Overview

Clinical research is important in expanding the scientific knowledge base in child and adolescent psychiatry, and is well represented within the Division. Our ever-growing team of psychologists are working on federal and state funded research projects in the areas of developmental traumatic stress, impact of domestic violence, measuring biomarkers of trauma and stress in infants, and early intervention for kids exposed to trauma and other stressors. Clinical research also focuses on externalizing behavior disorders, maladaptive aggression, and pediatric psychopharmacology in referred children and adolescents. We are working with school systems to identify and intervene early symptoms of various anxiety and depressive disorders. Other interesting areas of clinical research include the Parenting Program, a program offered to first-time families in birthing hospitals and community-based agencies throughout Connecticut.

We are committed to teaching diagnostic, consultative and therapeutic skills essential to the field of child and adolescent psychiatry. A two-year evidence-based didactic curriculum is designed to provide a strong clinical foundation. This is complemented by skill development and case-centered teaching in a variety of settings selected to provide a well-rounded experience that includes inpatient, outpatient, private and public-sector sites. Required experiences are designed to expose all fellows to typical child and adolescent development, early intervention and prevention of mental health problems, therapeutic interventions, community child psychiatry, forensic child psychiatry and research.

The Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at UConn Health is growing rapidly. The present faculty are all full-time, and includes three child and adolescent psychiatrists, eight pediatric psychologists and two neuropsychologists. We are excited about the Division and hope you will be too. Come have a look at us.

Mission Statement

Using a collaborative multidisciplinary model, the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at UConn Health seeks to provide empirically-based, measurement-informed, family-integrated, culturally competent, and developmentally sensitive standards-of-care, and facilitate greater knowledge through clinical, applied, and translational research. The Division attracts and educates new pediatric behavioral health specialty students and trainees in the etiology, evidence-based treatments of, and prevention of early onset behavioral health disorders in children and adolescents.

Program Description

The University of Connecticut offers a fully accredited (ACGME) two year child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship program integrated in community. The fellowship program is organized around a core of clinical services. Six months of training consists primarily of inpatient experiences at Albert J. Solnit Children’s Center – South Campus. It is a state-administered psychiatric facility for Connecticut’s children who are under the age of eighteen. The Solnit Center provides comprehensive care to children and adolescents with severe mental illness and related behavioral and emotional problems who cannot be safely assessed or treated in a less restrictive setting. Good proportion of children are referred from juvenile justice system providing additional opportunity for forensic experience. Our program combines training at multiple sites. Clinical Training Sites in the community including Connecticut Children's, an outstanding community hospital, with extensive experience.

Upon this foundation the program builds a broad and practical clinical experience, under careful supervision, which will help the fellow become independent responsible child psychiatrist in any systems of care.

Child fellows receive training in all subspecialty fields under the direction of an exceptional faculty.

Academic endeavors include weekly grand rounds, a core didactic lecture series every Friday full day with no other responsibilities for that day, weekly clinical reports, journal clubs, and numerous specialty conferences.

Program Aims

The University of Connecticut Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program aims to recruit and train fellows with genuine interest in caring for children and families. The program specifically looks to recruit well rounded individuals who have the ability to adapt to numerous patient care and educational settings. At the core of the program is ongoing support of provider well-being and professionalism. In addition, the program places a large emphasis not only on safety and exceptional clinical training but also teaching fellows to be educators and researches. The program aims to expose residents to a variety of clinical and research opportunities allowing them the chance to explore various career opportunities in community based programs, academia or research.

Diversity Statement

Equality is a core value of UConn Health, its affiliated hospitals, and in the medical care provided. We are dedicated to having a department and training programs that reflect the medical communities we serve. We are committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, sexual orientation and religion in which all individuals feel empowered to be their authentic selves. Our learners, employees, and patients should experience an environment free of harassment, sexual misconduct, and discrimination. We will continue to promote an inclusive culture which supports, encourages, and celebrates diversity and inclusion.