About Us
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Welcome From Division Chief
The University of Louisville Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Division is dedicated to advancing the mental health and well-being of children, adolescents and families through excellence in clinical care, research and education. Our faculty, trainees and staff share a commitment to improving the lives of young people through compassionate, evidence-based care, innovative scientific discovery and the development of future leaders in pediatric mental health.
Mental health is shaped by a complex interplay of biological, developmental, social and environmental factors. Our division brings together experts across disciplines to address these challenges across the continuum of care. From neurodevelopmental disorders and chronic illness to health equity and the social determinants of health, we work collaboratively to improve outcomes for children and adolescents while strengthening the systems that support them.
Research is a cornerstone of our mission and a driving force behind our impact. The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Division has contributed a substantial body of research addressing critical clinical, training and systemic challenges in youth mental health. Highlights include investigations of first-line behavioral interventions for preschool-aged children enrolled in Medicaid prior to pharmacologic treatment, as well as a randomized clinical trial evaluating light therapy as a means of improving quality of life and reducing depression among adolescents and young adults undergoing cancer treatment.
Our faculty are also committed to advancing health equity and improving systems of care. Recent studies have identified best practices for supporting youth involved in the child welfare system and developed approaches to strengthen psychiatry training related to autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Additional research has examined neurodevelopmental predictors of substance use, the influence of social determinants of health on pediatric transplant outcomes and factors associated with ADHD severity. Other important investigations have explored the impact of media portrayals of suicide, parenting stress associated with child irritability and ADHD, and the factors that contribute to mental health readmissions among children and adolescents. Collectively, this work reflects our dedication to addressing both the clinical and societal factors that influence youth mental health.
Education and mentorship remain central to everything we do. Our nationally recognized training programs prepare the next generation of psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals to lead with compassion, curiosity and scientific rigor. Through hands-on clinical experiences, research opportunities and dedicated mentorship, our trainees develop the skills needed to transform emerging evidence into exceptional patient care and meaningful advances in the field.
We invite you to learn more about our programs, connect with our faculty and trainees, and join us in our mission to advance child and adolescent mental health through innovation, collaboration and excellence.
