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.

Dealing With Antipsychotics, Alzheimer's »
Most Alzheimer’s patients prescribed antipsychotic drugs for delusions, agitation or aggression do no better than those who take a placebo because so many discontinue the drugs due to significant side effects, according to a new nationwide study led by Lon Schneider, professor of psychiatry, neurology and gerontology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

Carlos N. Pato, M.D., named Chair of
Psychiatry Department »
Carlos N. Pato, M.D., a renowned clinician and researcher into the genetics of neuropsychiatric disorders, has been named Chair of the Keck School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.