UCSF Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

08/17/2026

Killing in war can impact veterans in every aspect of their lives. Research has demonstrated that killing in war is associated with adverse mental health outcomes, including an increased risk of , substance abuse disorder, and .

A new study led by UCSF researchers shows that veterans who received impact of killing (IOK) treatment reported better outcomes than those who participated in present-centered therapy (PCT).

PCT centers on issues in the present, rather than what happened in the past, with the goal of improving daily functioning. IOK, on the other hand, shifts the focus directly onto killing in war, diving into its meaning and mental health impact.

To learn about this study, visit here https://psychiatry.ucsf.edu/article/news/treating-moral-injury-impact-killing-during-war.

A new study led by UC San Francisco researchers shows that veterans who received impact of killing (IOK) treatment reported better outcomes than those who participated in present-centered therapy (PCT).

07/22/2026

According to new research co-published by our colleagues UCSF Pediatrics, many pediatric primary care providers lack the training and support needed to manage adolescent substance use. Researchers found that while 74% of child psychiatry access programs offer depression resources, fewer than 60% provide substance use resources—highlighting a critical gap in youth care.

When a pediatric primary care provider suspects a teenager is struggling with substance use, they often have little to no training in how to handle it. Adolescent substance use is complex to address, and with too few addiction specialists available to see young patients, many providers are left with...

07/21/2026

Congratulations to Carly Demopoulos, PhD, on being selected as a 2026 ARCHES Mid-Career Development Program awardee! This well-deserved recognition celebrates outstanding mentorship.

07/20/2026

Last week, we were honored to host 30 students from several HBCUs at the Pritzker Building and ZSFG as part of Black to San Francisco ( )—a unique, cross-cultural experience that connects education, career exposure, and community engagement.

07/03/2026

Readings: Evaluating the causal effect of mitochondrial dysfunction on Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease using polygenic risk scores and Mendelian randomization

https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.71469

07/02/2026

As primary care providers continue to address growing mental health needs, many are turning to consultation services to better support patients. Programs like Cal-MAP have become an essential resource for PCPs navigating this critical gap in care.

Read here for more, https://ow.ly/AXwM50Z4VNW .

With a mental health care provider shortage and many patients’ seeking mental health support, primary care doctors have stepped up to the front lines.

07/02/2026

Readings: A self-guided app-based intervention for racially and ethnically minoritized individuals who experience discrimination-related mental health symptoms: Randomized controlled trial

Background: Racially and ethnically minoritized individuals (REMs) who experience discrimination are at risk of developing stress, anxiety, and depression, and digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) can make evidence-based treatments such as mindfulness available to these groups. However, REMs....

07/01/2026

Readings: Indigenous knowledge systems and science: Towards ethical and reciprocal collaboration

Indigenous Peoples have cultivated and protected natural psychoactive medicines through ceremony, kinship, and spiritual responsibility across generations, yet their long-standing contributions have often been marginalized through extractive research, commercialization, and policy exclusion. It is I...

06/30/2026

Readings: treatment data from chronic studies and the application to individuals with acute insomnia, a narrative review

A variety of pharmacologic treatments are approved for insomnia, encompassing a range of mechanisms of action, including some treatments with published data in models of acute insomnia. However, most studies are conducted in individuals with chronic insomnia. Thus, it is unclear whether data from st...

06/29/2026

Readings: A protocol for a randomized comparative effectiveness trial for treating PTSD symptoms for LGBTQIA+ people

This study will fill critical research gaps to inform effective PTSD treatments for LGBTQIA+ communities.