Join us in honoring the growth, challenges and accomplishments of the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Psychiatry over the past year.

Providing a space of shared strength and resilience for our Weill Cornell Medicine community, the Department of Psychiatry has responded swiftly to provide support in the face of tragedy. Immediate support efforts included live support groups for our internal Weill Cornell Medicine community, hosted by Drs. Stephanie Cherestal and Judith Cukor.

In March of 2023, the FDA's approval of Naloxone, often referred to as Narcan, for over-the-counter sale marked a pivotal decision for treating the opioid epidemic in the United States. While barriers still exist in ensuring widespread access to this life-saving medication, the immediate implications of this regulatory change cannot be underestimated.

In the wake of the terrorist attack in Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza, as well as terrorism and violence around the world and in our communities, the Center for Youth Mental Health at  NewYork-Presbyterian  Hospital has created a guide to help you and your family with having difficult conversations and coping with tragedies.

To spread awareness about suicide prevention, the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Psychiatry is partnering with our colleagues in medicine to spread prevention awareness to different communities. To learn more about how to spread awareness or provide support to yourself or someone in need, we invite you to explore our resources, follow us on social media and attend our suicide prevention month events.

Substance use disorders and the stigma surrounding addiction continue to be pressing issues in society, particularly in relation to the devastating impact of opioid addiction. Weill Cornell Medicine is dedicated to combating these challenges through its Program for Substance Use and Stigma of Addiction. Led by Dr. Jonathan Avery, Vice Chair for Addiction Psychiatry, the program aims to diminish the stigma associated with addiction while enhancing the lives of those affected.

May is a significant month for mental health advocates and professionals alike, as it marks both Mental Health Awareness Month and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Awareness Month. With the aim of promoting understanding, reducing stigma and emphasizing the importance of mental well-being, these observances serve as powerful reminders of the ongoing work needed to support individuals facing mental health challenges.

We are happy to announce the growth of our leadership team to include Justin A. Chen, M.D., M.P.H. As of February 1, 2023, Dr. Chen will be joining the faculty of Weill Cornell Medicine as our new Vice Chair for Ambulatory Services and Vice Chair for Health Justice. In these new roles, Dr.

The Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Psychiatry continues to grow its leadership team with the addition of Leonardo V. Lopez, M.D., as Vice Chair for Inpatient Services effective February 1, 2023. In this new role, Dr. Lopez will be responsible for collaborating with NewYork-Presbyterian leadership to contribute to the development, implementation, and ongoing oversight of the psychiatry inpatient hospital services at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, Westchester Behavioral Health, and NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist.

With the start of a new year comes the creation of new year’s resolutions. We hope that 2023 brings you the inspiration and strength to focus on your mental health and wellness.