UCI Clinical Science Digest Vol. 3

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JANUARY 2024| VOL. 3

CLINICAL Ψ SCIENCE DIGEST The UCI clinical psychology area newsletter

In this Issue

Our Statement of Purpose The clinical psychology area at UCI will lead the search for new knowledge in assessment, understanding, prevention, and treatment of psychological disorders and mental health concerns from an inclusive perspective that is psychologically, ecologically, socially, and biologically informed. In this service, we will train clinical scientists to produce, implement, evaluate, and disseminate psychological science and to function as leaders in academic, research, and applied settings to improve the human condition from an inclusive lens.

Letter from the DCT..............................................page 2 Meet the 1st Years.................................................page 3 Getting to Know Dr. Kate Kuhlman.....................page 7 UCI’s Psychological Services Center....................page 9 External Practicum Sites....................................page 10 Tradition in the Making......................................page 11 AI in Psych............................................................page 13 Clinical Labs Spotlight ........................................page 15 Student Publications ..........................................page 18 Student Awards..................................................page 20 Student Presentations .......................................page 21 Fun Outside the Lab ...........................................page 23 Support Clinical Psychology at UCI! .................page 27 2023-2024 Newsletter Committee....................page 28

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Letter from the Director of Clinical Training, Jason Schiffman, Ph.D.

Midway through our third year, and we’re still going strong. There have been a number of exciting updates you will discover throughout this newsletter, with every development further solidifying our values of compassion, inclusion, and excellence. These accomplishments are fueled by a community that champions kindness, shares a common belief in our collective purpose, and collaborates to generate outcomes greater than any individual could achieve on their own. Our march towards American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation took a significant step forward with the submission of our comprehensive 200+ page self-study. This documentation meticulously details the nature and structure of our program and safely made its way to the APA in the spring of 2023. The APA's overwhelmingly positive response immediately advanced us to the next phase of accreditation—a site visit scheduled for the fall of 2024. I am particularly enthusiastic about the collaborative effort invested in creating this exhaustive document. Our self-study stands as a testament to true teamwork, with contributions from students, staff, faculty, and upper administration, "Investing in doctoral encapsulating the collective "self" in our pursuit of accreditation. Whereas the self-study represents our past and future trajectories, the training in clinical establishment of our low-cost training, research, and services clinic is poised to make an immediate impact on addressing the mental health crisis the clinical psychology at UCI will area is charged to address. Under the leadership of Dr. Naomi Tabak, and with support from Dean Gould and Senior Assistant Dean Dos Santos, the nurture pioneering minds Psychological Services Clinic is ready to launch! Dr. Tabak and her team, including 3rd-year graduate student Kit Wisloski, are spearheading a clinic aimed eager to not only enhance at addressing health disparities and offering cutting-edge, evidence-based services to underserved community members. Simultaneously, the clinic is our community but also dedicated to training our students to become adept clinical scientists and leaders. The clinic will be open for service this winter…let us know if you’d like illuminate the world." an invitation to our ribbon-cutting ceremony! As has been true in our prior two years, we once again managed to recruit some of the most outstanding applicants nationwide to join our ranks. Ellie, Maggie, Ceouna, Jazlyn, and Tiffany represent the best of the best in the exceedingly competitive applicant pool for doctoral programs in clinical psychology. Amidst over 325 applicants, these five emerged as the most driven, passionate, brilliant, creative, kind, and qualified to join our community. Having read about their achievements through their applications and having the privilege of teaching them in my psychological assessment class, I am convinced that these five individuals will leave an indelible mark on the world. The future of our program and the landscape of psychological science are in their capable hands. Supporting our new recruits and shining brightly as always, our second and third-year students continue to impact the landscape of our community and our field. Second-year students, Allie, Frances, Jen, Julia, Madison, Maksim, and Meghan, have all been excelling in every way imaginable. Serving as mentors and models for the new students, this group has thrived in classwork, teaching undergraduates, leadership roles, and research endeavors. The second year of graduate school, typically laden with high class loads, burgeoning expectations for independent research, and the commencement of practicum training, has not deterred these students. Instead, they have managed their responsibilities with grace and excellence, presenting at national conferences, clinching multiple awards, and publishing scientifically rigorous and clinically pertinent papers. Under the guidance of our esteemed Associate Director of Clinical Training, Professor Jessie Borelli, our current third-year students—Aru, David, Emily, Fatemah, Kit, Lychee, Madeline, Miranda, and Rosa—continue their hands-on practicum training. Functioning as mental health therapists, they effectively translate academic knowledge into tangible mental health services within various settings, including hospitals, neuropsychological centers, private practices, and schools. Their achievements across these settings signify their adeptness in diverse environments and complement their stellar research accomplishments. Additionally, the third-year cohort remains committed to broadening the reach of clinical psychology. Collaborating with several second-year students and the Diverse Educational Community and Doctoral Experience committee (“DECADE”), they hosted a day-long workshop for undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds, focusing on the psychology graduate school application process. The initiative's value at UCI was evident, as it earned a $5,000 award to expand over the next two years. Each member of our community shines with a unique light. Together, our collective potential exceeds the sum of our individual contributions. Since our inaugural cohort's arrival, we've consistently surpassed even our highest hopes, assuring me that our path ahead is extremely bright. While our students are exceptional and our progress to date remarkable, we envision surpassing current heights with additional support and mentorship. We warmly welcome those who resonate with our mission and values. Irrespective of your background or what you can give, investing in UCI's Clinical Psychology program will nurture pioneering minds eager to not only enhance our community but also illuminate the world. Together, we're poised to shine even brighter, and we extend a sincere invitation for you to consider joining us on this transformative journey.

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Meet the 1st Years!

Ceouna Hegwood Who is your graduate mentor and what are you looking forward to learning from them? Dr. Jason Schiffman. I am really thankful and excited to be working with someone who is very passionate about making the world a better place. Specifically, as it applies to psychosis risk and care access to mental health resources for vulnerable populations. I am excited to learn more about psychosis risk and the different methodologies used to study diverse populations within this realm of research. Where did you complete your undergraduate degree? What was your major? I graduated from Purdue University with a B.S. in Brain and Behavioral Sciences and a B.A. in Law and Society. What was your favorite course in college? Abnormal Psychology or The Sociology of Marriage Why are you getting your PhD in Clinical Psychology? What made you pursue this career path? Growing up with family members having severe mental illnesses (SMI) really changed my perspective on life and what I wanted my impact to be. With these experiences, I noticed significant barriers that my family had to overcome to understand their schizophrenia diagnoses and receive effective care. I thought to myself that there must be a way to fix this issue, although I had no clue how I could do that. Being a first-generation student meant that I didn't know a lot about different career paths. It wasn't until I took my abnormal psychology class during my sophomore year of undergrad that I was introduced to research as a career. Overall, my decision to get my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology is due to the flexibility this degree will offer me to create the most amount of impact on the broader world and my community. It will allow me to answer questions to improve the outcomes of racial minorities (specifically black-identifying individuals) at high risk for psychosis and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, understand and serve diverse and disadvantaged communities by providing assessment, therapeutic, and intervention services, and mentor and encourage other minority students to pursue careers in research by providing support to first-generation students as my mentors have for me. What was your dream job as a child? To become a Hollywood actress. Fun fact: At the age of 6, I was chosen to be the face of the "Got Milk" campaign. If your life was a TV show, what would it be called? Love is "Double" Blind: A randomized control trial on ability to balance grad school with having a personal life What's your dream vacation spot? Dubai What's your favorite thing about UCI/Irvine/Orange County so far? I really enjoy the weather and access to picture perfect nature scenes. You can walk outside for immediate stress relieving effects. What’s your go-to comfort food? Mac-n-cheese because who doesn't love cheese!

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Margaret “Maggie” Canady Who is your graduate mentor and what are you looking forward to learning from them? Dr. Alyson Zalta. I am so excited to learn more about the ways Dr. Zalta conceptualizes and measures traumatic stress and resilience! Where did you complete your undergraduate degree? What was your major? I completed my undergraduate degree at Harvard College. I majored in Psychology and minored in Dance! What was your favorite course in college? My favorite course in college was a class called the Psychology of Women – it completely changed the way I thought about intersectional identities in the context of psychological science and the world at large. Why are you getting your PhD in Clinical Psychology? What made you pursue this career path? I am getting my PhD in Clinical Psychology in order to contribute to psychological science both as a trauma researcher and as a clinician. Through my work, I aim to reduce barriers to mental health access, including cost and stigmatization, and contribute to research that supports culturally responsive trauma interventions. I decided to pursue this career path because, like most clinical psychologists, one of my central values is to help people – in whatever I do, I aim to give back and uplift my community. What was your dream job as a child? Tennis player...even though I never took tennis lessons. If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you win the Gold medal for? I would win gold for being able to sing all of the lyrics to ANY early 2000s country song. How do you destress/relax? Hot yoga, dancing, and going on long walks! I've been a dancer for 20+ years, so the dance studio feels like my second home. If your life right now were a TV show, what would it be called? Wherever you go, there you are What's your dream vacation spot? 6 month long backpacking trip starting in New Zealand, ending in Japan! What's your favorite thing about UCI/Irvine/Orange County so far? I am amazed at how supportive everyone at UCI has been. Even though it's only been a few weeks, I already feel like I belong in this program and at this institution. I am inspired by all my peers and the faculty! What's your go-to comfort food? Any type of soup! Tiffany Tao Who is your graduate mentor and what are you looking forward to learning from them? Dr. Roxane Silver. I am excited to join the lab and explore how people cope under individual and collective trauma, and what are the social and cognitive factors that could shape resilience. I hope to learn how to ground my research in theories and how to pursue scientific rigor with methodological quality. Where did you complete your undergraduate degree? What was your major? The University of Hong Kong (HKU), Psychology and Business. What was your favorite course in college? Introduction to Counseling and Therapeutic Psychology. Outside of my majors, I loved the elective course on Introduction to Western Art History. Why are you getting your PhD in Clinical Psychology? What made you pursue this career path? At HKU, I took a course on counseling where I interviewed some individuals within the marginalized communities and came to realize this dialectical situation where they are facing structural inequity but at the same time proactively upholding values and positivity that gave themselves fulfilling lives. Later, I did my masters and worked as a research assistant to see how psychological science approaches similar questions of trauma and resilience on a more macro and systematic scale. I therefore developed the curiosity to understand how

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Tiffany Tao (continued) people cope under different adversities, and what are some of the different factors that could protect people so they could maintain resilience. A PhD program in Clinical Psychology is the perfect intersection of research and practice that form the two sides of the same coin. I hope to bridge the small with the large, start from questions I ask through my interactions with individuals, pursue the answers, and bring them back to the communities where it came from in the first place. What was your dream job as a child? I wanted to be a novelist — my first story was a short murder mystery written for an assignment of an English class in primary school. Writing a full piece of fiction is still on my to-do list today! If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you win the Gold medal for? Keeping the longest “Want to Read” and “Want to Watch” lists (and never clearing them). How do you destress/relax? I listen to (murder mystery) podcasts, watch Japanese anime, and go on (trail) walks to take photos. I also explore new recipes with my friends, or hang out with them at cafés. If your life was a TV show, what would it be called? “Lonely Planet Orange” What's your dream vacation spot? Egypt for the pyramids and Northern Europe for the aurora borealis. What's your favorite thing about UCI/Irvine/Orange County so far? Finest weather, proximity to the most beautiful collection of beaches, and an abundance of trails for exploration — It’s just the perfect place for living and keeping the balance between work and personhood! Also, I’m having a spacious kitchen at my place right now so I’m happy I get to collect a lot of different cooking sauces/spice! What's your go-to comfort food? McNuggets, and Hong Kong style “silk-stocking” milk tea! Elizabeth “Ellie” Antici Who is your graduate mentor and what are you looking forward to learning from them? Dr. Kate Kuhlman. I am so excited to learn more from her about psychoneuroimmunology! There is a lot of promising research on the importance of the immune system as a mechanism linking adverse experiences in childhood to poor mental and physical health outcomes throughout the lifespan. I cannot wait to work with Kate to use this theoretical framework to develop better interventions for children who have experienced adversity. Where did you complete your undergraduate degree? What was your major? I majored in French Horn Performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. I then chose to change career directions and completed the post-baccalaureate program here at UCI. What was your dream job as a child? I wanted to be a paleontologist, veterinarian, or entomologist. If your life was a TV show, what would it be called? The Summer I Tried to Turn Into A Real Adult What's your favorite thing about UCI/Irvine/Orange County so far? It's hard to beat a California sunset.

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Ellie Antici (continued) Why are you getting your PhD in Clinical Psychology? What made you pursue this career path? My main motivation for pursuing a career in clinical psychology is wanting to improve youth welfare. I think the best way I can do this is by conducting research aimed at improving prevention and intervention measures for the children who need them the most. It helps that I love the research process, too! I also want to work with clients directly in a clinical setting, and to have the opportunity to mentor undergraduate students. A clinical psychology Ph.D. program allows for all of these opportunities and more. What was your favorite course in college? My favorite college course was Music Theory. I loved learning about the harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic components that make a piece of music sound the way it does. As far as psychology courses I've taken post-college, my favorite was Human Growth and Development. If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you win the Gold medal for? Eating pasta and ice cream! A friend once described me as being able to "down a pint of ice cream like it's water." How do you destress/relax? Playing piano, rock climbing, running, and reading. Also, especially since it's fall, you can usually find me with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. What's your dream vacation spot? Italy! I want to visit for the food, of course, but my family is also Italian and I've never gotten to visit before. What's your go-to comfort food? Pasta with my mom's homemade pesto sauce, or a Thai soup called khao soi. Jazlyn Luu Who is your graduate mentor and what are you looking forward to learning from them? Dr. Dewayne Williams and Dr. Sarah Pressman. I look forward to working with such accomplished yet kind and humble individuals in the field. Under their guidance, I hope to learn more about how stress, emotions, and physical/mental health influence one another, specifically focusing on facial expressions and their role in emotion regulation and social influence. I am also eager to learn from them how to best thrive (as both a student and human being) in graduate school and beyond. Where did you complete your undergraduate degree? What was your major? UC Irvine, B.A. in psychological science. Why are you getting your PhD in Clinical Psychology? What made you pursue this career path? I always had an interest towards stress, day-to-day emotions, and how these affected mental health and psychopathologies, because these were ubiquitous themes I noticed in both my own personal life, and the life of those I crossed paths with. While I noticed how common mental health problems were, I also noticed how great of a difference another person can make: be it a friend, a mentor, a therapist, or a passing stranger. The power of interpersonal relationships and the connections we make with others can play a critical role in someone’s mental health. Thus, I strive to get involved and be the person that serves as a turning point for someone’s mental health journey, whether this is by conducting research or becoming a clinician. What was your favorite course in college? Abnormal psychology and positive psychology If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport, what would you win the Gold medal for? Wrapping gifts! What was your dream job as a child? Author/writer How do you destress/relax? Eat, sleep, spend time with people I love What's your dream vacation spot? Spain What's your favorite thing about UCI/Irvine/Orange County so far? The food and drink spots :) What's your go-to comfort food? Ramen or hotpot!

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Getting to Know Dr. Kate Kuhlman By Ceouna Hegwood and Allie Engstrom Each year, the newsletter features an interview with a member of our faculty. This year, we interviewed Dr. Kate Kuhlman, a member of the clinical area faculty who was awarded tenure this year.

Writing has always been an important part of Dr. Kate Kuhlman’s identity. Growing up she dreamt of becoming a writer. She read Joan Didion, named her dog Tolstoy, and even met her husband in a national writing competition. She spent time immersed in the rich writing culture at New York University where she earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. During this time, she also volunteered in a neonatal intensive care unit where she developed curiosity for brain development when she learned that doctors prescribe premature babies caffeine citrate in order to catalyze brain development necessary for breathing. Dr. Kuhlman found this particularly interesting because she “also uses caffeine to catalyze brain function.” Both her love of writing and passion for brain development are what eventually lured her into a career in academia. Dr. Kuhlman earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Michigan. She then completed her internship through the San Diego VA/UCSD Psychology Internship Program focusing on severe mental illness in children and

Dr. Kuhlman with her doctoral students. From left to right: Emma Rodgers, Zahra "Avah" Mousavi, Kate Kuhlman, Elizabeth "Ellie" Antici, and Mai-Lan "Lychee" Tran.

adolescents at Rady Children’s Hospital. While she initially studied the HPA axis, primarily cortisol, as a mechanism through which stress led to internalizing psychiatric disorders, she was eager to learn more about the role of cortisol in regulating the immune system. This led her to seek training in psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) through an post-doctoral fellowship at UCLA. Dr. Kuhlman now runs the Teen Resilience Lab here at UCI, where her research focuses on understanding the role early life experiences have on the body’s response to stress, particularly the immune system, and in turn risk for, or resilience to, depression. The overarching goal of her work is to figure out how to reduce depression among teenagers and to better understand the critical role of the immune system in depression risk. She hopes that her contribution to the field of psychology using biological systems to understand human behavior encourages other psychologists to implement and understand these systems. 7


Dr. Kate Kuhlman’s favorite part of being faculty at UCI is the remarkable camaraderie and support within the department. Inspired by the words of Dr. Amy Dent, she describes the collegial nature of the department as “not replicable.” It's a sentiment she carries each day and one that captures her gratitude for being part of such a special community. Her commitment to research and teaching have recently secured her a tenured faculty position at UCI. While “tenure” is a common term in academia, few outside of tenured professors truly grasp its significance. Dr. Kuhlman described tenure as the university's commitment to your employment for the remainder of your career. She emphasized that it was created with the intent of “ensuring academic freedom” as one’s scholarship evolves across their career. While often talked about, the tenure process can seem ambiguous. Dr. Kuhlman first learned about the tenure process when she was in graduate school because her primary mentor, Dr. Nestor Lopez-Duran, was an assistant professor at the time. As she progressed through her doctoral training, she had the opportunity to vicariously experience the tenure process through him. Dr. Kuhlman emphasized her gratitude for the level of transparency around the tenure process within the UC system. She states, “What you're essentially evaluated on for tenure is whether you are nationally recognized as a scholar in your field,” and further described how this is determined by your department, Dean of the school, the university voting committee, and the provost. She shared that the most intimidating part of the process for her was the “arms length review.” This review involves assessment of your academic record and qualifications for tenure by experts in your field and areas of expertise with whom you haven't collaborated previously. This evaluation is manifested in the form of recommendation letters written by those scholars, either endorsing or challenging your tenure after carefully scrutinizing your productivity and impact. Dr. Kuhlman notes the importance of this step at R1 universities, “They're a big part of the tenure process at an R1 research university because, in theory, your contribution to your

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scholarship is independent from the institution that you're working for.” Her identity as a writer extends beyond research as she serves as the founder, editor, and faculty advisor on this newsletter. Dr. Kuhlman recalled her involvement in establishing a departmental newsletter during her time at the University of Michigan, which has now been active for 14 years. Drawing from this experience, Dr. Kuhlman spear-headed a similar platform for the newly founded clinical area at UCI, emphasizing its role in facilitating an ongoing dialogue between students, faculty, alumni, and the community about student experiences and the department’s core mission and values. So far, the newsletter has shown particular value for prospective students and she hopes that students will contribute their legacies to this dialogue. Dr. Kuhlman finds inspiration in the clinical area’s potential through this newsletter and considers it a meaningful way for students to reflect on and celebrate their growth and achievements. Dr. Kate Kuhlman’s academic journey is a testament to the interplay of her passions, experiences, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others. From her early fascination with writing to her profound interest in human development, her path led her from the vibrant literary world to the intricacies of psychology and human behavior. As she navigated her academic pursuits, her focus evolved, delving into the complexities of the immune system and stress physiology, particularly in the context of adolescent mental health. When sharing her wisdom with current graduate students, Dr. Kuhlman emphasized the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships, maintaining a love of learning, and finding balance between immediate achievements and long-term training goals. Her narrative resonates as a beacon of guidance and inspiration, urging others to embrace all aspects of their academic journey while cherishing every step toward growth and knowledge.

Learn more about Dr. Kuhlman’s Teen Resilience Lab and her team’s research at www.teenresilience.org


Now Open: UCI’s Very Own Psychological Clinic By Jennifer Blank

Practicum is an opportunity for students to develop and hone their clinical skills and gain competency in assessment and psychotherapy. This year, UCI opened its very own clinic—the UCI Psychological Services Center—situated within the Social Ecology I (SE1) building on campus. At UCI, clinical psychology students begin their practicum training in their second year in the program. For the inaugural cohort, students embarked on their practicum journey at external practicum placements, which are clinical sites outside of UCI that include outpatient centers, residential facilities, and medical centers, amongst others (see next page for a list of external practicum sites currently available to UCI students). Moving forward, the UCI Psychological Services Center will serve as the starting point for students' practicum experience, providing a space to develop foundational clinical skills under the guidance and supervision of Dr. Naomi Tabak. This initial practicum opportunity aims to immerse students in a therapeutic setting, teaching them diagnostic assessment, case conceptualizations, cultural responsiveness, and the implementation of evidence-based interventions tailored to address clients' primary concerns. Beyond being a training ground for students, UCI's Psychological Services Center plays a pivotal role in improving mental health care accessibility in Orange County. By offering evidence-based therapy both in-person and via telehealth at discounted rates to members of the community, the training clinic strives to extend support to individuals seeking therapy but facing financial constraints. At this time, practicum students at the UCI Psychological Services Center will provide individual therapy to adults 18 years of age or older experiencing a wide range of concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD). However, the clinic is ever evolving and aims to provide even more services in the future, such as group therapy and psychological testing. Overall, practicum is an invaluable opportunity for students to cultivate knowledge and experience in assessment, psychotherapy, and culturally competent care. With the establishment of the UCI Psychological Services Center, students will not only receive comprehensive training but also contribute to addressing the pressing need for accessible and equitable mental health care in Orange County.

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External Practicum at UCI The following table includes those external practicum sites currently available to UCI students. Faculty at UCI work hard to partner with sites aligning with students' clinical interests, and as such, this list is continuously evolving. Clinical psychology students at UCI have the opportunity to apply to those external practicum sites that align with their own clinical interests and goals. The inaugural Clinical Psychology cohort is happy to answer any questions regarding their experiences with external practicum placements! This includes Arunima "Aru" Kapoor, David Cenkner, Emily Petti, Fatemah Shenasa, Katherine "Kit" Wislocki, Madeline Snyder, Mai-Lan “Lychee” Tran, Miranda Bridgwater, and Rosa Hernandez-Ramos. External Practicum Site

Setting Type

ADR Wellness

Outpatient private practice

CBT California*

Outpatient private practice

Chapman Counseling Center

University Counseling Center

Child Guidance Center

Non-profit outpatient mental health center

Children’s Hospital or Orange County (CHOC)*

Multiple (IOP, Outpatient, Inpatient)

Community for Wellbeing Advocacy

Outpatient treatment center

Compass Behavioral Health

Multiple (IOP, Outpatient, Inpatient)

COPE Psychological Center*

Outpatient treatment center

The Craig School (formerly The Children's School)* Specialty school DBT Orange County

Outpatient private practice

Headspace

Telehealth

OC Anxiety*

Outpatient private practice

OC Teen Center*

PHP; IOP

OMID Multicultural Institute for Development

Non-profit mental health organization

UCI Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND)

Research setting

UCI Neurology*

Medical Center

Wings Recovery

Residential; IOP; PHP

* Sites where students are currently placed IOP = Intensive Outpatient Program PHP = Partial Hospitalization Program

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Tradition in the Making: Our Commitment to Service By Julia Birenbaum & Emily Petti Our clinical science training program within the School of Social Ecology is in its third year of embracing and prioritizing community service engagement. Each cohort of clinical students is encouraged to create a service project that addresses a current issue, provides resources, or enhances the community inside or outside of UCI. The first such project, started by the inaugural clinical cohort, focused on improving accessibility of clinical psychology training for diverse doctoral students. After realizing there is a great need for spreading resources and information about clinical psychology programs, the group organized information sessions where current graduate students shared information about various Clinical Psychology PhD programs, the application process, and their personal journeys toward graduate school. These information sessions are geared toward individuals interested in or considering applying to Clinical Psychology programs and are hosted on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/ClinicalPhDInfoSessions.

The inaugural cohort's info session series is posted on YouTube as a free resource for prospective applicants! The series already has 490 views and counting.

This initiative led to the development and implementation of the UCI clinical psychology area’s first major community service event. In April 2023, the students in the clinical area hosted the first annual “Diversifying Clinical Psychology Weekend,” mentioned in last year’s 2022-2023 edition of the newsletter (see article here or page 13 of the 2022-2023 issue). There are many barriers when applying to clinical psychology doctoral programs, and these barriers often disproportionately impact historically underrepresented prospective applicants. For example, there are many idiosyncrasies involved in identifying the fit of programs, schools, or mentors and labs that are not inherently obvious to the process. Many aspects of the application process are nuanced and difficult to understand without insider advice from those who have gone through the process before. With these obstacles in mind, the students of UCI’s clinical program aimed to create an event that would unveil some of this “hidden curriculum” and offer interactive, hands-on informational content to those interested in applying to such programs. The event was primarily advertised to UCI undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students from historically underrepresented groups in psychology with an interest in Clinical Psychology doctoral programs. Interested individuals were prompted to submit an application consisting of a few short answer questions describing their interest in the program. Seventeen enthusiastic, motivated applicants attended the day-long event. During the event, current clinical students presented workshops on topics including distinguishing clinical psychology Ph.D. programs from other mental health fields, professionalism, research involvement, and the application process.

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The experience was personalized for attendees based on their level of experience. For example, we offered a “Beginner CV Workshop” for attendees just beginning to think about turning their resume into a CV, and a “Graduate School Application CV Workshop” for attendees in the midst of preparing a CV and other application materials. The event also included lunch for attendees, a Q&A session with current graduate students, and a presentation from our Director of Clinical Training, Dr. Jason Schiffman. Event Schedule 9:00-9:30 AM

Meet & Greet

9:35-9:50 AM

Mini Professionalism Workshop

10:00-10:50 AM

Research Involvement and Research Statement Workshops

11:00-11:50 AM

Remarks from the Director of Clinical Training

12:00-12:50 PM

Lunch and student Q&A

1:00-1:50 PM

Personal Statement Workshop

2:00-2:50 PM

Beginner and Advanced CV Workshops

3:00-3:50 PM

“Pathways to Clinical Psychology Programs”

4:00-4:30 PM

Closing Remarks and Dismissal

The doctoral students who facilitated the event shared that the separate, personalized workshops were a success and allowed for a more tailored learning experience for attendees. In the future, we plan to send out a survey to attendees after the event to gather data about how many attendees applied to clinical programs after the event, and how useful they found the event and session materials. We hope that gathering feedback from attendees to evaluate the usefulness of the event will inform future modifications and expansions of this project. The clinical area is excited to continue hosting this event each year, and received $5,000 in funding from UCI's Diverse Educational Community and Doctoral Experience (DECADE) initiative to expand the event!

Potential future expansions may include incorporating informational content related to applying to other doctoral psychology programs and collaborating with DASH (developmental, affective, social, and health) students in the department, increasing attendance, and expanding the audience to prospective students beyond UCI. This year we are proud to present the 2nd annual UCI Diversifying Clinical Psychology Weekend, scheduled for Spring 2024. This event not only represents our department's deep commitment to fostering a culture that actively integrates diverse perspectives but has also galvanized successive cohorts to continue and expand upon the groundwork established by the inaugural cohort (2021-2022). The second clinical cohort (2022-2023) has already played a pivotal role in the launch and success of the initial event and is gearing up to contribute further to this year's event. Similarly, the newest clinical cohort (2023-2024) is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to join forces with their peers, enhancing the event with fresh insights and energy. Through this collaborative spirit and sustained commitment, we aim to cement the UCI Diversifying Clinical Psychology Weekend as a meaningful and enduring departmental tradition. These initiatives not only enrich our educational experience but are also critical in addressing systemic inequities within the field of psychology. By doing so, we ensure that our graduates are not just culturally sensitive but are also equipped to serve diverse populations with efficacy and empathy. It is heartening to see the desire to pursue community service spreading across cohorts, laying the groundwork for a legacy of inclusion and societal impact that extends beyond our campus, shaping the future of clinical psychology to be as diverse as the communities we aim to serve.

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AI IN PSYCH:

HOW AI IS TRANSFORMING THE FIELD

Written by Maggie Canady and Maksim Giljen It goes without saying that Artificial Intelligence (AI) has taken the world by storm. AI tools, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, are impressive feats of technology, able to score in the 90th percentile on the Bar Exam and grade student papers. Amidst the swift advancements in AI, both excitement and trepidation surround its development, and the future of AI remains uncertain. This article will dive into what exactly AI is, the risks and benefits of its use in clinical practice, and who’s doing AI research at UCI. WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE? Broadly speaking, Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to a type of technology that mimics anything the human brain can do. Traditional AI has been around since the late 1950s, and includes tools such as Google Maps and Siri. Generative AI, on the other hand, is a more recent development, and differs significantly from traditional AI in that it is a technology that is able to create unstructured and complicated content developed from advances in neural networks. Generative AI tools work so well because their large language models, a type of neural network, are trained on vast amounts of data. These tools are able to independently learn skills and produce personalized content based on the patterns it sees in its database. Figure 1 For instance, ChatGPT has the ability to create writing samples that mirror your personal writing style and preference (Figure 1). Despite the formidable capabilities of generative AI, it’s a highly complex model that still has many unknowns, even to the programmers most intimate with its innerworkings. For one, AI tools are often wrong. Known as “hallucinations,” AI produces information that is factually incorrect or nonsensical, and the danger lies in that they are often very convincing answers. Another pervasive issue with AI tools is that they are reflections of human error and bias. Trained on text from every corner of the internet, generative AI tools incorporate not only hate speech and fake news, but reflect the style of the person it is chatting with. One NY Times writer discussed his creepy encounter with Microsoft’s Bing. A prominent figure in AI, Terry Sejnowski, uses the analogy of Harry Potter’s Mirror of Erised: “[AI] provides whatever you are looking for — whatever you want or expect or desire.”

AI IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY While the future of AI is hard to predict, we can still consider the ethical implications of current AI use in our field. This article will focus solely on the clinical implications, but the APA’s recent webinar is a great resource for psychologists on the ethical implications of integrating AI into all areas of the field, including research and teaching. Currently, many AI tools are not HIPAA compliant. Clinicians should exercise caution and refrain from entering identifiable client information into these tools without a comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and privacy compliance.

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Clear guidance and regulations at a state and national level may be needed before these tools can be fully integrated into clinical practice. With these concerns in mind, AI holds considerable potential in clinical practice. For instance, AI may be able to transform notetaking during sessions, identify recurring themes, analyze linguistic markers related to affect and suicidality, and even detect nonverbal cues through digital biomarker tools like HealthRhythms. AI tools could act as a valuable supportive service for clients between An example of an AI “hallucination”. DALL-E, an AI image sessions by contributing to the creation of generator tool, was asked to create a cartoon of the personalized treatment plans. Sally-Anne False Belief Task. The scope of AI extends beyond sessions to the collection of patient-generated health data, facilitated by wearable devices and sensors. AI can be leveraged for just-in-time adaptive interventions, helping to make therapeutic tools seamlessly integrated into individuals’ day-to-day lives. Furthermore, AI's potential role in supervision is noteworthy, as evidenced by platforms like Lyssn. Lyssn serves as an AI training platform utilizing gold-standard evaluation tools, enhancing fidelity to evidence-based practices by offering psychology trainees specific case studies for practical application. AI at UCI UCI has a rich history with artificial intelligence. UCI’s interdisciplinary information and computer science department was pioneered by Professor Julian Feldman in 1968. In the 1980s, UCI PhD student David Aha created the Machine Learning Repository, a large collection of databases used for machine learning analysis. Today, work with AI and behavioral health can be seen across all disciplines on campus, with researchers using AI to advance work with social audio, maternal loneliness, and conversational health agents. One of the (many) perks of UCI is that graduate students are able to take classes relevant to their interests in any department on campus! Research with AI is also being conducted in our own department. Professor Stephen Schueller, who’s research lies at the intersection of clinical science, implementation science, and human-computer interaction, is a prime example. Professor Schueller’s work has focused on improving the scale and impact of mental health services with technology. This has included using sensors from mobile phones to identify mental health states and developing effective and scalable mental health interventions (read more here and here). In his work, AI has helped extend human-created content for the benefit of others (read more here and here). Professor Schueller is also a part of the CERES collaborative, an interdisciplinary network of experts led by Candice Odgers, UCI Professor of Psychological Science and Informatics. CERES stands for Connecting the EdTech Research EcoSystem and aims to advance evidence-based personalized learning in educational and child-focused technologies. Dr. Schueller told Axios that the use of AI in mental health care is “kind of like a wild west.” Specifically, Dr. Schueller raises concerns regarding a lack of transparency over how algorithms are built and the fact that popular AI tools were not created specifically with mental health in mind, but are still being used for such purposes. The extensive range of AI tools currently under development holds significant promise in broadening our field in a manner that is both accessible and equitable. Ongoing efforts by researchers, exemplified by the work of Dr. Schueller, contribute to refining our comprehension of AI and its potential applications within the field. However, it is crucial to approach the integration of AI into clinical practice with care. The undeniable potential for AI to emerge as an high-impact resource for psychologists is evident, yet there remains a substantial amount of work to be undertaken before we can safely incorporate it into our clinical toolkits. In the meantime, the role of AI in clinical psychology is still being shaped, and hopefully, with the collaborative input of psychological scientists, will continue to develop ethically and sustainably for the benefit of all.

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Clinical Labs Spotlight BY EMILY PETTI

UCI Clinical Psychology Area Research Labs

UCI THRIVE Lab Director: Dr. Jessica Borelli

The clinical area in the Department of Psychological Science at UCI has 9 core faculty members. Each clinical faculty member directs their own lab, specializing in research from neurons to relationships and from early childhood to late adulthood.

The Health, Relationships, and Interventions (THRIVE) Lab, directed by Dr. Borelli, researches the connections between relationships, emotion regulation, and health, focusing on children, adolescents, young adults, parents, and families. The THRIVE Lab conducts both basic and applied research, does research in several different cultural contexts, and aims to design and test interventions to improve relationships and, in turn, improve health.

The core clinical faculty members are: Jessica Borelli, PhD Susan Charles, PhD Kate Kuhlman, PhD Elizabeth Martin, PhD Ray Novaco, PhD Jason Schiffman, PhD, Director of Clinical Training Stephen Schueller, PhD Julian Thayer, PhD Alyson Zalta, PhD Learn about clinical area research labs in this Clinical Labs Spotlight!

Featured articles: Borelli, J. L., Kerr, M. L., Smiley, P. A., Rasmussen, H. F., Hecht, H. K., & Campos, B. (2023). Relational savoring intervention: Positive impacts for mothers and evidence of cultural compatibility for Latinas. Emotion, 23(2), 303– 320. https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0001102 Borelli, J. L., Kazmierski, K. F., Gaskin, G. E., Kerr, M. L., Smiley, P. A., & Rasmussen, H. F. (2023). Savoring interventions for mothers of young children: Mechanisms linking relational savoring and personal savoring to reflective functioning. Infant Mental Health Journal, 44(2), 200-217. https://doi.org/10.1002/imhj.22038 Learn more about the THRIVE Lab here!

Emotion Research Lab Director: Dr. Susan Charles

Fun Fact: Prospective clinical students can apply to work with any Psychological Science faculty, including faculty labs not listed here!

The Emotion Research Lab, directed by Dr. Charles, has a health psychology orientation and focuses on healthy aging and emotional well-being across the life span. The Emotion Research Lab studies social stress and positive affect; physical, behavioral, and psychosocial health in older adults; motivation; activity diversity; social experiences; and pain, sleep, and stress. Dr. Charles and colleagues have also studied emotional wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Featured articles: Charles, S. T., & Piazza, J. R. (2023). Looking back, Forging Ahead: Fifteen Years of Strength and Vulnerability Integration (SAVI). Current Opinion in Psychology, 101751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101751 Brown, C. J., Jeon, S., Ng, Y. T., Lee, S., Fingerman, K. L., & Charles, S. T. (2023). Switching it up: Activity diversity and cognitive functioning in later life. Psychology and Aging, 38(6), 483–493. https://doi.org/10.1037/pag0000770 Learn more about the Emotion Research Lab here!

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Clinical Labs Spotlight UCI Teen Resilience Lab (TRL) Director: Dr. Kate Kuhlman

BEAN Lab Director: Dr. Elizabeth Martin

The Teen Resilience Lab (TRL), directed by Dr. Kuhlman, examines how stress leads to mood disorders among teenagers as well as risk and resilience factors that can be used to inform interventions. The TRL employs a multidisciplinary approach to studying links between childhood adversity and depression, incorporating the immune system, stress hormones, affective, and behavioral processes. The TRL is connected to UCI’s Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research (IISBR), and Dr. Kuhlman is one of the core IISBR faculty.

The Behaviors, Emotions, and Affective Neuroscience (BEAN) Lab, directed by Dr. Martin, conducts research surrounding emotional and social functioning in schizotypy, social anhedonia, and schizophrenia-spectrum disorders across the lifespan. The BEAN Lab employs a multi-method approach to research, using a wide range of techniques such as self-report questionnaires, behavioral tasks, neuroimaging, and electromyography. The BEAN Lab also collaborates with the PREVENT Lab on the ProNET study, an international multi-site study of psychosis-risk trajectories.

Featured articles: Kuhlman, K. R., Antici, E., Tan, E., Tran, M. L., RodgersRomero, E. L., & Restrepo, N. (2023). Predictors of Adolescent Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Community Sample of Hispanic and Latinx Youth: Expressive Suppression and Social Support. Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, 51(5), 639-651. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-022-01019-8 Bower, J. E., & Kuhlman, K. R. (2023). Psychoneuroimmunology: An Introduction to Immune-toBrain Communication and Its Implications for Clinical Psychology. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 19, 331359. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-080621045153

Featured article: Snyder, M. E., Chen, J. M., & Martin, E. A. (2023). Social Anhedonia and Intergroup Processes: A MultiStudy Investigation of Known and Novel Group Memberships. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 42(1), 50-84. https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.2023.42.1.50

Learn more about the TRL here!

Anger, Violence, and Psychopathology Lab Director: Dr. Ray Novaco The Anger, Violence, and Psychopathology Lab, directed by Dr. Novaco, researches anger, violence, trauma, and therapeutic regulation. Dr. Novaco’s research employs clinical, epidemiological, and forensic approaches and spans a wide range of populations including war veterans, individuals in long-term care facilities, women and children, and those with clinical disorders and intellectual disabilities. Featured article: Taylor, J., & Novaco, R. (2023). Cognitive behavioural anger treatment for adults with intellectual disabilities: Effects of therapist experience on outcome. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1352465823000061 Learn more about Dr. Novaco’s lab here!

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Learn more about the BEAN Lab here!

PREVENT Lab Director: Dr. Jason Schiffman The Psychosis-Risk Evaluation, Early Intervention, and Treatment (PREVENT) Lab, directed by Dr. Schiffman, conducts research surrounding the assessment, prevention, and treatment of attenuated symptoms of psychosis in adolescents and young adults, with a particular interest in social determinants and contextual factors associated with psychosis-risk. The PREVENT Lab collaborates closely with the BEAN Lab, and together they form the LEAPS team! Featured article: Bridgwater, M.A., Petti, E., Giljen, M., Akouri-Shan, L., DeLuca, J. S., Rakhshan Rouhakhtar, P., Millar, C., Karcher, N. R., Martin, E. A., DeVylder, J., Anglin, D. M., Williams, R., Ellman, L. M., Mittal, V. A., & Schiffman, J. (2023). Review of factors resulting in systemic biases in the screening, assessment, and treatment of individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis in the United States. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 14, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1117022 Learn more about the PREVENT Lab here!


Clinical Labs Spotlight TEAM Lab Director: Dr. Stephen Schueller The Technology and Mental Health (TEAM) Lab, directed by Dr. Schueller, specializes in mobile health (“mHealth”), digital technology, implementation science, intervention, and treatment. The TEAM Lab evaluates mental health apps and works to implement apps into clinical practice and reduce mental health disparities, serving youth and underserved populations. Check out the team's recent Teen App Guide at https://onemindpsyberguide.org/resources/teen-app-guide/ Featured articles: Eustis, E. H., LoPresti, J., Aguilera, A., & Schueller, S. M. (2023). Cultural Responsivity in Technology-Enabled Services: Integrating Culture Into Technology and Service Components. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25, e45409. https://doi.org/10.2196/45409 Schueller, S. M., & Morris, R. R. (2023). Clinical science and practice in the age of large language models and generative artificial intelligence. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 91(10), 559-561. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000848 Learn more about the TEAM Lab here!

Emotions & Quantitative Psychophysiology Lab Director: Dr. Julian Thayer

The Emotions & Quantitative Psychophysiology Lab, directed by Dr. Thayer, employs health psychology and neuroimaging research approaches to studying psychopathology, health disparities, heart rate variability, emotions, stress, and psychophysiological aspects of self regulation. Dr. Thayer’s lab collaborates closely with Dr. DeWayne Williams in the Department of Psychological Science. Featured article: Watanabe, D. K., Pourmand, V., Lai, J., Park, G., Koenig, J., Wiley, C. R., Thayer, J. F., & Williams, D. P. (2023). Resting heart rate variability and emotion regulation difficulties: Comparing Asian Americans and European Americans. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 194, 112258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2023.112258 Learn more about Dr. Thayer’s work here!

Trauma & Resilience Lab Director: Dr. Alyson Zalta The Trauma & Resilience Lab, directed by Dr. Zalta, studies trauma-related psychopathology and interventions for vulnerable populations, including frontline health care workers, homeless youth, and veterans. Using a translational research approach and neurobiological perspectives, the Trauma & Resilience Lab aims to inform scalable treatment methods and reduce the impact of trauma. The lab is connected to UCI’s Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research (IISBR), and Dr. Zalta is one of the core IISBR faculty. Featured articles: Cenkner, D. P., Usman, H., & Zalta, A. K. (2023). Differential associations of rumination and cognitive flexibility with guilt and shame following potentially morally injurious events. Journal of Affective Disorders, 325, 135-140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.12.165 Wislocki, K. E., & Zalta, A. K. (2023). Assessing the existence of trauma-related diagnostic overshadowing in adult populations. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001484 Learn more about the Trauma & Resilience Lab here!

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STUDENT PUBLICATIONS Khatib, L., Dean, J., Oliva, V., Riegner, G., Gonzalez, N., Birenbaum, J., Cruanes, G., Miller, J., Patterson, M., Kim, H.C., Chakravarthy, K., & Zeidan, F. (2023). The role of endogenous opioids in mindfulness and sham mindfulness-meditation for the direct alleviation of evoked chronic low back pain: A randomized clinical trial. Neuropsychopharmacology. Bridgwater, M.A., Petti, E., Giljen, M., Akouri-Shan, L., DeLuca, J. S., Rakhshan Rouhakhtar, P., Millar, C., Karcher, N. R., Martin, E. A., DeVylder, J., Anglin, D. M., Williams, R., Ellman, L. M., Mittal, V. A., & Schiffman, J. (2023). Review of factors resulting in systemic biases in the screening, assessment, and treatment of individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis in the United States. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1117022. Bridgwater, M.A., Klaunig, M.J., Petti, E., Pitts, S.C., Rakshan Rouhakhtar, P.J., Ered, A., Kuhney, F.S., Boos, A., Andorko, N.D., Ellman, L.M., Mittal, V.A., & Schiffman, J.E. (2023). The Influence of Psychotic-Like Experiences on Intent to Seek Treatment: Findings from a multi-site community survey of mental health experiences. Schizophrenia Research, 260, 30-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2023.07.028. Canady, M., Barrington-Trimis, J., & Harlow, A. (In Press). Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Association of Specific Adverse Childhood Experiences with Poor Mental Health in Emerging Adulthood. Cenkner, D. P., Usman, H., & Zalta, A. K. (2023). Differential associations of rumination and cognitive flexibility with guilt and shame following potentially morally injurious events. Journal of Affective Disorders, 325, 135-140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.12.165 Elliott, M.R., Mungas, D., Arce Renteria, M., Whitmer, R., DeCarli, Charles., & Fletcher, E. (In Press). Bilingualism reduces associations between cognition and the brain at baseline, but does not show evidence of cognitive reserve over time. Bilingualism Brain & Cognition. Kraft-Feil, T.L., Ingram, R.E., Gorey, C., Luu, J. H., Cross, M.P., & Pressman, S.D. (2023). The association of negative mood with automatic and effortful facial expression mimicry. Frontiers in Psychology, 14:1056535. https://doi.org/10.3389%2Ffpsyg.2023.1056535. Kuhlman, K.R., Antici, E.E., Tan, E.N., Tran, M., Rodgers, E.L., & Restrepo, N. (2023). Predictors of Adolescent Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Community Sample of Hispanic and Latinx Youth: Expressive Suppression and Social Support. Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, 51, 639–651. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-022-01019-8. Kapoor, A., Gaubert, A., Yew, B., Jang, J.Y., Dutt, S., Li, Y., Alitin, J.P.M., Nguyen, A., Ho, J.K., Blanken, A.E., Sible, I.J., Marshall, A., Shenasa, F., Rodgers, K.E., Martini, A.C., Head, E., & Nation, D.A. (2023). Enlarged perivascular spaces and plasma Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio in older adults without dementia. Neurobiology of Aging, 128, 43-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.04.004. Kapoor, A., Muir, R.T., Cayley, M.L., Sicard, M.N., Lien, K., Southwell, A., Dowlatshahi, D., Sahlas, D.J., Saposnik, G., Mandzia, J., Casaubon, L.K., Hassan, A., Perez, Y., Selchen, D., Murray, B.J., Lanctot, K., Kapral, M.K., Herrmann, N., Strother, S., Yu, A.Y.X., Austin, P.C., Bronskill, S.E., & Swartz, R.H. (2023). Language discordance as a marker of disparities in cerebrovascular risk and stroke outcomes: A multi-center Canadian study. Cerebral Circulation-Cognition and Behavior, 4, 100163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cccb.2023.100163. Kapoor, A., Jean, K. H., Jang, J. Y., et al. (In Press). Robust reference group normative data for neuropsychological tests accounting for primary language use in Asian American older adults. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society. Kopelvich, S., Blank., J., McCain, C., Hughes, M., & Strachan, E. (2023). Applying the Project ECHO Model to Support Implementation and Sustainment of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis. The Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions. https://doi.org/10.1097/ceh.0000000000000511. Lyons-Ruth, K., Li, F.H., Dickerman, S., Khoury, J., Ahtam, B., Bosquet Enlow, M., Teicher, M.H., & Grant, P.E. (2023). Negative versus Withdrawn Parenting: Differential Associations with Infant Grey and White Matter During the First Two Years of Life. Human Brain Mapping, 44(12), 4572-4589. https://doi.org/10.1002%2Fhbm.26401. Lyons-Ruth, K., Ahtam, B., Li, F.H., Khoury, J., Sisitsky, M., Ou, Y., Bosquet Enlow, M., Teicher, M.H., & Grant, P.E. (2023). Maternal childhood abuse versus neglect associated with differential patterns on infant brain development. Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, 51(12), 1919-1932. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-023-01041-4. Marshall, A.J., Gaubert, A., Kapoor, A., Tan, A., McIntosh, E., Jang, J.Y., Yew, B., Ho, J.K., Blanken, A.E., Dutt, S., Sible, I.J., Li, Y., Rodgers, K., & Nation, D.A. (2023). Blood-Derived Progenitor Cells Are Depleted in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment: A Role for Vascular Resilience?. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 93(3), 1041-1050. https://doi.org/10.3233/jad-220269.

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MORE ! W O STUDENT W PUBLICATIONS

Salen Tekinbaş, K., Taylor, M.E., Adame, A., Schueller, S.M., & Khan, R.F. (2023). Youth, Mental Health, and the Metaverse: Reviewing the Literature. Irvine, CA: Connected Learning Alliance. https://clalliance.org/publications/youthmental-health-and-the-metaverse-reviewing-the-literature/. Stewart, R. E., Wislocki, K., Wolk, C. B., Bellini, L., Livesey, C., Kugler, K., Kwon, N., Cardamone, N. C., & Becker-Haimes, E. M. (2023). Implementing a resilience coach program to support first year housestaff during the COVID-19 pandemic: early pilot results and comparison with non-housestaff sessions. BMC Health Services Research, 23(1), 915. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-09951-1. Sible, I.J., Jang, J.Y., Dutt, S., Yew, B., Alitin, J. P.M., Li, Y., Blanken, A.E., Ho, J.K., Marshall, A.J., Kapoor, A., Shenasa, F., Gaubert, A., Nguyen, A., Sturm, V.E., Mather, M., Rodgers, K.E., Shao, X., Wang, D.J., & Nation, D. A. (2023). Older adults with higher blood pressure variability exhibit cerebrovascular reactivity deficits. American Journal of Hypertension, 36(1), 63-68. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajh/hpac108. Singh, S., Strong, R., Xu, M., Fonseca, L., Hawks, Z., Grinspoon, L., Jung, L., Li, F.H., Weinstock, R., Sliwinski, M., Chaytor, N., & Germine, L. (2023). Ecological Momentary Assessment of Cognition in Clinical and Community Samples: Reliability and Validity Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25, e45028. https://doi.org/10.2196/45028. Snyder, M.E., Chen, J.M., & Martin, E.A. (2023). Social Anhedonia and Intergroup Processes: A Multi-Study Investigation of Known and Novel Group Memberships. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 42(1), 50-84. https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.2023.42.1.50. Snyder, M.E., Fung, C.F., & Martin, E.A. (2023). Emotional Abnormalities Related to Online Social Interactions in Social Anhedonia. Abstracts from the 2022 Annual Meeting of the Society for Affective Science_Health. Affective Science, 4, 210-222. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42761-022-00174-x. Snyder, M. E., Blank, J. M., Bridgwater, M. A., Giljen, M., Petti, E., Schiffman, J., & Martin, E. A. (2023). The Neurodevelopmental Considerations of Schizotypy. In S. Cheli & P. H. Lysaker (Eds.). A Dimensional Approach to Schizotypy: Conceptualization and Treatment, 3–17. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-41788-7_1. Tao, T.J., Li, T.W., Liang, L., Liu, H., & Hou, W.K. (2023). Investigating the reciprocity between cognition and behavior in adaptation to large-scale disasters. npj Mental Health Research, 2, 21. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44184-023-00037-8. Tao, T.J., Lim, T.K., Yeung, E.T.F., Liu, H., Shris, P.B., Ma, L.K.Y., Lee, T.M.C., & Hou, W.K. (2023). Internet-based and mobile-based cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis. npj Digital Medicine, 6, 80. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-023-00809-8. Tao, T.J., Yung, Y.Y.Y., Lau, A.Y.T., Liu, H., Liang, L., Bryant, F.B., & Hou, W.K. (2023). Savoring mediates the mental health benefits of positive coping processes: A prospective population-based analysis. Applied Psychology: Health and WellBeing., 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12476. Wislocki, K., Jager-Hyman, S., Brady, M., Weiss, M., Schaechter, T., Khazanov, G., Young, S., & Becker-Haimes, E. (2023). Freely Available Training Videos for Suicide Prevention: Scoping Review. JMIR Mental Health, 10, e48404. https://doi.org/10.2196/48404. Wislocki, K., Tran, M., Petti, E., Hernandez-Ramos, R., Cenker, D.P., Bridgwater, M., Naderi, G., Walker, L., & Zalta, A.K. (2023). The Past, Present, and Future of Psychotherapy Manuals: Protocol for a Scoping Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research Research Protocols, 12, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.2196%2F47708. Zinman, J., Kapoor, A., Si, K., Sujanthan, S., Southwell, A., Cayley, M. L., Sicard, M.N., Lien, K., Murray, B.J., Lanctôt, K., Herrmann, N., Dowlatshahi, D., Sahlas, D.J., Saposnik, G., Mandzia, J.L., Casaubon, L.K., Hassan, A., Perez, Y., & Swartz, R.H. (2023). Men Are at Higher Risk of Screening Positive for Vascular Cognitive Impairment Compared to Women after Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 94(1), 89-94. https://doi.org/10.3233/jad-230021.

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STUDENT AWARDS American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship Arunima Kapoor Psychological Science Merit Award Ceouna Hegwood, Ellie Antici, Jazlyn Luu, Margaret Canady, Tiffany Tao Chancellor's Graduate Student Award for Undergraduate Mentorship Social Ecology Mentoring Award Madeline Snyder Competitive Edge Scholar, UC Irvine Ceouna Hegwood, Margaret Canady DECADE Outstanding Student Representative Award Maksim Giljen Eugene-Cota Robles Fellowship Ceouna Hegwood Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellow Rosa Hernandez-Ramos GAANN Fellowship Jazlyn Luu, Madison Taylor, Mai-Lan Tran Graduate Dean’s Recruitment Fellowship Ellie Antici Social Ecology Mentoring Award David Cenkner, Frances Li, & Kit Wislocki Student Poster Contest Winner, Society for Prevention Research Elizabeth A. Klonoff Diversifying Clinical Psychology Research Award Margaret Canady

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STUDENT PRESENTATIONS TAKE A LOO K!

Birenbaum, J., Wiley, C.R., Akinyemi, A., Kapuku, G., Thayer, J., & Williams, D.P. (2023). Racial Differences in the Relationship Between C-Reactive Proteins and Left Ventricular Mass. Oral presentation at the American Psychosomatic Society Annual Meeting, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Birenbaum, J., Wiley, C.R., Halbert, J.D., Wang, X., Robinson, V., Kapuku, G., Thayer, J., & Williams, D.P. (2023). Heart Rate Variability Predicts Total Peripheral Resistance Over Six Years in Black Men but not Black Women. Poster presented at the Society for Psychophysiological Research Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, Blank, J., Snyder, M., Jonas, K., Kotov, R., & Martin, E.A. (September 2023). Emotional Intelligence as A Predictor of Social Outcomes in Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders. Poster presented at the Society for Psychological Research Annual Meeting, St. Louis, MO. Bridgwater, M., Petti, E., Giljen, M., Snyder, M., Boos, A., Ma, R., Martinez, B., Jones, N., Martin, E., Schiffman, J. (April 2023). Racialized Identities and Self-Reported Psychosis Risk Symptoms: Differences in Barriers to Mental Health Care. Poster presented at the Western Psychological Association Conference, Riverside, California. https://westernpsych.org/ Bridgwater, M., Petti, E., Snyder, M., Rakhshan Rouhakhtar, P., Giljen, M., Boos, A., Villegas, M., Jones, N., Martin, E., Schiffman, J. (July 2023). Perceived Need for Care, Interest in Care and Barriers to Seeking Mental Health Treatment Among Non-Help Seeking Individuals with PsychoticLike Experiences in the United States. Poster presented at the 14th International Early Psychosis Association Conference, Lausanne, Switzerland. https://iepaconference.org/iepa14/ Bridgwater, M., Petti, E., Snyder, M., Giljen, M., Klaunig, M., Rakshan Rouhakhtar, P., Jones, N., Martin, E., Schiffman, J. (September 2023). The Impact of Psychotic-Like Experiences on Mental Health Care Utilization: Perceived Need for Care, Interest in Care, and Barriers to Seeking Mental Health Care. Poster presented at the Society for Research in Psychopathology Annual Meeting, St. Louis, Missouri. https://psychopathology.org/annual-meeting/general-information/ Bridgwater, M., Petti, E., Snyder, M., Klaunig, M., Rakshan Rouhakhtar, P., Hegwood, C., Jones, N., Martin, E., Schiffman, J. (November 2023). Racialized Identities and Psychotic-Like Experiences in Perceived Need for and Barriers to Care. Poster presented at the ABCT 57th Annual Convention, Seattle, Washington. https://www.abct.org/2023-convention/ Canady, M. (September 2023). The Role of Sleep (and Trauma) in the Onset of Psychopathology in Early Adolescents. Oral presentation at the Competitive Edge Research Symposium, Irvine, CA. Canady, M., Barrington-Trimis, J., Harlow, A. (May 2023). Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Association of Specific Adverse Childhood Experiences with Poor Mental Health in Emerging Adulthood. Oral presentation at the Society for Prevention Research Annual Meeting, Washington, D.C. Canady, M., Barrington-Trimis, J., Harlow, A. (April 2023). Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Association of Specific Adverse Childhood Experiences with Poor Mental Health in Emerging Adulthood. Oral presentation at the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology, Diversifying Clinical Psychology Conference, Virtual. Giljen, M., Petti, E., Bridgwater, M., Villegas, M., Coronado, K., Boos, A., Ellman, L. M., Corlett, P., Strauss, G., Waltz, J., Silverstein, S., Woods, S., Walker, E., Powers, A., Gold, J., Mittal, V. A., & Schiffman, J. (September 2023). Sexual Orientation, Psychosis-Spectrum Symptomatology, and the Role of Contextual Factors. Poster presented at the 36th Annual Meeting of the Society for Research in Psychopathology, St. Louis, MO. Giljen, M., Petti, E., Bridgwater, M., Villegas, M., Coronado, K., Boos, A., Ellman, L. M., Corlett, P., Strauss, G., Waltz, J., Silverstein, S., Woods, S., Walker, E., Powers, A., Gold, J., Mittal, V. A., & Schiffman, J. (April 2023). Sexual Orientation, Psychosis-Spectrum Symptomatology, and the Role of Societally Driven Factors. Poster session presented at the Western Psychological Association Conference, Riverside, CA. Hegwood, C.M., Whan, B.A., Sullivan, M.M., Tomaszewski, J.R., Russell, M.T., Abel, D.B. & Minor, K.S. (September 2023). People with Schizophrenia Show Significantly Lower Linguistic Style Matching than Controls in Real-World Conversations. Poster presented at the Society for Research in Psychopathology (SRP). St. Louis, MO. Hernandez-Ramos, R. & Wislocki, K. (2023). Building Capacity for Non-traditional Service Delivery of Evidence-based Interventions for Minoritized and Underserved Youth. Co-chair symposium presentation at the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) 57th Annual Convention, Seattle, WA. Hernandez-Ramos, R., Wislocki, K., Meza, J., Schueller, S.M. (2023). Identifying opportunities and research directions to improve access to suicide prevention for rural Latine adolescents through nontraditional service delivery models. Symposia presentation at the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) 57th Annual Convention, Seattle, WA. Kapoor, A., Levine, L., Mather, M., & Nation, D. A. (2023). Emotional Enhancement of Memory in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review. Poster presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Kapoor, A., Dutt, S., Alitin, J. P. M., Jang, J. Y., Gaubert, A., Nguyen, A., ... & Nation, D. A. (2023). APOE4 Carriers with Perivascular Spaces Exhibit Altered Cerebral Blood Flow. Poster presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Kapoor, A., Jang, J. Y., Dutt, S., Alitin, J. P., Sible, I., Marshall, A., ... & Nation, D. (2023). Elevated Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A is Associated With Disruption of Default Network Connectivity. Poster presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions. Kapoor, A., & Nation, D. (2023). Angiogenic Mechanisms in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review of Neuropathological Evidence. Poster presented at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease Conference. Kapoor, A., Dutt, S., Li, Y., Alitin, J. P. M., Ho, J. H., Jang, J. Y., ... & Nation, D. A. (2023). Elevated Plasma pTau-181 is Associated with Lower Global Cognition and Executive Function in Older Adults. Poster presented at the International Neuropsychological Society Meeting, San Diego, CA. Kapoor, A., Jang, J. Y., Dutt, S., Alitin, J. P. M., Sible, I. J., Marshall, A., ... & Nation, D. A. (2023). Perivascular Spaces in the Basal Ganglia Disrupt Fronto-Parietal Network Connectivity in Older Adults. Poster accepted for presentation at the VasCog Conference, Götenborg, Sweden. Kapoor, A., Gaubert, A., Nguyen, A., Yew, B., Jang, J. Y., Dutt, S. ... & Nation, D. A. (2023). Low plasma Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio in older adults with enlarged perivascular spaces. Poster accepted for presentation at the Vascular Training (VAST) Conference.

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MORE STUDENT PRESENTATIONS!

Li, FH., Khoury, J., Ahtam, B., Ou, Y., Bosquet Enlow, MH., Grant, Lyons-Ruth, K. (September 2023). Infant distress during the Still-Face Paradigm predicts reduced amygdala volumes. Poster presented at the Society for Research in Psychopathology Annual Meeting 2023, St. Louis, MO. Li, FH., Ahtam, B., Dickerman, S., Khoury, J., Sisitsky, M., Ou, Y., Bosquet Enlow, M., Teicher, MH., Grant, PE., Lyons-Ruth, K. (April 2023). Negative versus Withdrawn Parenting: Differential Associations with Infant Grey and White Matter During the First Two Years of Life. Poster presented at the Society for Biological Psychiatry Annual Meeting 2023, San Diego, CA. Luu, J. H., Di, J., Martin, L. T., & Pressman, S. D. (February 2023). Exploring how rater differences affect judgements. Poster presented at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology Annual Convention, Atlanta, GA. Petti, E., Bridgwater, M. A., Snyder, M. E., Giljen, M., Rakhshan Rouhakhtar, P., Akouri-Shan, L., Kuhney, F. S., Hegwood, C., Martin, E. A., Karcher, N. R., Ellman, L. M., Mittal, V. A., & Schiffman, J. (November 2023). Contextual Correlates of Mental Health Care Utilization in Youth and Young Adults at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis: Racialized/Ethnic Identity, Immigration Status, and Positive Symptoms. Poster presented at the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies 57th Annual Convention, Seattle, WA. Petti, E., Schiffman, J., Oh, H., & Karcher, N. R. (September 2023). Environment and Stress Influence the Link between Marginalized Racial Identities and Psychotic-Like Experiences: Findings from the ABCD Study. Poster presented at the 36th Annual Meeting of the Society for Research in Psychopathology, St. Louis, MO. Petti, E., Bridgwater, M., Karcher, N. R., Giljen, M., Akouri-Shan, L., Boos, A., Freeman, A. M., Ellman, L. M., Mittal, V. A., & Schiffman, J. (April 2023). Associations among racialized identity, experiences of discrimination, and psychotic-like experiences in a community sample of adolescents and young adults. Poster presented at the Western Psychological Association Convention, Riverside, California. https://westernpsych.org/?. Petti, E., Wallace, C., Boos, A., Rakhshan Rouhakhtar, P., Schiffman, J., Buchanan, R. W., DeVylder, J. E., & Smith, M. E. (January 2023). The Influence of Early Intervention for Psychosis Training on Provider Decision Making: A Multiple Case Study Analysis. Poster presented at the Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference, Phoenix, AZ. Shepard, V., Stiles, B., Blank, J., Kuczynski, A., Kopelovich, S. (November 2023). Evaluating response to a CBT for psychosis-informed caregiver training among families at different stages of psychosis: A Bayesian multilevel analysis. Poster presented at the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) 57th Annual Convention, Seattle, WA. Snyder, M., Blank, J., Betancourt, J., Danaher, M., Schiffman, J., & Martin, E.A. (September 2023). Associations between Positive Schizotypy, Emotion Regulation Strategy Use, and Threats to Psychological Needs following Social Exclusion. Poster presented at the Society for Psychological Research Annual Meeting, St. Louis, MO. Snyder, M. E., Blank, J. M., Betancourt, J., Danaher, M., Schiffman, J., & Martin, E. A. (September 2023). Associations between Positive Schizotypy, Emotion Regulation Strategy Use, and Threats to Psychological Needs following Social Exclusion. Poster presented at the Society of Research in Psychopathology Annual Meeting, St. Louis, MO. Snyder, M. E., Zernick, M., Brown-Hughston, M., Fung, C. K., Schiffman, J., & Martin, E. A. (March 2023). Linguistic Reactions to Online Social Interactions: An analysis of word use following social inclusion or exclusion in relation to schizotypy. Poster presented at the Society for Affective Science Conference, Long Beach, CA. Takahashi, D., Benghiat, R., DeLoura, M., Taylor, M. E., Vallon, R. (July 2023). Augmented Teenagers: Can Metaverse Be Good for Youth Mental Health? Panel participant at the 2023 Games for Change Festival, New York, NY, United States. Tao, T. J., Lau, A. Y. T., Yung, Y. Y. Y., Liang, L., Liu, H., & Hou, W. K. (March 2023). Positive coping protects against probable psychiatric conditions under sustained daily routines amid large-scale disasters. Poster presented at the International Convention of Psychological Science (ICPS), Brussels, Belgium. Taylor, M. E. (May 2023). A Systematic Review of Risks and Opportunities for Youth Mental Health within the Developing Metaverse. Conference presentation at the 7th annual Conference of the UConn Center for mHealth and Social Media: Health is Social: Leveraging the Metaverse to Improve Public Health, Virtual. Taylor, M.E., Kaveladze, B., Rushton, K., Nguyen, T., & Schueller, S.M. (November 2023). Evaluating the Quality of Cognitive Restructuring in Participant Responses to an Online Behavioral Intervention. Poster presented at the 57th annual meeting of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), Seattle, WA. Tran, M. & Kuhlman, K. (November 2023). Early Life Adversity and Anhedonia 12-Months Later Among Adolescents: The Role of Reward-Seeking and Risk-Taking Behaviors. Poster presented at the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies 57th Annual Convention, Seattle, WA. Tran, M. & Kuhlman, K. (April 2023). Early Life Adversity and Anhedonia 12-Months Later Among Adolescents: The Role of Reward-Seeking and Risk-Taking Behaviors. Poster presented at the Anxiety and Depression Association of America 2023 Annual Conference, Washington, DC. Vaswani-Bye, A., Kopelovich, S., Blank, J. (co-presenter), Shepard, V (co-presenter). (November 2023). Culturally Adapted Family Intervention for Psychosis: Cross National Comparison, Collaboration, and Future Directions. Symposium presentation at the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) 57th Annual Convention, Seattle, WA. Wislocki, K., Bridgwater, M., Cenkner, D.P., Tran, M., Petti, E., Hernandez-Ramos, R., Naderi, G., Walker, L., & Zalta, A. (2023). Past, Present, and Future of CBT Manuals for Adult Populations. In Adamo, C. (Chair). The Joys of Cultivating CBT Competency and EBP Fidelity. Symposium to be presented at the 57th annual meeting of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Seattle, WA. Wislocki, K., Jager-Hyman, S., Brady, M., Weiss, M., Schaechter, T., Young, S., Khazanov, G.K., & Becker-Haimes, E.M. (2023). Freely-Available Resources for Youth Suicide Prevention. In Hernandez-Ramos, R. & Wislocki, K. (Co-Chairs). Building Capacity for Non-Traditional Service Delivery of Evidence-Based Interventions for Minoritized and Underserved Youth. Symposium to be presented at the 57th annual meeting of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Seattle, WA. Wislocki, K. & Zalta, A. (2023). Investigating Moderators of Trauma-Related Diagnostic Overshadowing Bias. Poster presented at the 57th Annual Meeting of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, Seattle, WA.

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OUTSIDE THE LAB Rosa adopted a bunny named Lola, and Meghan adopted a dog named Toby!

Clinical area welcome BBQ in UniHills!

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OUTSIDE THE LAB Emily adopted a cat named Dobby!

Third years presented research at ABCT in Seattle!

Aru and Allie presented research in England, and Miranda presented research in Switzerland! 24


OUTSIDE THE LAB Maggie became a dual citizen to Thailand!

David celebrated the birth of his daughter, Annie!

First year cohort went rock climbing!

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OUTSIDE THE LAB Allie completed the escape from Alcatraz swim race, and Ellie completed the Kauai marathon!

UCI Halloween Party!

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Support doctoral training in clinical psychology at UCI! At any given moment, 20% of the population is suffering from a psychiatric illness such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, substance use, or a neurodevelopmental disorder. These diseases decrease both healthspan and lifespan, as well as place a costly but preventable burden on society and public services. For example, individuals with a psychiatric disease account for at least 20% of all emergency department visits. Yet, there remains a paucity of affordable, evidence-based mental health care in Orange County and sizeable disparities felt by vulnerable and marginalized communities. In response to this need, the UCI Department of Psychological Science launched a new doctoral training program in clinical psychology in 2020. This will provide Orange County with a new infrastructure that will add trained clinicians to the workforce and leadership to disseminate affordable, evidence-based care that is tailored to the dynamic needs of the local community. Our primary goal is to rigorously train clinical scientists in the development, evaluation, and dissemination of psychological science. These trainees will then be capable of serving the community with the most advanced and effective approaches to mitigating psychiatric symptoms and improving mental well-being, developing the next generation of effective and inclusive mental health services, and training the next generation of clinical psychologists. This doctoral training typically spans 6 years and involves a combination of formal coursework, practical training in clinical settings, and completion of independent research projects. All donations will be used to recruit, retain, and support the exceptional training of doctoral students in clinical psychological science. Recruitment of these students will emphasize our mission of inclusive excellence in training and leadership. Get all of the latest updates about our area by visiting our website! https://ps.soceco.uci.edu/pages/clinical-psychology-graduate

Increase access to affordable, evidencebased mental health services in the local community by clicking here and making a donation today! 27


Thanks for reading!

2023-2024 Newsletter Committee Julia Birenbaum, Jennifer Blank, Maggie Canady, David Cenkner, Allie Engstrom, Maksim Giljen, Ceouna Hegwood, Emily Petti, & Kate R. Kuhlman 28


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