of psychiatry at the Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA.
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Message from Drs. Helena Hansen, Michael Gitlin, Christopher S. Colwell, Ziva D. Cooper, Dara Ghahremani, Catherine Cahill, Christopher J. Evans, and Gina Poe It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing, after a brief illness, of our esteemed colleague and friend, Dr. Edythe (“Eydie”) D. London, Distinguished Professor In-Residence, Thomas and Katherine Pike Professor of Addiction Studies, Departments of…
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Psychology Today Yes, Breathwork Works—Especially for Trauma — Coverage of study by Dara Ghahremani, research professor at UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. The Baltimore Sun Has sports’ embrace of gambling contributed to scandals? — Expert commentary from Dr. Timothy Fong, co-director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program, director of the UCLA Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship and professor of psychiatry at the…
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Event
September 16, 2026
STAR Seminar: Find Your Voice in Leadership: Speak With Clarity and Listen With Intent September 16, 2026 (Wednesday) 9:00 am – 10:00 am Register online: https://learn.wellbeing4la.org/detail?id=403536&k=1785196294
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September 10, 2026
The Impact of Social Media on Youth hosted by the Nathanson Family Resilience Center for Parents and Caregivers 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM Thursday, September 10, 2026 Register Online: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019f711cf9eb70f6bc23af82d0be2410
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August 19, 2026
In the United States, racially and ethnically minoritized groups endure pervasive mental health inequities compared with their white counterparts. Numerous factors contribute to these outcomes, including chronic exposure to stressors, a paucity of treatments that attend to cultural differences, and limited access to mental health services. During this Stress, Trauma, and Resilience (STAR) Seminar, Dr. Giovanni Ramos will discuss how…
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July 31, 2026
Join us for a powerful day of learning, connection, and growth at the Youth Financial Empowerment Summit – specifically for foster youth! Youth Financial Empowerment Summit Come spend the day with Twinspire (Together We Inspire) at California State Dominguez Hills for a fun and inspiring summit all about you and your money. Whether you’re trying to save for something big, curious about…
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July 29, 2026
Why do some people develop dementia while others remain cognitively healthy into their 80s and 90s? While age is the strongest risk factor, research shows that many aspects of brain health are influenced by lifestyle, cardiovascular health, sleep, stress, social engagement, and other modifiable factors. At the same time, dementia risk is not equal across all communities, with differences shaped…
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July 22, 2026
This Stress, Trauma, and Resilience (STAR) Seminar will explore how immigrants’ rights advocates can promote wellness, sustainability, and resilience while responding to a rapidly changing immigration landscape. Participants will discuss recent immigration updates and consider how those changes affect clients, legal teams, and community-based advocacy work. This seminar will highlight the role of mental health professionals in immigration legal advocacy,…
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Dr. Wolff joined the UCLA Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences as an assistant Professor on July 1. Dr. Wolff is a clinical neuropsychologist whose research focuses on understanding risk and resilience in psychosis and bipolar spectrum disorders. Supported by an NIMH K99/R00 Award, she will establish the SEED Laboratory at UCLA and continue her work advancing early intervention and…
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This prestigious award is given each year to recognize exceptional accomplishments in child psychiatry research and academic scholarship. Congratulations to Dr. Debha Amatya! The award was presented to Dr. Amatya during the Child & Adolescent Fellowship Graduation Ceremony. Debha Amatya, MD, PhD Hometown: San Diego, California Education: Stanford University (BS), University of California San Diego (MD/PhD) Residency: University of California…
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Congratulations to this year’s award recipients—in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the education and mentorship of undergraduate and medical students, interns, residents, fellows, and colleagues. Outstanding Faculty Housestaff Teaching Adult Psychiatry Division Jennifer L. Kruse, MD Outstanding Faculty Housestaff Teaching Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division Sabrina Reed, MD, MACM Outstanding Faculty Housestaff Teaching Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division Natacha…
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Dr. Kelly Kohler received a grant from the Society for Research in Child Development. Dr. Kohler is a first-year postdoctoral fellow in the UCLA Division of Population Behavioral Health. This grant will fund a project adapting the current FOCUS-Early Childhood (FOCUS-EC) Program, originally developed for preschool-aged children, to be accessible for families with infants and toddlers (0-2 years). Funding will…
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Dr. Jenny Shen was selected as a recipient of the 2026 Diversity Professional Development Award presented by the Division of the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology of the American Psychological Association. The award supports professional development opportunities by helping recipients build new skills, increase their networks, and participate in professional conferences. Dr. Shen, a first-year postdoctoral fellow in…
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The Integrative Center for Sleep and Performance (ICSP), part of the UCLA Brian Research Institute, successfully hosted the 2nd Annual ICSP Spring Symposium on June 1, 2026, bringing together researchers, trainees, and collaborators for a day of scientific exchange focused on sleep, circadian biology, health, and cognitive/physical performance. The event highlighted research at UCLA and beyond around sleep, circadian rhythms,…
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June 01, 2026
Monday June 1 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Carnesale Commons Palisades Room Register here
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You may be eligible if: Learn more here: https://nextgensibs.org/
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Organized by Sahib Kalsa, MD, PhD the UCLA Embodied Minds Summit and Salon convened an interdisciplinary group of scientists, clinicians, innovators, philanthropists and artists to explore how interoception, the brain’s sensing of the body’s internal state, shapes consciousness, mental health, physical health and the future of artificial intelligence. Anchored by keynote speaker Antonia Damasio, the meeting fostered cross-disciplinary dialogue on…
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In April, the UCLA Prevention Center of Excellence hosted the Creative Wellbeing and Center for the Empowerment of Families teams who facilitated an interactive art experience called affirmation cubes. More than a hands-on activity, this experience reflected the heart of Creative Wellbeing’s work in LA County – using creative expression as a tool f or healing, empowerment and connection. The…
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On May 1st, 2026, young people led the conversation at the CA Youth Mental Health Summit, bringing together leaders in government, psychiatry, technology, philanthropy, and the arts to confront the youth mental health crisis- and co-create solutions that last.
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The UCLA Ecological Medicine & Psychedelic Studies Initiative, part of the Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, is investigating scientifically validated treatments for mental health. Project Reconnect will link the care and health of the natural world to the improved well-being of individuals and communities. A monthly affinity group offers lectures and other activities such as forest bathing,…
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The Ballmer Group announced historic investments aimed at developing the pipeline of mental health professionals to transform mental health care systems for underserved populations. This includes a $5 million gift to the UCLA Child Psychiatry, Community Psychiatry, and Psychology Fellowships to develop community training tracks for child psychiatry fellows as well as postdoctoral psychologists. Read more.
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On Sunday, March 8, more than 400 students, parents, educators, and school leaders gathered at UCLA for the 3rd Annual Gen Z Wellness Summit, presented by the Friends of the Semel Institute Teen Advisory Council. The day focused on practical, youth-informed tools to support mental health, with sessions on academic pressure, addiction, body image and eating disorders, nutrition, social media…
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May 01, 2026
On the first day of Mental Health Awareness Month — as California’s landmark Prop 1 Mental Health Accountability Act takes effect — UCLA’s Semel Institute Teen Advisory Council, well-known artists dedicated to community healing, SoCal youth organizations and OpenAI Academy will convene the people who can actually solve this: young Californians themselves. Youth Mental Wellbeing: A Youth-Led Design Lab on…
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The UCLA Brain Health Summit chaired by Dr. Helen Levretsky of UCLA Psychiatry and co-chaired by Dr. Sahib Khalsa of UCLA Psychiatry and Indu Subramanian of UCLA Neurology, showcased UCLA’s leadership in advancing a unifying vision of brain health across the lifespan. Bringing together experts from psychiatry, neurology, neuroscience, public health, philanthropy, technology, industry, the arts, and patient advocacy, representatives…
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UCLA Health has received a $2.4 million gift from Rose and Allen Nelson to establish a new fellowship, in memory of their late son Brandon, in translation and clinical neuroscience. The fellowship will support emerging physician-scientists as they bridge research and patient care, advancing innovation in the diagnosis and treatment of complex brain disorders. Read more.
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LA Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s office recognized UCLA TIES for Families with a special scroll celebrating 30 years of the program’s service to the LA Community.
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The PEERS® for Dating Online Social Skills Classes are currently enrolling adults for their next group. Groups are held live via zoom. Learn more at www.teams.semel.ucla.edu/peers
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The PEERS® for Adolescents Social Skills Groups are currently enrolling families for in-person or online sessions. Learn more at www.teams.ucla.edu/peers
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The PEERS® Online Social Skills Classes for Teens & Young Adults are currently enrolling families to participate in online sessions. Learn more at www.teams.ucla.edu/peers
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The PEERS® for Preschoolers Parent-Only Social Skills Groups are enrolling parents to participate in online sessions. Learn more at www.teams.ucla.edu/peers
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The PEERS® for Young Adults Social Skills Groups are currently enrolling adults 18-35 to participate in sessions online and in person. Learn more at www.teams.ucla.edu/peers
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The UCLA Family Stress, Trauma and Resilience (STAR) Clinic is offering a group for parents whose school-aged children (ages 5-12) are experiencing stress, anxiety, or persistent worrying. Learn more about the Spring group by contacting the clinic at 310-825-7573 or starclinic@mednet.ucla.edu
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April 22, 2026
Wednesdays April 22 – May 27 Contact SSPC@mednet.ucla.edu for more information.
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April 23, 2026
April 23, 2026 (Thursday) Register Online: https://learn.wellbeing4la.org/detail?id=401911&k=1773943760 Flyer: https://files.constantcontact.com/a59b145a201/ce57d7aa-c281-44fd-bc15-7f7113ac6bb1.png?rdr=true
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April 26, 2026
Sunday, April 26, 2026 1:00 PM Register at https://www.friendsofsemelinstitute.org/events-reservations/open-mind-film-festival-2026
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April 28, 2026
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Register at https://www.friendsofsemelinstitute.org/events-reservations/robot-proof%3A-when-machines-have-all-the-answers%2C-build-better-people
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With the passing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in 2010, the “Triple Aim” of health care improved health of the US population, increased quality of care and cost containment, has become central to health-system transformation. The shifting of priorities toward population-level and value-based health has created new opportunities for innovation and program creation. In response to these changing…
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May 14, 2026
UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids 2026 Symposium May 14, 2026 10 AM – 5 PM Agenda and Registration to come
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The Guardian Surging prediction markets face legal backlash in US: ‘Lines have been blurred’ — Expert commentary from Dr. Timothy Fong, co-director of the UCLA Gambling Studies Program, director of the UCLA Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship and professor of psychiatry at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. Oprah Daily The Future of Menopause Care— Coverage of study co-led…
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Donation from LA-based global philanthropists will work to address the growing mental health crisis in Los Angeles
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Semel Faculty and Researchers are well-known in their fields. See below for a selection of recent articles highlighting their work and expertise.
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Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson and the UCLA PEERS™ Program’s 20-week social skills program helps adults with autism learn how to find and maintain healthy romantic relationships. Much of the coursework focuses on building comfort in conversation, or, as the coaches call it, trading information One central skill taught is not to panic if there are extended silences. Hayley Ditter, 24, who…
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The UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute (NPI) was founded in the post World War II era, as a research, education and treatment center with the mission to serve those citizens who suffer chronic psychiatric and neurological disease and behavioral disorder. Initially supported entirely by state funds from the California Department of Mental Hygiene, the Neuropsychiatric Institute, and the Hospital (NPH) that is integral to its provision of clinical care, opened their doors in 1961.
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Suma Jacob, MD, PhD is a distinguished child-adolescent-adult psychiatrist as well as a neuroscientist who is widely recognized for her research in neuroendrocrinology and neurodevelopmental disorders across the lifespan.
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This year, external gifts to the Semel Institute grew to $21.5M from $18M in 2023.
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