A podcast for clinicians about the latest psychiatric research. Thea Gallagher, PsyD, of NYU Langone Health interviews leading researchers about advances in their respective fields, revealing insights that clinicians can apply today.
NYU Langone Health Department of Psychiatry
What if mental health care worked more like cancer treatment—tailored to the individual, informed by biology, and driven by data? Charles Marmar, MD, Chair of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, takes us through the latest advances in precision psychiatry. From brain imaging to digital phenotyping, Dr. Marmar outlines the tools shaping a future where treatment is fully customized. He also shares stories from the front lines: a patient whose depression was treated with the help of a brain biopsy, why PTSD and depression aren't one-size-fits-all, and how quantum computing could radically accelerate psychiatric research.
There's a care model for schizophrenia that actually works—why isn't it everywhere? On this episode, W. Gordon Frankle, MD, MBA, Vice Chair of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health, shares how his team in Brooklyn is building a new model for treating serious mental illness—one rooted in long-term, relationship-driven, team-based care. From wraparound services to precision psychiatry, this conversation explores what happens when you bring humanity, structure, and innovation to a population too often left behind.Also discussed:The first novel schizophrenia drug in over 50 years (Cobenfy)Why clozapine is underused—and how that may finally changeThe potential of brain imaging and biomarkers in psychiatric treatmentWhat a real community mental health system looks likeWhy trust, not just treatment, is essential for recovery
How could a single psychedelic treatment cause lasting change? Joshua Siegel, MD, PhD, is on a mission to find out. A leading expert on neuroimaging and neuropsychopharmacology at NYU Langone's Center for Psychedelic Medicine, Dr. Siegel unpacks how psilocybin may spark neuroplasticity and reshape the depressed brain. He also gives us an inside look at the race to develop non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analogs. Dr. Siegel is an assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
What if a simple conversation in the emergency room could reveal who's most at risk for PTSD before symptoms even begin? Katharina Schultebraucks, PhD, shares her innovative work on using machine learning to forecast mental health outcomes and explains how AI could revolutionize how we detect, prevent, and treat psychiatric disorders. Dr. Schultebraucks is Co-Director of the Computational Psychiatry Program and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
How do you help a child with ADHD stay organized, on task, and confident in school? Richard Gallagher, PhD, a child and adolescent psychologist at NYU Langone Health, shares groundbreaking research on organizational skills training for children with ADHD—a behavioral treatment that's changing lives and improving classroom performance. This episode dives into how executive functioning challenges manifest in real life, the strengths (and limits) of technology, and the power of parent training and therapeutic coaching to help children thrive.Dr. Richard Gallagher is Associate Professor in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and Director of the Organization Skills Program.
ADHD isn't just a childhood condition—many adults go undiagnosed for years. Lenard Adler, MD, Director of the Adult ADHD Program at NYU Langone Health, breaks down the nuances of ADHD in adults, the challenges of proper diagnosis, and the latest treatments available. Learn about his research, the screening tools his team has developed, and what's on the horizon for adult ADHD care.
Despite affecting more Americans than diabetes, substance use is often left out of routine medical care. In this episode, NYU Langone Health's Jennifer McNeely, MD—a clinician investigator, primary care and addiction medicine physician—explains why that must change. From the surprising history behind addiction's exclusion from mainstream medicine to the innovative screening tools shaping the future of care, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in addiction care and healthcare policy.Jennifer McNeely, MD, is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Population Health at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and co-director of the Section on Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drug Use.
What makes addiction treatment truly effective? Behavioral scientist Charles Neighbors, MBA, PhD, shares groundbreaking research on the importance of therapeutic relationships, harm reduction, and human connection—love!—in treating substance use disorders. Dr. Neighbors is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Population Health, and Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
For the final episode of Season 2, we're joined by Dr. Samuele Cortese, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Southampton (UK) and Adjunct Full Professor at NYU Langone. Together we explore the intersection of pediatric ADHD and precision psychiatry, including the disorder's genetic underpinnings and evolving treatment options.00:00 Introduction00:54 Dr. Cortese's Research Journey02:11 Global Perspectives and Challenges in ADHD Treatment03:51 Advances in ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment06:41 Role of Genetics in ADHD09:33 Precision Treatment and Stratification12:17 Treatment Adherence and Shared Decision-Making23:55 Connection Between ADHD and Obesity28:39 Non-Stimulant Alternatives and Future Directions in ADHD Treatment32:16 Non-Pharmacological Treatments37:28 Advice for Clinicians and Closing ThoughtsVisit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Dr. Timothy Wilens is a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. His research interest include the relationship between ADHD, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders; ADHD pharmacotherapy; and stimulant medication misuse.On this episode, Dr. Wilens discusses the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in ADHD, as well as its lifelong implications. He takes us through the evolution of ADHD treatment, from behavioral therapies to modern pharmacological interventions, including stimulant and non-stimulant medications, and the application of digital therapeutics. The conversation also touches on the stigma surrounding ADHD, the role of precision medicine, and the future of ADHD research.00:00 Introduction02:50 Evolution of ADHD Treatment04:43 Stigma and Misconceptions12:18 Importance of Early Intervention15:02 ADHD Symptoms and Treatment Approaches30:02 Addressing Concerns About Stimulant Medications35:50 Navigating the Complexities of ADHD Medication41:22 Future of ADHD Research and Treatment43:20 ConclusionVisit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Dr. Ira Glick is Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University Medical Center, where he has served as director of the Schizophrenia Research Clinic. On this episode, he discusses his research journey, which began in the 1960s and followed a shift from psychoanalysis to biological psychiatry. He addresses the broken social safety net for schizophrenia patients, including the controversial topic of treating some patients against their will, as well as the challenges of medication adherence, and the stigma surrounding severe mental illness.00:00 Introduction00:49 Evolution of Schizophrenia Treatment04:34 Science Behind Schizophrenia Medications07:39 Addressing the Public Health Challenges of Schizophrenia11:15 Stigma and Misunderstanding of Severe Mental Illness21:44 Innovative Treatment Approaches and the Future of Schizophrenia Care31:36 Importance of Public Health Interventions and Political Will35:45 Closing Remarks and Future DirectionsVisit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Dr. Christin Drake is Clinical Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Diversity and Equity in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. On this episode, Dr. Drake discusses ongoing efforts to improve mental health equity, including by improving psychiatric services for underserved groups, gathering better data, and boosting diversity among health care providers. She also discusses the importance of integrating mental health care into perinatal services and challenges the conventional wisdom about stigma toward mental health care in the Black community.00:00 Introduction00:55 Dr. Drake's Vision for Equity in Mental Health Care03:46 Addressing Racial Inequities in Psychiatry: A Critical Conversation04:45 The Importance of Representation and Mentorship in Psychiatry10:32 Building Foundations for Health Equity: Data and Systemic Change22:16 Integrating Psychiatric Care into Perinatal Health33:31 Rethinking Mental Health Stigma in the Black Community38:08 Future Projects and Closing ThoughtsVisit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Dr. John Krystal is Chair of Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine. He is best known for leading the discovery of the rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine, which paved the way for the first major new antidepressant drug in decades. Here, Dr. Krystal talks about what we've learned in the five years since esketamine nasal spray was approved by the FDA, including efforts to predict treatment response, dosage and frequency, safety, and long-term impact. He also discusses advances in our understanding of alcohol use disorder and weighs in on the search for psychiatric biomarkers.00:00 Introduction01:01 Dr. Krystal's Research Journey03:32 What We've Learned Since Esketamine's FDA Approval05:59 Avoiding Misuse08:11 Optimizing Dosage16:25 Predicting Treatment Outcomes24:17 Ketamine vs. Psychedelics25:48 Advances in the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder32:33 Precision Psychiatry and Personalized Treatment Approaches39:49 Psychiatric Biomarkers41:03 The Future of Psychiatric Research and TreatmentVisit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Dr. Robert Findling is Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. Here he discusses recent advances in pediatric mental health, including his own research on aggression and schizophrenia in young people. Dr. Findling also shares his thoughts on the crisis of teen suicide, the lingering impact of COVID-19 on children's mental health, and the need for early and collaborative interventions.00:00 Introduction00:46 Clinical and Research Journey02:56 Aggression with impulsivity and reactivity (AIR)06:48 Precision Pediatric Psychiatry15:34 Schizophrenia20:31 What Kids Need to Thrive23:10 Teen Suicide25:09 Role of Schools and Primary Care30:58 Loneliness Epidemic Among Children32:32 Improving Access to Pediatric Mental Health Care40:00 Bipolar Disorder43:24 Future Research and Hope for Young Patients45:11 Conclusion: Importance of Early InterventionVisit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Dr. Charles Nemeroff is Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Texas-Austin's Dell Medical School. He is also co-director of the Center for Psychedelic Research and Therapy, and director of the Institute for Early Life Adversity Research. His research is focused on the pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders with a focus on the role of child abuse and neglect as a major risk factor.00:00 Introduction00:52 Dr. Nemeroff's Research Journey01:55 Childhood Maltreatment as Risk Factor04:53 Advances and Challenges in Precision Psychiatry07:33 Psychedelic Medicine (incl. blinding issues and potential adverse events)20:50 How Psychedelics Disrupt the "Circle of Hell"30:00 Psilocybin as Potential Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa38:32 Screening for Childhood Maltreatment41:30 Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)44:14 Focused Ultrasound46:32 Prescribing MAOIs49:34 ConclusionVisit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Dr. Helen Riess is Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Director of Empathy Research and Training in the Psychotherapy Research Group at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is also Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Empathetics, a company that provides science-based empathy and interpersonal skills training for healthcare professionals. Her research focuses on improving empathy and relational skills in physicians.00:00 Introduction01:14 Defining Empathy03:38 Empathy and Burnout05:00 Care for the Caregiver07:52 Exquisite Empathy and Burnout09:18 Building Empathy and Avoiding Overburden10:45 Developing Boundaries in Clinical Practice11:45 Training and Teaching Empathy13:42 Model for Recognizing Emotion in Others15:11 Becoming Emotion Detectives19:31 Leadership's Role in Creating Supportive Workplaces23:22 Benefits of Empathy Training29:07 Technology and Empathy Training34:18 Research on MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy37:43 Building Empathy and Compassion40:07 Taking Small Steps Towards Empathy42:32 Resources for Building Empathy43:28 Future of Empathy TrainingThe Empathy Effect (Dr. Riess's book)The Power of Empathy (TEDx Talk)Visit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Dr. Christopher Pittenger is a Professor of Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine and Director of the Yale OCD Research Clinic. In this episode, he discusses the neurobiology, symptomology, and treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), including potential new treatments such as psychedelics, neurofeedback, glutamate modulators, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). 00:00 Introduction00:41 Why is OCD Underdiagnosed?02:19 Impact of OCD on Individuals03:40 Taboo Nature of OCD Thoughts06:10 Biomarkers08:06 Neurobiology14:20 Serotonin16:48 Heterogeneity of OCD24:00 Glutamate Modulators29:33 Ketamine33:13 Psilocybin38:23 Neurofeedback44:01 Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)47:22 Relationship Between Depression and OCD50:24 Future of OCD TreatmentVisit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Dr. Richard Davidson is the William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Founder & Director of the Center for Healthy Minds. In this episode, he discusses the current state of research on mindfulness and meditation as mental health interventions.00:00 Introduction02:15 Focus areas in current research04:37 Well-being as a universal intervention06:21 Beyond mindfulness: other forms of meditation 07:24 Four pillars of well-being: awareness, connection, insight, and purpose13:04 Healthy Minds Program and the impact of short daily meditation practices17:05 Comparison of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and the Healthy Minds Program, focusing on accessibility and time commitment20:55 The potential for structural changes in the brain with meditation26:24 Integrating mindfulness and meditation into clinical practice28:06 Micro-supports for everyday well-being33:27 Mindfulness and social connection35:06 Future research directions, including the concept of a flourishing cityVisit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Dr. Ronald Kessler is the McNeil Family Professor of Health Care Policy at Harvard Medical School. His groundbreaking work on the social determinants of mental health, studied from an epidemiological perspective, has made him the most widely cited psychiatric researcher in the world. In this wide-ranging conversation, he talks about precision psychiatry's enormous potential and incremental development, delving into his own efforts to better identify at-risk patients and predict treatment efficacy. Dr. Kessler stresses the need for better data and bigger studies, and envisions a future of AI-supported clinicians.00:00 Introduction00:53 Dr. Kessler's Journey to Precision Psychiatry02:45 The Importance of Data04:14 Risk Factors and Treatment Optimization10:42 Successes and Challenges13:23 The Importance of Baseline Information23:46 Machine Learning in Veterans Health24:27 Determining Suicide Risk25:35 Interventions and Cost-Effectiveness26:16 Esketamine Trials and Response Prediction27:07 Risk Models and Comparative Risk Models27:15 Insomnia Treatment in Military Personnel29:36 Cost-Benefit Analyses35:45 AI in Medicine and Patient Response42:21 Future of Precision Psychiatry45:51 Closing RemarksVisit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Dr. Petros Levounis is President of the American Psychiatric Association and a leader in addiction research. He joins host Thea Gallagher, PsyD, to talk about the latest in addiction medicine, the state of the opioid crisis, the growing problem of technology addiction, and the promise and risks of psychedelic medicine. He also shares his hopes for the future of psychiatry, including better integration of diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes for people with mental health disorders.00:00 Introduction to NYU Langone Insights on Psychiatry00:16 Dr. Levounis's role and priorities as APA president00:46 The State of Addiction Medicine02:12 Neurobiology of Addiction03:37 Interplay Between Mental Health and Addiction06:03 Potential and Challenges of Psychedelic Medicine08:37 Cannabis and Tech Addictions10:11 Addressing the Opioid Crisis: Strategies and Solutions15:28 Addressing Technological Addictions28:55 The Future of Psychiatry: Goals and Aspirations35:47 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsVisit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Starting this fall, we're releasing 12 more conversations with the best minds in psychiatry. Subscribe wherever you're listening, so you won't miss an episode.Visit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Dr. Carla Nasca is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Neuroscience and Physiology at NYU Langone, where she studies epigenetic mechanisms of neuroplasticity to stress. Dr. Nasca's work led to the discovery of acetyl-L-carnitine (LAC), a metabolite found in the mitochondria, as a promising biological marker of depression.Topics:acetyl-L-carnitine (LAC) and major depressive disorderHow stress changes the brain on a structural/molecular levelRisk factors for stress-induced disordersMachine learningMore information: https://www.cdr.rfmh.org/research/nasca-lab/Visit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Dr. Tanya Sippy is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Neuroscience and Physiology at NYU Langone. She's also Principal Investigator at the Sippy Lab and Associate Director of the Psychedelic Medicine Research Training Program. Her research explores the neural mechanisms that underlie how sensory stimuli become associated with goal-directed behavior. Topics:How learning changes sensory representation (with implications for understanding addiction, etc.)Recent research on the functions of dopamine and serotoninHype vs reality of psychedelicsRegulation of ketamine clinics More information: https://www.sippylab.com/Visit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Dr. Andrew Nierenberg is a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Director of the MGH Dauten Family Center for Bipolar Treatment Innovation. He completed his residency in psychiatry at New York University/Bellevue Hospital.Topics:Lithium vs antipsychoticsSMART BD (Sequential Multiple Assignment of Randomized Treatment)Bipolar Learning Health NetworkMedication concordanceMore information:https://brain.harvard.edu/?people=andrew-nierenbergVisit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Dr. Alan Schatzberg is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford Medicine, and Director of the Stanford Mood Disorders Center. His research examines the biology and psychopharmacology of depressive disorders. An NYU School of Medicine alumnus, Dr. Schatzberg was President of the American Psychiatric Association from 2009-2010.Topics:Ketamine and Esketamine (incl. mechanisms of action)Ketamine and obsessive-compulsive disorderOpioidsPsychedelic medicineFor more information:https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/alan-schatzbergVisit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Dr. Michael Bogenschutz is a Professor of Psychiatry at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and Director of the NYU Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine.Topics:Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for alcohol use disorderMDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSDPsychedelic medicine for the "worried well"The role of the mystical experienceComparing different psychedelic medicinesMechanisms of actionTreatment protocolsSafety and risk-mitigationTopics for further investigationCited:Percentage of Heavy Drinking Days Following Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy vs Placebo in the Treatment of Adult Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder (August 2022)For more information:https://centerforpsychedelicmedicine.org/Visit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Dr. Omonigho M. Bubu is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Population Health at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, where he studies the connection between sleep and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as social determinants of health as they relate to cognitive health. In this interview, he discusses the importance of sleep, especially for people at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.Topics:Alzheimer's disease (AD)Associations between sleep and increased AD riskSleep patterns in minoritized communitiesObstructive sleep apneaDementia and cognitive declineSocial determinants of healthCited:Obstructive sleep apnea, cognition and Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review integrating three decades of multidisciplinary research (2020)Sleep, Cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2016)Visit our website for more information:https://physicianfocus.nyulangone.org/nyu-langone-insights-on-psychiatry-podcast/Visit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Naomi Simon, MD, talks about her research into mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and yoga as treatments for anxiety disorders. Dr. Simon is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and Director of the Anxiety, Stress, and Prolonged Grief Program.Topics:Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)Kundalini yogaSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)Access to MBSR & Yoga (including smartphone apps)Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)ExerciseMechanism(s) of actionCited: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction vs Escitalopram for the Treatment of Adults With Anxiety Disorders (Nov. 2022)Visit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Mohammed Milad, PhD, discusses recent research into fear conditioning, regulation, and extinction. Dr. Milad is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Director of the Behavioral Neuroscience Program.Topics covered:Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)Estrogen and PTSDPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)MeditationDeep brain stimulationVisit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Ayana Jordan, MD, PhD, is the Barbara Wilson Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, an Associate Professor in the Department of Population Health, and the Pillar Lead for the Institute for Excellence in Health Equity.Topics covered:Lack of improvement in health equity nationwideAdvice for clinicians on providing equitable careStructural competence vs. cultural competenceThoughts on integrating alternative therapies (ex. acupuncture, spirituality)Using data to improve health equityVisit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Lenard A. Adler, MD, is a Professor of Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Director of the Adult ADHD Program at NYU Langone Health. Topics covered:Symptomology (incl. sluggish cognitive tempo)Screening and diagnostic toolsPharmacological treatments (and recent developments)Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)Medication shortageApproaches to treatment-refractory patientsVisit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Dan Iosifescu, MD, is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and director of clinical research at the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research. His research has led to the validation of novel treatments for patients with severe mood and anxiety disorders, including pharmacological treatments such as ketamine and other glutamatergic drugs, and devices such as novel forms of magnetic stimulation.Topics covered:Ketamine and EsketamineWhy certain people respond better to certain medicationsSSRI mechanism of actionTranscranial magnetic stimulationVisit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
Charles R. Marmar, MD, is the Peter H. Schub Professor of Psychiatry and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health. He also serves as Director of the Center for Precision Medicine in Alcohol Use Disorders and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and as Executive Director of the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Center.Topics covered:The shortcomings of existing "gold-standard" treatments for PTSDCreating subtypes of PTSDStudy of gabapentin enacarbil and heavy drinkersStudy of gender differences in efficacy of SSRIs and other antidepressantsThe need for objectivity in psychiatric diagnosis and treatmentInternationally renowned for his expertise in PTSD for over 25 years, Dr. Marmar's focus ranges from combat-related conditions in military veterans to PTSD in refugees and earthquake victims. He has served on multiple committees and scientific advisory groups at the national level for both the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and as counsel to the VA Medical Centers, fire departments, disaster response teams and police departments, including the NYPD.Visit our website for more insights on psychiatry.Podcast producer: Jon Earle
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