News & Events

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With Support from Rare Impact Foundation, UCLA FOCUS Optimizes Mobile App and delivers FOCUS to Enhance Student Wellbeing

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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The Daily Caller – Kalshi Asks Regulator To Let Traders Bet With Borrowed Money. What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

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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Technology Networks – Precision Biomarkers Could Help Match Patients to Psychiatric Treatments

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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Live Science – Psilocybin may protect against a common, debilitating side effect of chemotherapy, early study finds

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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Being Patient – Driving With Dementia: How to Know When It’s Time to Stop

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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Good Housekeeping – Video Games and Collectibles May Be Hooking Kids on Gambling Mechanics

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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The Transmitter – Sensory over-responsivity tied to autism, anxiety but not other conditions

Coverage of study led by Shulamite Green, associate professor-in-residence of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at UCLA Health.

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The Los Angeles Tribune – UCLA Says SKY Breathing Could Be the Missing Tool in Today’s Youth Mental Health Crisis

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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NPR – Scientists map key protein interactions linked with profound autism

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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Tech & Learning – Best mindfulness apps & sites for schools

Best mindfulness apps & sites for schools Article includes the UCLA Mindful app.

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Inc. – 52 Percent of Gen-Z investors took money meant for investing and put it on sports bets. New research reveals the financial cost

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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Psychiatry Advisor – Experts discuss the role of spiritual practices and engagement in substance misuse

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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Bottom Line Inc. – What is TMS therapy? A Guide to noninvasive treatment for depression

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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The Daily Mail – Autism breakthrough as scientists find cheap drug backed by longevity experts may reverse symptoms

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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LA Magazine – Why are IEPs rising in LAUSD and elsewhere?

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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Psychiatric Times – Postpartum depression: Zuranolone, emerging therapies, and screening for birth trauma

Postpartum depression: Zuranolone, emerging therapies, and screening for birth trauma Interview with Dr. Katie Unverferth, psychiatrist at UCLA Health.

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VICE – Scientists say you have a sixth sense, and it could affect your mental health

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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Los Angeles Times – Trump administration proposal would all but end scientific merit in grant funding, critics say

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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The Atlantic – What’s behind the rise in mild autism?

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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Semel in the News – August 2026

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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Call for Applications: The Brandon Nelson Fellowship in the Translational Neuroscience of Major Mental Illness at UCLA

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Welcome Dr. Brittany Wolff to UCLA Psychiatry

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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Announcing the 2026 UCLA Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Edward R. Ritvo, MD Fellow Award

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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The Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences Announces 2025-2026 Excellence in Teaching Award Recipients

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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UCLA Postdoctoral Fellow Receives Grant from the Society for Research in Child Development

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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UCLA Postdoctoral Fellow Awarded 2026 Diversity Professional Development Award

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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2nd Annual ICSP Spring Symposium

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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Now Enrolling: Next Gen Sibs Project

You may be eligible if: Learn more here: https://nextgensibs.org/

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UCLA Embodied Minds Summit

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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UCLA Prevention Center of Excellence engages in Creative Wellbeing

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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Thank you! May 1st Youth Mental Health Summit

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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Understanding UCLA’s Ecological Medicine & Psychedelic Studies Initiative

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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Historic Investment in Future Providers by Ballmer Group

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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Gen Z Summit Offers Mental Health Solutions for the Digital Age

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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UCLA Brian Research Institute hosts 2026 Brain Health Summit

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 Establishes New Neuroscience Fellowship Through Transformative Gift

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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UCLA TIES Recognized for 30 years of service to LA

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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Now Enrolling Adults: PEERS® for Dating

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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Now Enrolling Families: PEERS® for Adolescents

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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Now Enrolling Families Online: PEERS® Online Social Skills Classes

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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Now Enrolling Parents Online: PEERS® for Preschoolers

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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Now Enrolling Adults 18-35: PEERS® for Young Adults

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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Division of Population Behavioral Health Celebrates 10 years

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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Semel In the News: March 2026

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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UCLA Health announces $100 million gift from Stewart and Lynda Resnick to advance mental health care

Donation from LA-based global philanthropists will work to address the growing mental health crisis in Los Angeles

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Semel In the News: August 2025

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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The Real-Life Dating Boot Camp That Inspired ‘Love on the Spectrum’

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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Celebrating 50 Years of NPIH

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 Announced as Director, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

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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Semel Institute Ranks 4th at UCLA in Grant Funding

This year, external gifts to the Semel Institute grew to $21.5M from $18M in 2023.