The Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior is an interdisciplinary research and education institute devoted to the understanding of complex human behavior, including the genetic, biological, behavioral and sociocultural underpinnings of normal behavior, and the causes and consequences of neuropsychiatric disorders. In addition to conducting fundamental research, the institute faculty seeks to develop effective strategies for prevention and treatment of neurological, psychiatric and behavioral disorder, including improvement in access to mental health services and the shaping of national health policy.

Semel Institute

The Semel Institute is highly integrated with the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital; all three are devoted to research, teaching, and patient care in psychiatry, neuroscience, and related fields.

Department of Psychiatry

The Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences is responsible for the education, research, and patient care services of the Semel Institute and Resnick Hospital and for the School of Medicine curriculum in psychiatry. The Department of Psychiatry conducts educational programs at the undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral levels.

Resnick Hospital

The Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital provides inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services for adults, adolescents, and children. In addition to funding from state and federal sources, work at UCLA is also supported by gifts from individuals and groups; the Friends of Semel is a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing state of the art research and treatment for illnesses of the mind and brain.

Our vision

Educators, researchers, and clinicians working together to advance the mental health and wellbeing of the people of California and throughout the world through education and training, translational research, and clinical service.

Our mission

To improve the mental health and wellbeing of the people of California and throughout the world through education and training, translational research, and advancements in clinical care. The faculty of the UCLA Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences are an intellectually vibrant group of individuals who share a common commitment to:

  1. Train the next generation of leaders in education, science, and clinical care who will serve the healthcare needs of our diverse population and reflect the people of California.
  2. Advance basic and translational research to improve treatment for diverse populations of patients suffering from mood and anxiety, psychotic, substance use, developmental and other mental disorders.
  3. Provide state-of-the-art interventions for individuals at risk for or suffering from neuropsychiatric illnesses, and enhance access and wellness for all communities.
  4. Enhance equity in mental health services by co-creating innovative community partnerships with the diverse communities of California that support implementing and disseminating novel interventions and educating the public about mental health.

Our core values

  1. Diversity, equity, inclusive excellence, and respect for all individuals.
  2. Continuous learning, mentorship, professional and leadership development.
  3. Collaboration internally and externally. Partnerships among organizations and individuals regionally and globally, and among departments at UCLA.
  4. Integrity, accountability and transparency.