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INFORMATION FOR

Yale Fellowship in Public Psychiatry (PPF)

The Yale Fellowship in Public Psychiatry provides advanced training in clinical, administrative, and legal aspects of the practice of psychiatry within the public sector, including policy development on a statewide level. It fosters the development of the participants in their careers as future leaders within the field by providing didactic and interactive learning experiences, mentorship, and opportunities to engage in scholarship.

Background

The Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC) has flourished as a successful partnership between the Yale University School of Medicine and the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) for over 50 years. CMHC provides a full range of inpatient and ambulatory services to residents of the Greater New Haven area, serves as a training ground for mental health professionals from several disciplines, and is the site for internationally acclaimed research. CMHC is also the Local Mental Health Authority for a Community Services Network comprised of 18 clinical, residential, vocational, and psychosocial rehabilitation providers. The Center is located in downtown New Haven across the street from Yale-New Haven Hospital and adjacent to the campus of the Yale University School of Medicine.

DMHAS, CMHC, and the Department of Psychiatry of the Yale School of Medicine are committed to providing advanced training to psychiatrists who are interested in pursuing careers in the field of Public Psychiatry. The unique settings of state-funded, academic, mental health facilities provide excellent opportunities for obtaining experience and greater understanding in this important area.

Structure of Fellowship Program

Fellows who meet eligibility criteria are appointed to the faculty of the Department of Psychiatry in the Yale School of Medicine at the rank of Instructor. A yearly salary is paid at the level commensurate with this rank as determined by the Department. Fellows who need to maintain status as a trainee may participate as a PG 5 advanced resident. Medical benefits, malpractice coverage, and reimbursement for licensure are included in the compensation package. The program will also pay travel expenses for a professional conference. The Yale School of Medicine issues a certificate of completion of advanced training to individuals who successfully complete the one-year program.

  • Fellows spend 50% effort (20 hours/week) providing direct clinical service and/or consultation. Potential placements at CMHC include the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team, Mobile Crisis & Intervention Team (MCI), Hispanic Clinic, Early Intervention for Psychosis (STEP) clinic, Young Adult Service, Community Forensic Service, Street Psychiatry Program, Wellness Center (Integrated Primary Care Clinic), and Substance Abuse Treatment Clinic. Other sites include CT Valley Hospital and Whiting Forensic Hospital in Middletown; Community Health Center, Inc., and selected outpatient services at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System in West Haven.
  • Fellows spend 50% time (20 hours per week) participating in seminars, administrative meetings, supervision and scholarship.
  • The core seminar in Public Mental Health Administration takes place at CMHC. Fellows also participate the weekly CMHC Attending/trainee Clinical Best Practices meeting. Group supervision with the Program Director takes place weekly.
  • Fellows attend CMHC’s Senior Leadership Group, chaired by the CEO, and the statewide Clinical Chiefs meeting, chaired by the DMHAS Medical Director.

Typical Weekly Schedule

Monday: Clinical or academic time

Tuesday: Clinical or academic time; Public MH & Administration Seminar (September - May)

Wednesday: CMHC Senior Leadership Group; Group supervision; CMHC physicians: clinical best practices

Thursday: Clinical or academic time; Statewide Clinical Chiefs (monthly)

Friday: Yale Department of Psychiatry Grand Rounds; Clinical or academic time

Eligibility and Application Process

Eligibility requirements include graduation from an accredited residency program, board eligibility, employability and licensure in the state of CT. Although the Fellowship is designed primarily for psychiatrists who have completed ACGME approved residencies, the program may accept PG 4 residents who meet all other eligibility criteria.

Please send a letter of interest describing your background, career goals, and how the Fellowship will facilitate your achievement of those goals, and a CV to Dr. Steiner. Please arrange for 3 letters of reference to be sent directly to her. [Yale PG 3 residents may apply for a PG 4 position by sending a letter of interest and CV, and a letter of support from your APD.]

References

Workforce Development in Public Psychiatry: Impact of the Yale Fellowship. Steiner JL, Mathis WS, Sebastian DS, Wasser TD: Academic Psychiatry, 2021. DOI: 10.1007/s40596-021-01534-8

The Connecticut Mental Health Center: Celebrating 50 Years of a Successful Partnership Between the State and Yale. Steiner JL, Anez-Nava L, Baranoski M, Cole R, Davidson L, Delphin-Rittmon M, Dike C, DiLeo PJ, Duman RS, Kirk T, Krystal J, Malison RT, Rohrbaugh RM, Sernyak MJ, Srihari V, Styron T, Tebes JK, Woods S, Zonana H, Jacobs SC: Psychiatric Services 67:12:1286-1289, 2016.

Yale Textbook of Public Psychiatry, Jacobs SC and Steiner JL, Editors. Oxford University Press, New York, NY, 2016

The Evolution of Public Psychiatry Fellowships. Steiner JL, Giggie MA, Koh S, Mangurian C, Ranz JM: Academic Psychiatry, 38:6:685-689, 2014.

Public Psychiatry Fellowships: A Developing Network of Public – Academic Collaborations. LeMelle S, Mangurian C, Ali OM, Giggie MA, Hadley T, Lewis ME, Runnels P, Sowers, W, Steiner JL, Trujillo M, Ranz JM: Psychiatric Services 63:9:851-854, 2012.

Program Directors and Core Faculty