UNC Psychiatry

Athena Stein, postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Flavio Frohlich, PhD, professor of psychiatry, is developing next-generation non-invasive brain stimulation treatments alongside her new family in the lab. “I wanted to continue this theme of personalizing brain stimulation,” said Stein. “I looked all over the world, but this team here, at the Frohlich Lab and the Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, is at the cutting edge of neuroscience research. It was clearly the best option.” https://lnkd.in/edRMD_fa

The Rising Stars program provides training to postdoctoral fellows to help them excel during the faculty interview process by exposing admitted fellows to the same components that they will experience during the faculty job interview process. Apply at https://lnkd.in/exEr-r7q

“Grief is about finding a new path forward," Dr. Justin Yopp said to Spectrum News . "A key thing is for families to communicate with each other about new traditions and whether they want to keep old traditions." https://lnkd.in/efRK7ZZ9

Women make up over half of the U.S. population, yet research on women’s health conditions, including those that are female specific, more common among women, or affect women differently, is severely lacking. To address this, the National Academies convened a committee of experts, that included UNC Health psychologist Dr. Crystal Schiller, to assess the state of women’s health research at NIH, identify critical knowledge gaps and the allocation of funding needed to address them, provide recommendations on NIH structure, policies, and programs to optimize women’s health, and more. https://lnkd.in/eVdJEtrg

As a strategy of the @UNCResearch Roadmap, Carolina is hiring up to four researchers to build a new cross-disciplinary team that expands the University’s capacity to develop resources for substance use disorder, a growing public health crisis for our nation and state that requires swift and effective treatments. As part of the Catalyst Faculty Research Cluster Program, UNC-Chapel Hill is seeking researchers for tenure-track assistant professor positions in the following research areas: neuroengineering, biomolecular data science and drug discovery, clinical-translational psychiatry, and health behavior. Candidates with relevant backgrounds and expertise in any of these areas are encouraged to apply here for priority consideration by December 15: https://go.unc.edu/Rt9b7

Mental illness often continues even after completing cancer treatment, with research showing that survivors face a greater risk of mental illness even five years after their cancer diagnosis, compared to the general population. Dr. Zev Nakamura noted that while mental health support can be limited for cancer patients, it’s even more limited for survivors. “There’s certainly not the capacity to provide ongoing, integrated mental health care,” he said to NBC News https://lnkd.in/eX_nyjZz

#GivingTuesday unleashes the power of radical generosity. This year-round global movement inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity. Alumni support is critical to the long-term health of the department and a wonderful opportunity to extend gratitude forward to the next generation of healthcare leaders who will study at UNC. Gifts to the Robert Bashford, MD Alumni Society as well as the Psychiatry Resident’s Annual Fund create a lasting legacy of support that empowers our faculty, staff and students. For more information on supporting the Department of Psychiatry through philanthropy, please contact Holli Gall, Senior Executive Director of Development and Communications at the UNC Health Foundation (holli_gall@med.unc.edu, 919.843.8443). https://lnkd.in/eQVaM9hg

The UNC Perinatal Psychiatry Inpatient Unit (PPIU) is thrilled to announce that we are back in our newly renovated space! The PPIU was established in June 2011 and is the first of its kind in the United States. It includes 5 patient beds (private and semi-private). Infants are encouraged to visit but may not stay overnight. Our treatment team is comprised of highly trained doctors, psychologists, social workers, and other therapists that work together to create individualized treatment plans. We provide comprehensive assessment and treatment, including medication stabilization and a vast range of individual and group therapies as appropriate. Our goal is to provide a supportive environment to assist in the recovery from perinatal psychiatric illness. This locked-psychiatric unit is accredited by the Joint Commission and follows their safety standards. To make referrals to the PPIU, please call or email our Behavioral Health Intake Counselor, Rosalind Roberts, at 984-974-3834 or Rosalind.Roberts@unchealth.unc.edu

Our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams are delivering 70 Thanksgiving meals with all the fixins’ to individuals who might not otherwise have a holiday meal. UNC’s Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams are well-known for their success in providing transition support for individuals with severe mental illness as they move from a facility to living in the community. Happy Thanksgiving!

The Carolina Hurricanes hosted their seventh annual Hockey Talks game last night. Hockey Talks will encourage conversations about mental well-being and reducing stigmas associated with mental health. To help raise awareness and promote the importance of improving mental health and wellness, players will have the opportunity to wrap their sticks with green tape during warmups to show their support. The Hurricanes partnered with the Foundation of Hope, among other organizations that provide information, resources and support to individuals and families affected by mental illness. Focused on conquering mental illness by investing in groundbreaking scientific research and mental health initiatives, the Foundation of Hope funds critical research focused on understanding the root causes of, and potential treatment for, mental illness. They are committed to raising awareness and supporting effective treatment programs.