The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences seeks to provide outstanding, comprehensive clinical care to the patients of the affiliated hospitals and clinics of the Keck School of Medicine, and to implement exceptional educational programs to mental health trainees of all disciplines. The department is also dedicated to pursuing excellence in basic, clinical and translational research initiatives in areas related to mental illness.

“Best Doctors in America”

• H. Richard Lamb, M.D.
• Sidney Russak, M.D., D.O.
• Lon S. Schneider, M.D.
• George M. Simpson, M.D.

Scientific Journal Editorships

• H. Richard Lamb, M.D., editor-in-chief, New Directions for Mental Health Services
• Lon S. Schneider, M.D., editor, Alzheimer Insights

Professional Association Leadership

• Marcia Kraft Goin, M.D., Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral sciences, was elected president of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) for the 2003-04 year.
• Tim Botello, M.D., MPH served as president of the Southern California Chapter of the American Academy of Psychiatry and Law.
• John Briere, Ph.D., was president of the International Society for Trauma Stress Studies.

Drug effects on Alzheimer's patients the focus of new study »
Antipsychotic drugs are linked to weight and cholesterol changes in those with Alzheimer's Disease, according to a new study led by psychiatry professor Lon S. Schneider.

Carlos and Michele Pato to lead new global genetic effort »
Department chair Carlos N. Pato, M.D., and Michele Pato, M.D., will lead a multi-institution team of investigators collecting genetic information to determine the genetic risks associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.