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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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Medscape – Experimental test could one day allow at-home autism assessment
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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The Baltimore Sun – Has sports’ embrace of gambling contributed to scandals?
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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Psychology Today – Yes, breathwork works—especially for trauma
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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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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Bio-IT – World vibrating capsule reveals gut-brain biomarkers for anorexia relapse
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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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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Medscape – Medical cannabis: What to tell your patients
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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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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WIRED – I Tried rips, the card-pack app where users spend thousands chasing pricey Pokémon
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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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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In Memoriam: Edythe D. London, PhD
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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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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Find Your Voice in Leadership: Speak With Clarity and Listen With Intent
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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The Impact of Social Media on Youth
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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STAR Seminar: Stress, Resilience, and Culturally Robust Care: Advancing Mental Health Equity for Diverse Communities
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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Youth Financial Empowerment Summit
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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Dementia Risk is Not the Same for Everyone: Things to Consider as you Age
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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STAR Seminar: Promoting Wellness and Sustainability in Immigrants’ Rights Advocacy
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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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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2nd Annual Integrative Center for Sleep and performance (ICSP) Symposium
June 01, 2026
Monday June 1 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Carnesale Commons Palisades Room Register here
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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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Youth Mental Wellbeing: A Youth-Led Design Lab on Brain Health, the Arts and AI
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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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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Now Enrolling Parents of School-Aged Children: Super-Parenting Group
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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El Camino
April 22, 2026
Wednesdays April 22 – May 27 Contact SSPC@mednet.ucla.edu for more information.
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STAR Seminar: Simple Strategies to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse
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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UCLA Friends of Semel Institute – Open Mind Film Festival 2026
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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UCLA Friends of Semel Institute – Robot-Proof: when Machines Have All the Answers, Build Better People
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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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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UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids 2026 Symposium
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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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.
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