DOPsych_Annual_Report_2025 (17 x 11 in) (US Letter)

DEPARTMENT OF APLACEFORyou.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This document was written, designed, edited, photographed and produced by the Department of Psychiatry’s Communication team in 2025.

Special thanks to the following people for their contributions in the vision and execution of this document:

Claudia Iannelli - design and project management Angel Tran - content and photography

Amy Canada - editing Brittany Pittman - editing Patricia Carballo-Cuello - editing Merlin Ariefdjohan - publication management

Special thanks to all the division, center and office directors, administrators and featured faculty who worked with our team to complete interviews and provide all requested information quickly and accurately. We thank you for your collaboration and dedication!

Copyright 2025

A PLACE FOR

It is with great pride that I present the Department of Psychiatry’s 2025 Annual Review. This year’s theme, A Place For…, reflects our commitment to creating spaces where everyone: patients, faculty, staff, and trainees feels a sense of belonging. In these pages, you will see how this vision comes to life across our mission areas of community, clinical care, education, and research, all united by a common thread: innovation. Our Department is a place for community. Through outreach

Neill Epperson, MD

Robert Freedman Endowed Chair and Professor

programs and partnerships, we continue to break down barriers to mental health care and reduce stigma. From rural Colorado to urban neighborhoods, our teams are working to ensure that mental health resources are accessible and inclusive for all.

It is a place for clinical care. Every day, our clinicians deliver compassionate, evidence-based treatment to thousands of individuals and families We have expanded services to meet growing needs, integrating innovative approaches that prioritize whole-person health and equity

It is a place for education We are training the next generation of psychiatrists, psychologists, advanced practice nurses, and social workers who will carry forward our mission of care Our programs emphasize not only clinical excellence but also cultural humility and advocacy, preparing graduates to lead in all communities.

It is a place for research. Our investigators are advancing knowledge that transforms lives, from developing new therapies to leveraging innovative technology for better outcomes. With continued investment in research infrastructure, we are driving discoveries that will shape the future of mental health care.

As Chair, I am honored to serve alongside more than 1200 faculty, staff, and trainees, as well as 150+ volunteer faculty who generously share their expertise Together, we are united by a shared North Star: brain health for all, for life.

On behalf of the Department, I extend heartfelt gratitude to our campus and hospital leaders for their support, and to our philanthropic partners whose trust and generosity fuel our progress. Most importantly, thank you to every member of our Department Your dedication makes this a place where belonging is not just a value, but a lived experience.

Through these collective efforts, we are building a future where mental health care is accessible, stigma-free, and integrated into every aspect of health This is, and will always be, a place for hope, healing, and discovery

Neill Epperson, MD

Robert Freedman Endowed Chair and Professor

A PLACE FOR GROWTH

2025 Overview of the Dept. of Psychiatry

MISSION VISION

We provide a supportive environment for trainees, faculty, staff, and patients, fostering professional growth and excellence in mental health care. Our department is committed to recruiting highly qualified individuals and creating pathways for retention, career advancement, and success.

The CU Department of Psychiatry sets the standard for education and training of leaders in psychiatry and mental health care. We conduct groundbreaking research to alleviate suffering caused by psychiatric and substance use disorders, provide access to state-of-the-art mental health prevention and intervention services, and collaborate with key interested parties to promote well-being across Colorado.

141,093,32 Our Team

TOTAL EMPLOYEES IN 2025 812 NUMBER OF TRAINEES 448 OPERATING BUDGET

*Including all graduate and undergraduate medical education programs

LIVES TOUCHED 2025

The Department of Psychiatry has engaged in collecting information on “lives touched” since 2018. A “life touched” is an individual who has received a service or gained in some way from interacting with the Department.

TOTAL LIVES TOUCHED 2025

93,280

UNIQUE CLINICAL PATIENTS

59,139

INCREASE SINCE 2018

432%

PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS

250 Research Information

GRANTS & CONTRACTS IN 2025

$30,100,000 #25 BLUE RIDGE RANKING

RESEARCH STUDIES

ACTIVE STUDIES: 391 APPROVED: 165

EXEMPT: 108

EXTERNAL: 25

*Lives touched are collected on an fiscal year basis. As such, these numbers represent FY25 from 7/1/24 to 6/30/25.

DEPARTMENTALORGANIZATION

The Department of Psychiatry is comprised of five divisions, two centers, multiple offices and administrative cores We are committed to improving mental health outcomes across Colorado and the region through our 4 mission pillars: clinical care, education, research and community engagement Our collaborative approach and dedication to innovation make us a driving force in transforming mental health care locally and nationally

Brain & Behavior Innovation Center (BBICen)

Brain Imaging Center (BIC)

Division of Adult Psychiatry

Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center (JDC)

Office of Psychological Science and Practice (OPSP)

Division of Child & Adolescent Mental Health

Division of Neuroscience

Division of Addiction Sciences, Prevention, And Treatment

Office of the CO Mental Health Access Programs (CO-MAP)

Division of Community, Population, and Public Mental Health

OUR MISSION AREAS

COMMUNITY

CLINICAL CARE

INNOVATION

EDUCATION RESEARCH

Our mission is to provide a supportive environment for trainees, faculty, staff, and patients, fostering professional growth and excellence in mental health care. Our department is committed to recruiting highly qualified individuals and creating pathways for retention, career advancement, and success. Across all of our mission areas, innovation drives our approach and propels our work forward.

This mission comes to life through the areas of community, clinical care, education and research. In the following pages, we highlight stories from each of these mission areas — showcasing the people, programs, and partnerships that drive meaningful change across Colorado and beyond demonstrating the impact of our team and our work.

In May of 2025 the Department of Psychiatry welcomed Colorado Behavioral Health Administration for their Action Summit in the Anschutz Health Sciences Building.

A PLACE FOR

The Cortex Collection NeuroSculption: Art Exhibit, Workshop, and Sculpture Auction

Blueprints for Prevention: VitalCog’s Social Impact

Wellness Initiatives and OPEN Program

A Place for Tail Wags: Our K9 Providers

FROM COLORADO TO DUBAI: A SHARED VISION FOR MENTAL HEAL

Written By Paula Riggs

Dr. Riggs was initially engaged as a program development consultant to the Erada Center for Rehabilitation and the Dubai government in 2023, to facilitate and further advance their goal to transform behavioral healthcare in the Dubai Emirate, UAE. This evolved into a broader partnership with the Department of Psychiatry/CUSOM when Dr. Epperson and Dr. Riggs/DOPsych hosted a highlevel Dubai leadership delegation in October, 2024 (photos to left).

Dr. Allison Dempsey & Dr. Paula Riggs traveled to Dubai in the Spring of 2025 to continue their work as consultants to the Erada Center and working with the Dubai government and other key stakeholders to support their goal of establishing continuum of care for addiction and mental health prevention and treatment across the lifespan.

CU PSYCH LEARNING: EXPANDING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH EDUCATION TO A BROADER COMMUNITY

Written by Angel Tran with support from Michael Kazanjian

The Department of Psychiatry is opening new doors for learning with the launch of CU Psych Learning, an online platform designed to make behavioral health training accessible for faculty, professionals, and community members.

The platform brings together courses that offer continuing education credits and certificates of completion, giving learners the tools they need to grow their expertise and better serve their communities. Current trainings include de-escalation strategies, hospital follow-up program training, and perinatal mental health on the way.

This work builds on a strong foundation. The team has already created more than 90 modules for the OwnPath Learning Hub in partnership with Colorado’s Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF). Over half provide American Psychological Association (APA) continuing education credits. By December 2025, another 38 modules will be released, including 20 with continuing education credits and 7 in Spanish, with the topics focusing on the behavioral health needs of rural communities, older adults, and justice-involved individuals.

At the heart of CU Psych Learning is the Learning Experience and Design (LED) Team, whose mission is to make learning engaging, meaningful, and transformative. They design interactive content, produce instructional videos, create custom learning experiences, and collaborate with individuals who bring the voice of lived experience. Their work ensures every training feels accessible, relevant, and impactful. The LED team is excited to work with the faculty in the Department of Psychiatry to ensure their expertise reaches as broad of audience as possible.

BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE: JDC

’S 14TH ANNUAL LUNCHEON

Written by Matt Mishkind

On November 8, 2024, the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center held its 14th Annual Luncheon at the Seawell Ballroom with Brendan Hunt, who is an award-winning actor, screenwriter and playwright. Brendan is best known for cocreating the international hit Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso along with Jason Sudeikis, Joe Kelly and Bill Lawrence. Brendan is also an ensemble member for the show, portraying Ted’s trusty assistant Coach Beard.

The JDC's annual luncheon represents its largest fundraising event, with donations benefiting several initiatives including community-based education, clinical services, research, and workforce development. This year, the luncheon raised about $615,000 before expenses. This includes about $460,000 in pre-event sponsorships and another $155,000 in donations.

An important goal of the luncheon is to raise awareness about mental health topics across a range of communities. Despite an historic multi-day snowstorm that dumped up to 3 feet of snow in some areas, an estimated 450 individuals showed up for the luncheon. This represents about 75% of the expected attendance and demonstrates how important this event is to both the JDC and the communities it serves.

Aligned with the theme “Believe in the Power of Mental Health Care”, Brendan and emcee, Reggie Rivers, had an enlightening fireside chat where Brendan talked about the inspirations behind the focus on mental health in Ted Lasso and the impacts of the show. He also spoke about his personal journey and the importance of having honest conversations about mental health concerns and the positive role that the entertainment industry can play in raising awareness. Brendan was funny, honest, kind, and open. He interacted with audience members and was predictably charismatic with everyone he met. It was an incredible afternoon and the emotions in the room were a powerful reminder of how mental health issues touch us all and how this annual event continuously touches lives well beyond the money raised.

THINK BIG: BRAIN FEST BRINGS

NEUROSCIENCE TO LIFE

Written by Jessica Fluharty and Tracy Bale

From stand-up science-infused comedy to massive brain art and kid-powered experiments, we lit up neurons across Aurora and Denver this fall with BRAIN Fest, a new community initiatives featuring a series of events that turned the science of brain health into an unforgettable experience. Our mission: break down the walls between research and the public and show that learning about the brain can be accessible, artistic, and even hilarious!

Presented by Tracy Bale and curated by Jessica Fluharty, BRAIN Fest’s dynamic lineup incorporated students from our elementary school program, tied in women’s health topics, and found ways to touch lives far beyond our typical engagement-sphere by partnering with Downtown Denver Partnership and Stanley Marketplace.

The three-part celebration brought brain science & mental health conversations out into the neighborhood with Headstrong Comedy, NeuroSculption + The Cortex Collection, and Brain Exploratorium at the 16th Street Grand Reopening.

Through BRAIN Fest, we aimed to demystify the science of brain health, because the better you know your brain, the better you can care for it!

HEADSTRONG COMEDY: STAND-

UP

FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH

BRAIN Fest kicked off September with some of Colorado’s funniest comics bringing a fresh perspective on women’s brain health - told through humor, backed by science! - and expressed the vital role of scientific research, a message in need of a mic now, more than ever.

Three familiar faces - Neill Epperson (lower right), Tracy Bale (lower left) and Noy Phimphasone-Brady (left) took to the stage to laugh in the face of stress, roast medical mansplaining, and celebrate the brilliance of the female brain.

The all-female set of comics and scientists joined forces to tackle misconceptions about women’s health and fight for the funding it deserves. Headstrong in name and nature, it delivered unflinching comedy and fearless perspective into the female brain, showcasing the important work done by the DOPsych and the Ludeman Center for Women’s Health Research to a new audience. As trust in science and healthcare is being eroded, it’s vital for those involved to connect with the community through shared language and what’s more universal than laughter!

THE CORTEX COLLECTION + NEUROSCULPTION: ART EXHIBIT, WORKSHOP, AND SCULPTURE AUCTION

Five big, beautiful brains, each with a story to tell. A stunning display of neuroscience-inspired art adorned Stanley Marketplace, a popular community-centered space in Aurora, as an interactive brain science and health exhibit throughout September and October.

The 3-foot-tall brain sculptures were created for Brain Camp, a free summer program run by Dr. Bale, Mrs. Fluharty, and sculptor-artist, Erin Mindigo, with sponsorship by the Avielle Initiative. Campers, teachers, scientists, and creative volunteers transformed the sculptures into the Cortex Collection, featuring artistic interpretations of concepts taught during brain campneuroplasticity, growth, synaptic connectivity, regional structure, and nurturing mental health -designed to spark curiosity and drive conversation.

NeuroSculption, a community artist reception showcasing the collection, offered a snippet of our summer activities more broadly, while giving former campers a chance to share the meaning behind the sculpture themes with their friends, family, and neighbors. The brain-building workshop encouraged adults and kids alike to become neuro-sculptors, shaping a mini sculpture to take home.

The Cortex Collection sculptures are raising awareness and funding to support future brain health programming.

BLUEPRINTS FOR PREVE

VITALCOG’S SOCIAL IMP

Written by Matt Mishkind

VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in Construction is a brief, evidence-based suicide prevention training tailored specifically for the construction industry, which has the 2nd highest rate of death by suicide among industry groups in the United States. With over 800 trainers internationally, VitalCog in Construction trains over 10,000 workers annually. While the direct impact is impressive, recent evaluations show that the broader social impact of the program may be even more significant.

Social Return on Investment (SROI) offers a robust framework to quantify the impact of the social, environmental, and economic value generated for every dollar invested, and transforms doing good into a measurable business advantage. An independent evaluation of VitalCog in Construction across multiple years showed a range of social value returns of $7 to $33 for every dollar spent.

Part of this evaluation includes a longitudinal assessment showing that each trainee talked to about 5.5 other individuals about the training and 20% actively engaged with someone at risk of suicide or in a mental health crisis.

VitalCog in Construction continues to evolve and now includes a Spanish language version and an additional module on postvention. As construction firms seek ways to care for their workforce, the VitalCog program is a high-impact investment.

A PLACE FOR SUPPORT

Written by Liz Chamberlain

The Department of Psychiatry continued to dedicate support to resources aimed to improve wellness, increase connection and provide support for our employee community. The recently formed Wellness Avengers is an advisory committee assembled to provide input and create interventions from different roles and Divisions across the Department. Dr. Liz Chamberlain joined forces with Dr. Emily Muther, wellness leader for the Pediatric Mental Health Institute, to expand wellness offerings across the Department.

SELF-COMPASSION WORKSHOPS

Dr. Liz Chamberlain, Faculty Wellness Officer, facilitated 4 virtual and 1 in-person “Supporting Others While Supporting Yourself in Challenging Times” workshops for DOPsych Faculty and Staff who serve vulnerable community clients, including immigrants and families affected by executive orders this past year.

75% of participants Strongly Agreed with the statement “I found the workshop to be helpful.”   63% Strongly Agreed with the statement, “This workshop gave me tools that will support my wellbeing."

When asked what they appreciated most about the workshop, participants shared, “Learning about the difference between fierce and tender selfcompassion. Practicing belly breathing” and “The compassionate touch mindfulness”.

NEW WELLNESS WEBSITE

The Wellness Office launched a new DOPsych Wellness Resources website, designed by Shanna Trott, Staff Wellness Officer and Dr. Chamberlain.

STAFF WELLNESS INITIATIVES

Throughout the year, the Wellness Avengers hosted several events and workshops to support staff wellness. The team was featured in two Lunch and Learn summer sessions (Dr. Chamberlain’s Are You Master of Your (EMail Domain)? and Find Your Fun: Energizing Life and Work Through Play with Dr. Dave Thomas, organized by Dana Kennedy. Wellness also cosponsored a, End of Summer Appreciation Event with old school games and ice pops attended by 75 staff members. The rain couldn’t stop the fun - we just moved inside!

OPEN: OPPORTUNITY, PATHWAYS

ENGAGEMENT NETWORK

Written by Shaleeta Flagg

In 2025, the Department of Psychiatry established the OPEN Office, led by Shaleeta Flagg. In collaboration with the Wellness Office, OPEN worked to support a sense of belonging among faculty and staff in the Department. With 76 active members across the department, OPEN is committed to leading transformational education, advancing excellence, while taking meaningful actions to enhance learning and professional growth. OPEN partners with Communication Manager Claudia Iannelli to offer redesigned Zoom background options and Powerpoint templates for use across the Department.

The team also re-launched Quiet Spaces in the Anschutz Health Sciences Building for Faculty and Staff along with easier reservation system and video tour created by Wellness Avenger Team Members Emily Hemendinger, LCSW and Mandy Doria, LPC.

LINK UP (LISTEN. INSPIRE.NURTURE. KNOW.)

2025 also saw the creation of LINK UP groups for our faculty and staff to connect with shared interests.

Our inaugural groups included:

Creative GENEiuses, led by Dana Kennedy, Staff Wellness Officer

S&B (Stitch & Bond), led by Shaleeta Flagg, OPEN Officer

All things Scary Movies, led by Brandon Fenner, OPEN Committee

A PLACE S

Written by Claudia Iannelli

In the Department of Psychiatry, therapy dogs play a meaningful role in supporting mental health care. These specially trained companions offer comfort, connection, and emotional grounding to patients of all ages. Whether helping children process trauma, supporting teens with autism, or offering quiet companionship during moments of distress, therapy dogs bring a unique kind of healing that goes beyond words. Their presence can reduce anxiety, build trust, and even support clinical goals like emotion regulation and trauma processing.

In the next section, we invite you to meet four of our beloved therapy dogs—Krinkle, Otis, Rainbow, and Wilko—each with their own personality, specialty, and superpower. From biggest puppy eyes to best at holding space, these dogs are more than just cute faces— they’re essential members of our care teams.

Q&A WITH KRINKLE!

Written by Samantha McBride (and Krinkle!)

“ALWAYS BE KRINKLIN’ - WHICH MEANS TO BE AS COZY AS POSSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. ” -Krinkle’s Motto

Q: What breed is your dog?

A: Krinkle is a mixed breed dog. He was found in a shelter in Wyoming by Freedom Service Dogs and selected to be a working dog due to his calm temperament.

Q: What "specialty" do they have, if any?

A: Krinkle loves working with children and teens, the younger the better as far as he is concerned! Part of his training included working with kids with Autism and he also really enjoys working in group settings.

Q: A fun fact about your dog we wouldn't know just from seeing then at work?

A: Krinkle has been working as a therapy dog for 10 years!

Q: What's the preference - toys or treats?

A: Definitely treats. He won’t play with toys when he is in my office – he takes his work too seriously.

MEET WILCO!

Written by Kathleen Zachary (with input

from

Wilco)

VOTED BEST AT HOLDING SPACE WITHOUT HOLDING CREDENTIALS

Q: What breed is your dog?

Wilco’s therapeutic alliance is 100% rapport and 0% billing code.

A: Wilco is a sweet-natured sheep-a-doodle whose gentle presence and impeccable manners make him a beloved member of the Out-Patient Clinic team.

Q: What "specialty" do they have, if any?

A: Wilco specializes in emotional attunement. He has an uncanny ability to sense when someone is in distress and needs grounding, and he offers it without hesitation.

Q: What's the preference - toys or treats?

A: Treats. Always. Preferably artisanal, gold-foil-wrapped, grass-fed butter. His favorite? Kerrygold!

Q: Does your dog have a “favorite work outfit” (bandana, vest, bow tie) they strut around in?

A: His red vest. When the vest goes on, Wilco knows he’s on duty and ready to work.

wilco’s red vest in action!

“I BELIEVE IN UNCONDITIONAL POSITIVE REGARD… AND UNCONDITIONAL ACCESS TO BUTTER. ” -Wilco’s words to live by

VOTED MOST LIKELY TO EAT SANDWICH OUT OF YOUR HAND

Q: What breed is your dog?

A: Bernese Mountain Dog

Q: What "specialty" do they have, if any?

A: Otis works in the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Clinic.

Q: What's the preference - toys or treats?

A: He loves both! For treats- anything edible. And for toys, whatever it meant for tiny dogs (Otis is 100lbs!)

Q: Does your dog have a “favorite work outfit” (bandana, vest, bow tie) they strut around in?

A: Sometimes otis wears a blue plaid bandana that says “therapy dog otis” but he prefers to be naked because he’s always hot due to being very large and fluffy

Q: What’s your dog’s go-to move when they know someone really needs comfort?

A: Otis’ go to move is to put his paw on the patient and lay with them for as long as they need

RAINBOW BRIGHTENS THE DAY!

Written by Lizzie Hoff (with quotes from Rainbow)

Q: What breed is your dog?

A: Rainbow is a Lab.

Q: What "specialty" do they have, if any?

A: Rainbow primarily works with children, teens, and families impacted by trauma.

Q: What's the preference - toys or treats?

A: She loves her treats, but she would play fetch with a toy all day if you kept throwing something for her.

VOTED BIGGEST PUPPY EYES

“COMFORT IN EVERY CUDDLE!” -Rainbow’s Tagline

Q: A fun fact about your dog we wouldn't know just from seeing then at work?

A: She would live in the water if she could! Rainbow loves to swim, hop on a paddleboard, and play fetch in the water.

Q: Does your dog have a “favorite work outfit” (bandana, vest, bow tie) they strut around in?

A: You will often times see Rainbow in her blue therapy dog vest on campus. She of course loves to wear anything with rainbow colors on it too!

IN

THIS MISSION

Shining a light on first responder mental health: Police Officer James Baddley

A Life Reclaimed: Mitch’s Story of Recovery and Connection

Staff Voices: Gary Coleman on Meeting People Where They Are

Team Reflections: Morgan KITANO on Designing Care Around Community Behind the Mask: One ICU Physician’s Story of Treatment and Support

Saving Young Lives: A Comprehensive Approach to Suicide Prevention

From Screening to Support: A New Model for Suicide Prevention

PMHI’s Comprehensive DBT Program: Empowering Adolescents and Families

Together

Why a Phone Call Matters : Hospital Follow-Up Program

A Legacy of Care: Dr. Julie Meeker’s 44 Years in Psychiatry

for more than a new department. He was searching for a way to heal. Years of responding to violence and tragedy had left him carrying a heavy burden that he tried to manage alone. Over time, the harsh work environment in Philadelphia began to change him, hardening his outlook on the world in ways he did not like. He realized that if he stayed, he risked losing the person he wanted to be.

JAMES BADDLEY, START CLINIC CLIENT DR. AMBERMCDONALD, STARTPSYCHOLOGIST& DEPUTYDIRECTOR

In Boulder, things felt different. Colleagues encouraged him to consider therapy, and though hesitant at first, he decided to give it a chance. That decision connected him with Dr. Amber McDonald at the START Clinic, a program created to support first responders. For James, it was the first time he felt he could share his experiences without judgment. The safe and understanding environment helped him begin to work through years of trauma and stress that he had pushed aside. Through ongoing support, James started to find healthier ways to cope and a renewed sense of balance in his life.

James has now over a decade of experience as a first responder and he reflects on what it takes to support those who serve. He believes first responders need clinicians who truly understand the culture of the job and the pressures that come with it. He also calls on policymakers to recognize the importance of building diverse teams that can connect with and serve many different communities.

James hopes the public remembers that first responders are human beings too, carrying heavy experiences from one call to the next. Extending patience and compassion can make all the difference and a little grace goes a long way.

A LIFE RECLAIMED: MITCH’S STORY OF RECOVERY AND CONNECTION

Written by Angel Tran with support from Leslie Choi and Mitch

Mitch’s life has been defined by service. As a veteran and later a firefighter, he ran toward danger on 9/11, facing unimaginable destruction and loss. The weight of that day, combined with the challenges of military service, left scars that were not visible but deeply felt.

In the years that followed, Mitch lived with profound survivor’s guilt, questioning why he had made it home when so many others had not. Along with these heavy emotions, he also had symptoms of PTSD, though he did not know it at the time. Change was coming for him with a referral to the START Clinic, where he worked closely with Dara Lynne Tabugadir and Leslie Choi. They understood the unique experiences of veterans and first responders and guided him through the difficult work of confronting guilt and finding healthier ways to carry those memories. As part of this healing, Mitch discovered a new sense of purpose in giving back by facilitating group courses for other veterans that explored trauma, resilience, and meaning making. Supporting others not only offered connection but also became a powerful supplement to his own recovery.

Mitch shares his experience with PTSD to encourage others to seek help and to highlight the importance of specialized clinics like the START Clinic. He hopes such programs can be expanded nationwide to improve access to care for veterans and first responders. With gratitude for the clinic staff who helped change his life, he continues to serve by guiding others toward hope, connection, and healing.

A PLACE FOR HOPE

Addiction Research and Treatment Services (ARTS) is a clinical program within the Division of Addiction Science, Prevention, and Treatment in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. For over 50 years, ARTS has been a leader in providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders across the Denver Metro area. With a focus on medication-assisted treatment, integrated care, and community outreach, ARTS empowers individuals on their journey to recovery while addressing co-occurring mental health needs.

At the heart of ARTS is a dedicated team of professionals who bring lived experience, empathy, and innovation to their work every day. In this spotlight, we highlight two staff members whose commitment to meeting people where they are is transforming lives and strengthening community connections.

STAFF VOICES: GARY COLEMAN

MEETING PEOPLE WHERE THEY

Written by Gary Coleman

From the perspective of someone in long term recovery (21 years) and working with ARTS as a peer navigator for the last 2+ years engaging out in the community with our community partners, I have seen too often the need to literally meet people where they are at.

I have found that individuals who seem to be struggling the most are homeless, without support and tend to gravitate to areas where there is community, shelter, food and a hot shower. They are not always willing to take the bus or show when rides are prearranged for treatment.

GARY COLEMAN

“I have learned that if we keep showing up...the patients will keep coming back.”

They do not want to leave that one mile radius. If they are ready, we need to be ready to aid them on that journey at that time.

Although my current position is a Medical Case Coordinator, I have been an extra support on the mobile unit. I have been privileged to see the joy in individuals who know that we are coming as scheduled. It’s one less thing they must worry about while in recovery. Bringing the Mobile Opioid Treatment Programs (MOTP) to them has been fascinating as we get to witness the transformation.

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing individuals grow and understand that recovery is not linear and that progress is not always steady or predictable. Setbacks are a normal part of the process.

TEAM REFLECTIONS: MORGAN KITANO ON DESIGNING CARE AROUND COMMUNITY

Written by Morgan Kitano

There are less than 35 functioning Mobile Opioid Treatment Programs (MOTP) in the country, so there is not a one size fits all blueprint for this project. I believe that is what makes this project so challenging and so rewarding. We really get the chance to listen closely to our community partners and tailor the design of this pilot project around them.

MORGAN KITANO

Through much trial and error, the ARTS MOTP team has created a transitional program model for our MOTP. We partner with phase one and two sober living homes and get to connect with people in the very early, fragile, and acute stages of their recovery.

Then, we transition these patients to a brick-and-mortar OTP to continue their recovery journey once they graduate from their sober living. We are capturing so many more patients and keeping a high-risk population in treatment for longer by utilizing the MOTP.

“Patients that have tried to engage in treatment two to three times before unsuccessfully have now been with us for months. Navigating recovery in any environment is a challenge, the MOTP helps us even more to meet patients where they are. “

-Morgan Kitano

BEHIND

THE MASK

: ONE ICU PHYSICIAN’S STORY OF TREATMENT AND SUPPORT

Written by Angel Tran with support from Rachel Davis and Bryan Park

When Dr. Bryan Park reflects on the past few years, he remembers the immense strain of working in the ICU during COVID-19. The long hours, constant pressure, and isolation outside of work weighed heavily on him. Over time, what began as fatigue deepened into depression, a challenge he had faced earlier in life but one that became far more difficult during the pandemic.

Traditional medications did not provide the relief he needed, and he often felt as though he was moving through a fog that would not lift. With guidance from his care team (Drs. Rachal Davis, Andrew Novick and Christopher James), he began exploring new treatment options, starting with esketamine therapy (the form of ketamine that is administered intranasally). The process was carefully structured and closely monitored, with each session followed by a period of observation. While esketamine brought some improvement, the effects were not enough.

Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, became the treatment that ultimately made the greatest difference. Administered under anesthesia, ECT helped reduce the intensity of his symptoms and gave him the ability to move forward. Bryan describes it as a turning point in his recovery. Although ECT is sometimes misunderstood and stigmatized, Bryan’s experience highlights how modern techniques make it both safe and effective when other treatments have not been enough. Other than feeling sleepy the day of treatment, Bryan did not experience the cognitive side effects that were more common in the past. The process required commitment, but it offered him a sense of clarity and stability that had been missing for years.

Support was central to his progress. His brother remained a steady presence, flying out to stay with him and encouraging him to continue even when the process felt uncertain. Having someone who believed in his ability to get better gave him strength to stay engaged with treatment. His workplace and colleagues also played an important role, offering patience and flexibility that allowed him to prioritize his health. Together, these supports gave Bryan the confidence to take each step forward and to stay focused on recovery.

Bryan’s experience shows how recovery often depends on persistence, the right treatment, and the presence of strong support systems. He now approaches life and work with a steadier outlook, recognizing that progress is built step by step. His story underscores the importance of addressing mental health challenges directly and demonstrates that meaningful improvement is possible when care and compassion come together.

Bryan’s story also underscores the importance of physicians seeking treatment for their own mental health struggles. Stigma and fear of professional consequences too often prevent healthcare providers from getting the support they need. By sharing his experience, Dr. Park shows that seeking care is not a weakness but an essential part of being healthy as a doctor. He reminds us that doctors cannot be expected to care for others if they are not allowed to care for themselves.

DR. RACHEL DAVIS, TREATING PHYSICIAN

“Some of the most compassionate and skilled doctors I know are that way because they’ve been patients themselves—and doctors who seek care for themselves are safer clinicians.”

-Dr. Rachel Davis

A PLACE FOR PREVENTION

SAVING YOUNG LIVES: A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO SUICIDE PREVENTION

Written by Laura Anthony, Lyndsay Gaffey and Ron-Li Liaw

Preventing suicide has long been a priority for those of us working with children and adolescents. The rising suicide rates in Colorado and nationwide have led us to take a multipronged approach to youth suicide prevention, including coordinated efforts in clinical care, research, and education.

EDUCATION

CLINICAL CARE

DR. LISA HOROWITZ

In September, we welcomed world-renowned clinical psychologist and

researcher Lisa Horowitz, PhD, MPH, to CU. Dr. Horowitz is the Director of Suicide Prevention and Hospital-based Research. Shecomesto CU from NIMH, where she spent two decades studying suicide prevention in healthcare settings including developing tools for clinicians, such as the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) tool. She is also one of the co-authors of the Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention, released by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dr. Horowitz is collaborating with hospitals and outpatient clinics both nationally and globally, assisting with implementation of suicide risk screening of both pediatric and adult patients using suicide risk clinical pathways.

Alyssa Gatto, PhD, and Sarah Kennedy, PhD are leading the Colorado Learning Health System for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health (CO-LAB), which integrates rapid research into clinical care to optimize suicide risk screening and intervention with ongoing data analyses and learning cycles.

PMHI has been building out a continuum of care to support youth experiencing an acute suicidal crisis and prevent further emergency department visits for mental health concerns and psychiatric hospitalizations. New clinic services include a comprehensive dialectical behavioral therapy program (Dr. Nunes Moreno), a shortterm Outpatient Crisis Clinic (Drs. Collette Fischer and Anastasia Klott), and a virtual mental health urgent care service.

The Preventing Suicide Initiative (PSI) is a system-wide comprehensive approach to preventing suicide by making all our healthcare settings better at identifying patients at risk for suicide and connecting them to responsive care. It is grounded in the belief that we all have a role to play in expanding access to high quality, evidence-based screening, assessment, engagement, care delivery, and follow-up. This initiative will also focus on creating a safer environment for staff by empowering them with the training, tools, and confidence to make preventing suicide part of our everyday work. The PSI has received broad support from hospital leadership. . The core team (pictured right) is comprised of Sarah Brummett, Beau Carubia, Mike Maughlin & Lisa Horowitz.

BETSEY BUCCA LEADING THE CORE TEAM ON THE ED TOUR

Joel Stoddard, MD, Lauren Gallanis, PhD, and team completed analyses from their ASQ study confirming demographic disparities in suicide and depression screening in pediatric medical settings. Their findings highlight that many youth who die by suicide lack prior diagnosis or treatment, underscoring the critical role of screening in medical settings. The team is preparing their manuscript for publication.

DR. SARAH KENNEDY

Sarah Kennedy, PhD received grants from the NIMH and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to

develop and evaluate an innovative intervention for suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and nonsuicidal self-injury in pre-adolescents. Currently, there are no interventions to target the particular risk factors in children.

Bruno Anthony, PhD and team received NIMH funding to assess the impact of their Facilitated Suicide Prevention program—which provides training and implementation support to assist practices in integrating screening, assessment, data analysis and management protocols into routine care through longitudinal feedback and coaching—on clinic adoption of a suicide prevention pathway and youth suicidality.

The Suicide Prevention Program

—led by Bruno Anthony, PhD, empowers trusted adults in primary care and school settings to support youth at risk for suicide. With backing from Children’s Hospital Colorado and the Department of Psychiatry, the program has helped clinics screen over 10,800 youth and identify 821at-risk individuals, equipping providers to create care plans and follow up effectively.

FROM SCREENING TO SUPPORT: A NEW MODEL FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION

Written by Beau Carubia

The ongoing youth mental health crisis demands innovative, collaborative, and suicide-prevention–focused responses—and the Pediatric Mental Health Institute (PMHI) Crisis Services team at the CU Anschutz Department of Psychiatry is rising to meet that challenge. Recognizing that the well-being of staff is essential to sustaining high-quality care, the team fosters cohesion, resilience, and burnout prevention, prioritizing a workplace culture where interdisciplinary collaboration and mutual support thrive.

In Spring 2024, following years of advocacy and strategic partnerships, the Division of Child & Adolescent Mental Health launched a Crisis Services strategy designed to deliver timely, equitable, and family-centered care to youth in crisis. This rapid-access, time-limited model is grounded in a strengths-based, systemsof-care approach, integrating assessment, therapy, care coordination, and medication management.

The team works closely with Mental Health Emergency Department Behavioral Health Clinicians and the Consultation Liaison team to ensure seamless transitions and coordinated interventions. In addition to redesigning emergency department workflows and piloting a Behavioral Health Observation (BHO) program using a similar care model, the team emphasizes evidence-based practices, collaboration, and care pathways that divert patients from higher levels of care when appropriate. Daily huddles and weekly clinical rounds keep the team aligned, and a co-clinician model ensures families are active partners in treatment.

This work, highlighted in Colorado’s Blueprint for Suicide-Specific Care (CAMSCare), exemplifies the blend of clinical excellence and collaborative culture that defines the department’s approach to youth suicide prevention.

CRISIS SERVICE TEAM GOES LIVE - JUNE 2024

THE CRISIS SERVICE TEAM

TEAMHALLOWEEN

CREATIVE ARTS THERAPIES - SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH

A PLACE FOR ANNA

PMHI’S COMPREHENSIVE DBT PROGRAM: EMPOWERING ADOLESCENTS AND FAMILIES TOGETHER

Written by Marissa Nunes Moreno, Marisa Taylor, Lauren Eckhart with

support from Anna and Julie Hemphill

Earlier this year, the Pediatric Mental Health Institute at Children’s Hospital Colorado celebrated its first graduates from the Comprehensive DBT Program. Among them was Anna (pictured right) and her family, who completed 6 months of evidence based treatment that included weekly individual therapy, weekly family skills group, and 24/7 phone coaching to address teen experiences of emotional instability, impulsivity, interpersonal difficulties, and/or chronic feelings of emptiness or distress.

“While it can be extremely hard for teenagers and their parents to see eye to eye, DBT exposes just how similar everyone is when it comes to our emotions and thought patterns.”

-Anna, DBT Graduate

“The DBT experience was welcoming, encouraging, life changing, reassuring and incredibly crucial,” shared Anna’s mom, Julie. “This program saved my daughter’s life and helped her grow into the confident, strong, independent and thriving person she is today.”

DBT TEAM PHOTO

DBT, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy, is rooted in the idea of building a life worth living. For Anna, that meant rebuilding trust, deepening family connections, and gaining confidence in herself. “DBT taught me that instead of mentally fighting my mistakes and feelings, it’s better to understand that those mistakes and feelings are what allow me to connect with others,” she said. Through honest conversations and daily practice, the family found a shared language of healing. “Even my little brother started using DBT skills,” Anna added.

The program’s multidisciplinary team created a space where families could grow together, celebrating progress, embracing imperfection, and discovering joy in community. Today, Anna and her family continue to use DBT strategies every day, living the life they worked so hard to build.

WHY A PHONE CALL MATTERS : HOSPITAL FOLLOW-UP PROGRAM

Written by Nina S. Brathwaite

When someone leaves the hospital after a behavioral health crisis, they often step into a quiet that feels overwhelming. The discharge paperwork may be tucked into a bag, and the next appointment might be weeks away.

Every day, the Hospital Follow-Up Program (HFUP) team within the Division of Community, Population, and Public Mental Health reaches out to people who were recently in crisis. It starts with a phone call within 48 hours. Sometimes it is an email when a phone line is disconnected, or a voicemail box is full. However the message is delivered, what matters most is that the person knows that someone who cares is there, and no one has to face this moment alone.

“I can’t thank you enough. I know I am meant to do greater things now that I was shown there are good people who care.” Another said, “Just having someone call is so wonderful.”

-Client Testimonial

In it’s first 12 months, HFUP has received more than 4,500 referrals from hospitals across Colorado and has placed over 12,000 outgoing calls. Nearly a third of referrals have been for youth under 18, a statistic that weighs heavily on the team and reflects the serious mental health challenges young people face. Many adults referred to the program are navigating suicidality and substance use. The team’s role is not to replace therapy or long-term care, but to offer genuine support during times of risk and uncertainty.

Program Manager Nina Brathwaite, PhD, MAFP, CPS, explains, “I am often struck by the trust people place in us during such vulnerable moments. When a client says they feel less alone because of a simple check-in, it is powerful. It reminds me that this work is not only about systems and outcomes, but about people allowing us into their stories. That trust is a privilege, and it is what drives me and the team forward.”

Team members echo this sense of meaning in their daily work. Crisis Specialist Cory Caven, BSW, shared, “Some of the most powerful days are when a call begins with frustration and ends with a sense of relief. Even moving forward an inch shows the value of listening without judgment.”

Peer Support Specialist Megan Winemiller, BA, reflected, “What drives me is knowing each call is special. Often people begin feeling unheard or lost, but with compassion and genuine curiosity they open up. That trust makes a difference.”

HFUP STATS

Over 12,000 outgoing calls in 10 months

More than 4,500 referrals from hospitals statewide

Nearly one third of referrals are youth under 18

“Even moving forward an inch shows the value of listening without judgment.”

— Cory Caven, BSW

The HFUP staff also contributes to statewide and national conversations on suicide prevention. This year, Dr. Brathwaite was invited to present at the Office of Suicide Prevention’s Commission meeting and the statewide Learning Collaborative. Dr. Brathwaite and FollowUp Specialist Fran Lubecki-Wilde were also featured on the national 988 Crisis Jam, giving colleagues across the country a closer look at “a day in the life” of followup care. In September, Crisis Specialist Cory Caven joined Division Director Scott Simpson, MD, MPH, and other faculty to present at the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council annual conference.

“The trust is a privilege, and it is what drives the team forward.”

-Nina S. Brathwaite, PhD, MAFP, CPS

The foundation of HFUP’s philosophy is simple. Offering genuine, non-demand caring contacts provides clients with the hope that healing is possible. Looking ahead, the program will expand its reach by: Using secure text-based caring contacts, Deepening peer support services, Strengthening partnerships with dual diagnosis programs, and Increasing specialized support for children ages 8–11 and people living with both substance use and mental health conditions.

Each step is designed to meet people where they are and strengthen the bridge between crisis and recovery.

DEPARTMENT

FOR THE HFUP TEAM, EVERY CALL IS MORE THAN AN OUTREACH. IT IS A MOMENT OF CONNECTION IN SOMEONE’S HARDEST HOURS, AND OFTEN, THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING HOPEFUL.

A LEGACY OF CARE: DR. JULIE MEEKER’S 44

YEARS IN PSYCHIATRY

Written by Viki Manley and Scott Simpson (with input from Julie Meeker)

Julie Meeker, MD came to CU in 1981 for the psychiatry residency program.  She completed an administrative psychiatry fellowship and career resident year at Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP) after residency and stayed.  Now the Chief of Psychiatry, she has been a Senior Instructor at CU since 1987, and with CU for 44 years.  In those early years, the state hospital was an important safety net for the state mental health system.  Many changes later and now criminalization of the mentally ill has become the norm.

“I believe in listening, being kind and thoughtful while quietly pushing for improvements in the system and care. “

-Julie Meeker, MD

Dr. Meeker has built statewide collaborations to meet the clinical needs of this population. CMHHIP now partners with a local training program and offer preceptorships for health professionals, many of whom pursue careers at the hospital. Many CU Forensic Psychiatry Fellows now practice at CMHHIP, ensuring ongoing excellent supervisors and growing future leaders in public psychiatry. As Dr. Meeker puts it, “Even with changes and discouragements, the hope for improvement keeps me going. Providing care mentally ill remains a passion. It has been a privilege to be entrusted with caring for patients and to work with the state.”

With retirement around the corner, Dr. Meeker is looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren and enjoying beautiful sunsets.

IN THIS

Strengthening the Village: Residency Program Grows with New Leadership

Reshaping Medical Education and InspiringFuture Psychiatrists

A Place for Teaching: School of Medicine Annual Appreciation Dinner and Awards

CeDAR: Where Recovery Meets Compassion

Training Tomorrow’s Providers Today: Transforming and Growing

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Training

Trainee spotlight: Dr. Devin Effinger

Trainee spotlight: Dr. Kelly Cosgrove

CoBE: Bridging Knowledge and Care in Bipolar Disorder

Athletes, Advocates, Allies: COACMH’s First Step Forward

Written by Kim Kelsay

enhancements to the nationally recognized training program. Dr. Heather Murray, (APD) has led the impressive revamp of 620 hours of didactics and Dr. Devika Bhatia (APD) implemented a formal faculty/resident mentorship program for all first-year residents.

With faculty and resident input, the program developed a mission statement to guide recruitment and serve as a standard during challenging times. Medical education thrives on the curiosity and passion of learners in combination with the dedication and expertise within a background of competent administration. Kim is grateful for the education village which supports recruitment of the highest caliber of medical students who graduate poised to lead and serve the needs of the community.

RESHAPING MEDICAL EDUCATION AND INSPIRING FUTURE PSYCHIATRISTS

Written by Austin Butterfield

It has almost become cliche to notice how quickly and how dramatically our lives seem to be changing, particularly in the past 5 years. While the pandemic, political polarization, and artificial intelligence dominated much of our collective attention, medical education has continued to evolve rapidly as well. During that same 5-year period, the University of ColoradoSchool of Medicine launched a significantly updated curriculum andbecame the first major medical school to have all students participate in Longitudinal Integrated Clerkships (LICs) for their first clinical year. The LICs replaced the traditional block-style clerkships of 4-8 weeks in all the core specialties of medicine. This structure allows them to follow patients over time and develop sustained relationships with faculty and resident mentors. In psychiatry, the students learn how mental health impacts every specialty, context, and system in health care.

To make the change even more pronounced, we altered the traditional order of medical school by transitioning the first clinical year from the traditional third year of medical school to the second. The hope of this change was to get students into the clinical spaces earlier to help maintain the sense of connection to the primary mission of medical school—to learn to care for patients. This all required an incredible amount of effort and time throughout the School of Medicine. Now that the first class of students in the new curriculum are already several months into their intern year of residency, it would be reasonable to wonder how all this change has been going.

Annual surveys have shown that the students have loved being able to start connecting their basic sciences coursework with real-world patient experiences earlier in their training.The students aren’t the only ones with excellent things to say. The school received excellent marks from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) - the national accrediting body for medical schools earlier this year.

Students also have described incredible experiences with the psychiatry faculty, fellows, and residents across the board. Many students have been inspired to join psychiatry as a profession during their LIC experience, and the majority of those students did not think they would pursue psychiatry when they entered medical school. The most common reason that students cite when asked why they chose psychiatry is their experience with the people in the specialty. Talking to students about how the psychiatry attendings and residents that have influenced and inspired them is one of my favorite parts of my work.

A PLACE FOR

Written by Austin Butterfield

the curriculum as a whole.

One of the most touching moments of the night was when Dean Jennifer Adams presented the LIC Bardsley Teaching Awards, which are accompanied by a monetary award from the Bardsley Foundation. These awards require a student write a full essay as the nomination, and Dean Adams read each of these to a crowd that was transfixed by the beauty of the students’ writing. Tyler Hudish, MD, won a 2025 LIC Bardsley Teaching Award, and as the student’s essay about Dr. Hudish’s humanistic and inspirational care of veterans, there were few dry eyes in the room of hundreds of faculty members from every specialty.

Though we will continue to refine the new curriculum, it is clear to me that our department should be immensely proud of the work of all the faculty, fellows, and residents for their dedication to academic excellence and inspiring a new generation to join our specialty. I personally could not be more grateful for the incredible work that our team does daily to help the students get an exceptional training experience while still taking excellent care of our patients.

CEDAR: WHERE RECOVERY MEETS COMPASSION

Written by Angel Tran with support from Alexis Ritvo

The Center for Dependency, Addiction and Rehabilitation (CeDAR) stands apart as one of Colorado’s most comprehensive addiction treatment centers. With its strong academic affiliation to the University of Colorado School of Medicine, CeDAR blends cutting-edge clinical care with an academic mission, creating an environment where both patients and future physicians benefit.

At the heart of CeDAR’s work is Alexis Ritvo, MD, the new addiction psychiatry medical director. Dr. Ritvo has been part of CeDAR for many years, first as a trainee and now as a leader. She oversees psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and psychologists, ensuring that patients receive coordinated care while also guiding the next generation of addiction psychiatrists. Her focus remains on training providers to approach their work with skill, compassion, and a deep respect for the humanity of the people they serve.

CeDAR’s approach is intentionally comprehensive. Patients with substance use disorders often also struggle with other cooccurring psychiatric or medical conditions. The medical team, comprised of both addiction psychiatry and addiction medicine specialists, is designed to meet that complexity head on. Every new patient is assessed with American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria to determine the right level of care, whether outpatient services, intensive residential outpatient, residential programs, or medically managed inpatient treatment. This flexibility allows CeDAR to treat individuals with a wide range of needs while keeping care patient centered.

The work does not end when treatment concludes. CeDAR has invested in building an alumni program that helps former patients stay connected to one another and to the facility. Alumni led speaker panels, continuing care groups and recovery meetings provide a network of support, offer a bridge between the structure of residential treatment and the realities of daily life. Many alumni return to these activities regularly, a testament to the lasting impact of community in recovery.

In recent years, CeDAR has seen its patient population grow more diverse, in part due to expanded Medicaid coverage for residential addiction treatment. Dr. Ritvo reflects on the changes with pride, noting how patients who engage in care show significant progress. Some return for additional care during difficult periods, but they do so with a foundation of trust and hope built through CeDAR’s model.

Looking ahead, Dr. Ritvo remains dedicated to mentorship and the future of the field. She emphasizes compassion, curiosity, and optimism as guiding principles for addiction psychiatry. For her, CeDAR is more than a treatment facility. It is a place where psychiatry, education, and recovery intersect to create lasting change.

TRAINING TOMORROW’S PROVIDERS TODAY: TRANSFORMING AND GROWING PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER TRAINING

WrittenbyAngelTranwithsupportfromSarahSchwenk

ThePsychiatricMentalHealthNursePractitioner(PMHNP)program,ledbySarah Schwenk,NP,ischangingthewaythenextgenerationofprovidersaretrainedto meetthegrowingdemandforpsychiatriccare.Atitsheart,theprogramisabout people,patientsgainingaccesstocare,studentsbuildingconfidence,and communitiesbenefitingfromastrongermentalhealthworkforce.

Adefiningfeatureis itsinnovativeclinical model.Insteadof traditionalone-toonetraining,small groupsofstudents learntogetherin outpatient psychiatry.This approachprovides morepatient interactions,richer learning experiences,and stronger preparationfor independent practice.

Whatbeganmorethanfifteen yearsagowithasinglenurse practitionerstudenthas becomeathrivingpartnership withtheCUCollegeofNursing. Astheprogramenters2026,14 full-timestudentsaretaking part,reflectingitssteady growthanddeepcommitment topreparingpractitionersfora complexandevolvingfield.

Theprogram’simpactisalreadyclear.Graduatesaresteppingintothe workforcereadytomakeadifference,andpatientsareexperiencingthe benefitsofexpandedaccesstocompassionateand high-qualitycare.

TRAINING TOMORROW’S PROVIDERS TODAY: TRANSFORMING AND GROWING PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER TRAINING

Written by Angel Tran with support from Sarah Schwenk

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program, led by Sarah Schwenk, NP, is changing the way the next generation of providers are trained to meet the growing demand for psychiatric care. At its heart, the program is about people, patients gaining access to care, students building confidence, and communities benefiting from a stronger mental health workforce.

A defining feature is its innovative clinical model. Instead of traditional one-toone training, small groups of students learn together in outpatient psychiatry. This approach provides more patient interactions, richer learning experiences, and stronger preparation for independent practice.

What began more than fifteen years ago with a single nurse practitioner student has become a thriving partnership with the CU College of Nursing. As the program enters 2026, 14 full-time students are taking part, reflecting its steady growth and deep commitment to preparing practitioners for a complex and evolving field.

A PLACE FORTRAINING

This section features two trainees from the Division of Neuroscience - Drs. Devin Effinger and Kelly Cosgrove. Their stories highlight how personal experiences can impact commitment to excellence in mental health and we are thrilled to have both in our programs.

TRAINEE SPOTLIGHT: DR. DEVIN EFFINGER

Written by Devin Effinger

At 15, Devin Effinger was in an accident that required facial reconstructive surgery and left him with a traumatic brain injury, relearning how to speak. Prescribed OxyContin for the pain, he began to unknowingly misuse it after the murder of his best friend and his mother. Addiction took hold until he got sober in 2011. He went on to build and run a nonprofit serving incarcerated individuals and at-risk youth, where he saw a clear pattern: behind every behavior was unresolved trauma.

Determined to understand—and change—this, he turned to neuroscience, now studying psychedelics as tools to uncover mechanisms shared in addiction, depression, and PTSD with Dr. Scott Thompson in the Laboratory of Translational Psychiatry. As founder of NeuroRecovery Consulting, he combines lived experience with scientific expertise to help individuals and organizations seeking recovery solutions. This fall, he’ll share his message from the TEDxBoulder stage, working to translate the promise of neuroscience into real change, starting where most systems fail: at the root.

TRAINEE SPOTLIGHT: DR. KELLY COSGROVE

Written by Angel Tran with support from Kelly Cosgrove

Dr. Kelly Cosgrove’s journey in developmental neuroscience research is deeply rooted in personal experience. Growing up with a sister who has a developmental disability inspired her commitment to improving health outcomes for neurodivergent youth. After earning her doctorate in clinical psychology and completing a predoctoral internship at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Kelly joined the Department of Psychiatry as a T32/F32 postdoctoral trainee in the Developmental Psychobiology Research Group.

Kelly’s work in the Department explored how exercise might benefit autistic teens physically, socially, and emotionally. As part of a 10-week study, participants were asked to regularly engage in any enjoyable physical activity that elevated their heart rate. Kelly tracked changes in their social behaviors, brain responses using fMRI, and inflammation markers through blood cytokine analysis. Her flexible approach enabled nearly every participant to complete the intervention, scans, and blood draws, underscoring her dedication to making research inclusive and participant-centered.

Her results are already offering new insights into how exercise, a simple and accessible intervention, may influence the neurobiological processes underlying social communication in autistic teens. Now an Assistant Professor at the University of Houston, Kelly is building her own lab focused on using developmental neuroscience to inform novel interventions for neurodivergent youth.

COBE: BRIDGING KNOWLEDGE AND CARE IN BIPOLAR DISORDER

Written by Chris Schneck, Aimee Sullivan and Holly Ables

The Colorado Bipolar Education (“CoBE”) project was started in 2022 by Dr. Christopher Schneck, Dr. Aimee Sullivan, and Program Manager Holly Ables in an effort to provide education to patients, families, and clinicians on the diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder. Funded by generous donations from Sue and Walt Rakowich, the Mandarich Family Foundation, Antoinette L. Anker, Ph.D., and Mr. Alexander Ringsby, CoBE offers free education and evidenced-based information on bipolar disorder in a variety of formats.

The CoBE website is a resource for information on bipolar disorder that includes facts about the illness, self-assessment tools for patients, educational videos, links to other websites, book and app recommendations, and provides upcoming notifications about programs and lectures. Each spring and fall, CoBE hosts a 5lecture Zoom series and Q & A session discussing diagnosis, treatments, lifestyle management, relapse prevention planning, and crisis management for those dealing with the illness or seeking out more information. Dr. Sullivan has given training in the psychotherapy of bipolar disorder to community providers both locally and nationally. Since its inception, more than 300 people have attended the community lectures, and 582 providers have attended training workshops.

Currently, Drs. Schneck and Sullivan are completing a video course for therapists on the fundamentals of diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from bipolar disorder. They hope to launch the course through the Department of Psychiatry’s new Learning Management System, CUPsychlearning.org in the coming months.

ATHLETES, ADVOCATES, ALLIES: COACMH’S FIRST STEP FORWARD

Written by Matt Mishkind

The first annual Coalition of Athletic Communities for Mental Health (COACMH) conference was a two-day event hosted by the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center on February 26 and 27, 2025. The goal of the conference was to bring together interested parties representing a range of backgrounds and organizations to discuss issues that are important to athletics and mental health, identify shared best practices, and develop partnerships to implement solutions.

Conference attendees included athletes, coaches, administrators and other athletic staff, parents and other caregivers, academics, health care providers, and others interested in the intersection of mental health and athletics. Over 50 speakers conducted 12 primarily panel sessions focused on suicide prevention, injuries and mental health, identity and self-worth outside of sport, pressure and performance, debunking “mental toughness”, peer and other supports, and traumatic brain injuries and mental health. Presentations were designed for all levels of athletics from youth to elite levels.

Over 360 unique lives were touched through the conference including 225 inperson attendees and speakers, about 50 student-athletes that attended an evening panel with professional athletes and coaches, and 85 requests for virtual log-in information. Attendees came from over 50% of states, with international attendees participating in person and virtually.

NEUROSCIENCE IN FOCUS: DR. BARBEE’S AWARD

-WINNING RESEARCH

Written by Britton Barbee

Dr. Britton Barbee has been fascinated with neuroscience since she was in elementary school and read a book about Phineas Gage. She completed her graduate training in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology at Emory University and is currently a NIMH T32 Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Psychiatry. Her research, which is conducted in the laboratory of Prof. Amanda J. Law in the Division of Neuroscience, examines how sex and genetic risk factors for neuropsychiatric disease interact to alter neurodevelopmental trajectories and subsequent behavioral and biochemical consequences in adulthood.

In 2025, Dr. Barbee was awarded the NIH Outstanding Scholars in Neuroscience Award, which recognizes trainees across the nation that are “conducting exceptional neuroscience research across the nation and have great academic potential in their scientific training”. This award is a huge honor and will directly enhance her future career by expanding her network of future collaborators and granting her the opportunity to interact directly with NIH intramural scientists and Program Officers. Her long-term career goal is to become an independent scientist at a researchfocused institution.

HOPE THROUGH SCIENCE: THE AVIELLE

INITIATIVE’S VISION FOR CHANGE

Written by Allison Dempsey

The Avielle Initiative was established in memory of Avielle Richman, one of the young lives lost in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The initiative seeks to transform grief into action by promoting brain health, fostering empathy, and reducing violence through science-driven solutions and community engagement. In partnership with the Brain and Behavior Innovation Center (BBICen), the Avielle Initiative Seed Grant for Brain Health Research and Innovation funds cutting-edge brain health research across all stages of the translational science spectrum that will further Avielle’s legacy and goals of building compassion and/or preventing violence. The initiative supports research, education, and outreach that address the root causes of violence and mental health challenges. Among the most impactful programs supported by the initiative are the Parenting Project led by Dr. Jacob Holzman and Brain Camp led by Dr. Tracy Bale.

Dr. Holzman’s project collaborates with Denver Great Kids Head Start to adapt a brief, scalable parenting intervention delivered via telehealth, with the goal of optimizing parental executive functioning to improve overall family well-being. The program meets the needs of struggling families with young children and leverages technology to make care more accessible.

Over the past year, parents who participated in the intervention reported improved confidence and emotional connections with their children whose behavioral challenges also reduced. One parent shared, “I am so thankful for this group. I felt reassured, comfortable, and confident while learning ways to improve my parenting skills. The group helped my child's overall well-being to be a happy, kind, and empathic kid”. The program expanded by providing TeacherChild Interaction Training which uses Bluetooth earpieces to support Head Start teachers in real-time. Over a year, they coached 12 teachers supporting over 70 kids and have expanded this program to universal delivery.

Dr. Bale’s Brain Camp, a free, week-long summer camp that teaches elementaryaged children the fundamentals of brain health through science and art, engaged 25 students from diverse backgrounds in its first year and another 30 students in year two. Using an interactive approach, children explored neuroscience concepts behind perceptions, thoughts, and emotions. They shared what they learned through collaborative artwork that was depicted on five Little Free Library book boxes and five large brain sculptures, known as The Cortex Collection this summer. The public art installations amplify brain health messaging in the community. Brain Camp fills a critical void by offering traumainformed brain health education to children from low-resourced communities, where exposure to adverse childhood experiences is more prevalent. It empowers children with tools for emotional regulation and self-awareness, fostering compassion and helping disrupt cycles of violence.

As we mark nearly 13 years since the tragedy at Sandy Hook, the Avielle Initiative continues to honor Avielle’s legacy by creating meaningful change. These programs not only serve families, educators, and youth but also inspire future generations to lead with empathy and innovation. Please consider donating today to help us continue this vital work. Every contribution supports our mission to foster empathy, improve clinical care, and build a safer, more connected world.

FROM STIGMA TO SCIENCE: BBICEN’S ROLE IN ADVANCING

PSILOCYBIN THERAPY

Written by the BBICen Core Team

The use of psychedelic compounds to treat a wide range of difficult-to-treat psychiatric conditions heralds a potential revolution in the ability to offer fastacting relief of debilitating symptoms. While there is some great excitement about promising early clinical trial results, there is still much that remains uncertain and unknown.

With the support of CU’s Department of Psychiatry’s Brain and Behavior Innovation Center, the human infrastructure Dr. Novick has built for this trial has established CU Anschutz as a valuable collaborator and clinical trial site for the further development of psychedelic compounds.

Faculty in the Department of Psychiatry at CU Anschutz are making important contributions to advance understanding of how to safely deliver these powerful compounds and assess their efficacy.

Colorado voters approved the Natural Medicines Healing Act in 2022, which legalized the provision of psychedelic compounds. Over the past three years, several state regulatory agencies have been formulating the rules under which this process will be implemented.

A group of almost 100 scientists and clinicians with expertise in psychedelics formed the Psychedelic Public Policy Partnership (PPPP) to help advise the regulators as they formulate the rules under which the program will operate. Currently led by Dr. Scott Thompson, Professor of Psychiatry and BBICen Director of Novel Therapeutics, the goal of the PPPP is to ensure that the program is implemented safely and to determine whether it is efficacious by learning from the experience of participants. When asked about his experience with the partnership, Dr. Thompson said, “We have had a positive impact by ensuring the formulation of strict rules for the training of the ‘facilitators’ who will be providing psychedelics and ensuring that participants must undergo thorough pre-screening to determine whether they can take psychedelics safely.”

Dr. Andrew Novick, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, has launched the first randomized clinical trial to test the ability of psilocybin to treat anhedonia, the loss of pleasure that is a common and hard-to-treat symptom of depression. With the support of the Department of Psychiatry’s Brain and Behavior Innovation Center, the human infrastructure Dr. Novick has built for this trial has established CU Anschutz as a valuable collaborator and clinical trial site for the further development of psychedelic compounds.

In October, the team launched the inaugural CU Psychedelic Summit attended by clinicians and researchers from CU Anschutz, CU Bolder, and CU Denver as well as colleagues from the Denver Health Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety and Colorado State University. This summit’s 60 attendees enjoyed a jam-packed program of presentations and posters highlighting this important work. The team looks forward to growth in future events.

2024 PUBLICATIONS

Publications were pulled with the criteria of having a PMID in PubMed with a publication year of 2024. Because this report is being released prior to the end of 2024, last year’s publications are being shared in their entirety for this edition.

All articles shared have at least one Psychiatryaffiliated author. Listings are shared by first author last name, regardless of author’s departmental affiliation.

We have included a selection of our most impactful articles to the right. Please scan the QR code to read a full list publications at the end of the electronic report.

Bhatia D, Battula S, Mikulich-Gilbertson S, Sakai J, Hammond D. Cannabidiol-Only Product Use in Pregnancy in the United States and Canada: Findings From the International Cannabis Policy Study. Obstet Gynecol. 2024 Aug 1;144(2):156-159.

PubMed PMID: 38723262

Heiman, N. (2024). Climate Change in and out of the Therapy Room. Nature Climate Change. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-024-01979-3

Mescher, T., Hacker, R. L., Martinez, L. A., Morris, C. D., Mishkind, M. C., & GarverApgar, C. E. (2024). Mobile Health Apps: Guidance for Evaluation and Implementation by Healthcare Workers. Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science, https://doi.org/10.1007/s41347-024-00441-7

Moon N, Morgan CP, Marx-Rattner R, Jeng A, Johnson RL, Chikezie I, Mannella C, Sammel MD, Epperson CN, Bale TL. Stress increases sperm respiration and motility in mice and men. Nat Commun. 2024 Sep 11;15(1):7900. PubMed PMID: 39261485

Sangchooli A, Zare-Bidoky M, Fathi Jouzdani A, Schacht J, Bjork JM, Claus ED, Prisciandaro JJ, Wilson SJ, Wüstenberg T, Potvin S, Ahmadi P, Bach P, Baldacchino A, Beck A, Brady KT, Brewer JA, Childress AR, Courtney KE, Ebrahimi M, Filbey FM, Garavan H, Ghahremani DG, Goldstein RZ, Goudriaan AE, Grodin EN, Hanlon CA, Haugg A, Heilig M, Heinz A, Holczer A, Van Holst RJ, Joseph JE, Juliano AC, Kaufman MJ, Kiefer F, Khojasteh Zonoozi A, Kuplicki RT, Leyton M, London ED, Mackey S, McClernon FJ, Mellick WH, Morley K, Noori HR, Oghabian MA, Oliver JA, Owens M, Paulus MP, Perini I, Rafei P, Ray LA, Sinha R, Smolka MN, Soleimani G, Spanagel R, Steele VR, Tapert SF, Vollstädt-Klein S, Wetherill RR, Witkiewitz K, Yuan K, Zhang X, Verdejo-Garcia A, Potenza MN, Janes AC, Kober H, Zilverstand A, Ekhtiari H. Parameter Space and Potential for Biomarker Development in 25 Years of fMRI Drug Cue Reactivity: A Systematic Review. JAMA Psychiatry. 2024 Apr 1;81(4):414-425. PubMed PMID: 38324323

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