Department of Psychiatry
"Learning to care for those in harms way."
Message from the
Psychiatry
Department Chair
Message from the
Psychiatry
Department Chair
Enhancing Connection and Opportunities in Our Community
Enhancing Connection and Opportunities in Our Community
July 2025
July 2025
Dear Colleagues,
As we embrace the summer month of July, we are reminded of the rich
tapestry of American history and the enduring spirit of independence. This
Fourth of July, I hope each of you took a moment to reflect on the freedoms we cherish and the sacrifices made to secure them. It is a time for celebration, family, and community, and a reminder of the importance of our work here at USU.
This month, our department also marks a period of transition as we bid
farewell to several esteemed PSY team members who are embarking on
well-deserved retirements and transitions. Their years of dedication,
groundbreaking contributions to military psychiatry, and profound impact on countless students, colleagues, patients, service members, and veterans have been immeasurable. We extend our deepest gratitude for their exceptional service and wish them all the very best in their next chapters.
In Service,
Vincent F. Capaldi, II, Sc.M., M.D., DFAPA, FACP, FAASM
COL, MC, USA
Professor and Chair
Department of Psychiatry
Department Announcements
Department Announcements
CSTS Celebrates Dr. Robert Ursano's 38 Years of Service
CSTS Celebrates Dr. Robert Ursano's 38 Years of Service
CSTS celebrated Dr. Robert Ursano's 38 years of service to CSTS and the Department of Psychiatry as Director of CSTS. Speakers included Drs. David Benedek, Vincent Capaldi, Joshua Morganstein, Carol Fullerton, Jeffrey Thomas, and Stephen Cozza. Dr. Ursano will continue to serve CSTS as Senior Advisor to the Director and the Department of Psychiatry as Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience.
Dr. Elle Cleaves and MSgt Jessica Moore Celebrate Retirement
Dr. Elle Cleaves and MSgt Jessica Moore Celebrate Retirement
The Department of Psychiatry bid farewell to Dr. Elle Cleaves as she prepares for her expiration term of service (ETS) from the USAF and MSgt Jessica Moore as she prepares for her retirement from the USAF. Please join us in thanking and congratulating Dr. Cleaves and MSgt Moore!
Dr. James Naifeh Interviewed by USU on Leveraging Machine Learning to Improve Suicide Risk Detection in Soldiers
Dr. James Naifeh Interviewed by USU on Leveraging Machine Learning to Improve Suicide Risk Detection in Soldiers
CSTS's Assistant Scientific Director, Dr. James Naifeh, was interviewed by USU on his recent publication in Nature Mental Health titled "Predicting suicide attempts among US Army soldiers using information available at the time of periodic health assessments." The study used data from CSTS's Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers--Longitudinal Study (STARRS-LS) to develop machine learning models to improve suicide risk assessment during Soldiers' annual medical evaluations, which will allow for more targeted interventions to prevent suicidal behavior
CSTS Fellow Provides Critical Mental Health Support for Israeli Embassy Staff
CSTS Fellow Provides Critical Mental Health Support for Israeli Embassy Staff
Dr. Lucian Tatsa-Laur, senior psychiatrist and international fellow at CSTS, was called upon to support the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, in the immediate aftermath of the fatal shooting on 21 May. Dr. Tatsa-Laur served as a critical mental health resource, guiding trauma-informed messaging, leading targeted staff support sessions, and distributing CSTS tools that shaped the embassy’s immediate response. This rapid deployment of CSTS expertise highlights the Center’s role in real-world crisis consultation and its global reach in the aftermath of mass violence. Thanks to the USU School of Medicine newsletter for this update.
CSTS Supports Ally Nation following Aviation Disaster
CSTS Supports Ally Nation following Aviation Disaster
CSTS assisted Indian allies in the aftermath of the deadly air crash in Ahmedabad that claimed the lives of nearly 300 passengers and civilians. CSTS Scientists provided just-in-time, action-oriented, disaster mental health resources with leadership of the Indian Psychiatric Society and the World Psychiatric Association. These "psychological first aid" resources provided evidence-based guidance to families, responders, healthcare personnel, and community leaders on actions to protect health and foster resilience and recovery for the affected communities. Thanks to the USU School of Medicine newsletter for this update.
CSTS Director Featured on AHA Website
CSTS Director Featured on AHA Website
Dr. Stephen Cozza, Acting Director of the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, is quoted several times in an American Heart Association online article about the effects of grief on military families. “Grief is Never Easy, But Military Families Bear Added Burdens" addresses the unique psychological stress of military grief and offers practical advice for supporting grieving families. Thanks to the USU School of Medicine newsletter for this update.
Dr. Christin Ogle's Grant Proposal Recommended for Funding
Dr. Christin Ogle's Grant Proposal Recommended for Funding
Drs. Christin Ogle (CSTS) and Elizabeth Hisle-Gorman (USU Department of Pediatrics) were awarded funding from the USU-University of Idaho Research Partnership Initiative to conduct a study aimed at identifying predictors of co-occurring harmful behaviors, including family violence, substance abuse, suicidality, and accidental injury, in active duty service members and their dependents (spouses, children) during the deployment cycle, a known high-risk period of the military family life course, in a grant titled "Using Machine Learning to Predict Severe Military Family Dysfunction Throughout the Deployment Cycle." These harmful behaviors have been identified as high-priority prevention targets by the Department of Defense based on empirical evidence of their negative impact on military readiness, service retention, and service member and family health outcomes. Results will provide critical information to inform the development of integrated preventive interventions that reduce the risk of harmful behaviors in service members and their families.
PSY Team Attends ADMSEP
PSY Team Attends ADMSEP
Several USU Department of Psychiatry educators, including Drs. Kathryn Egan, Derrick Hamaoka, James "Curt" West, Althea Scott, Kelly Cozza, Elizabeth Greene, Elle Cleaves, and Rayad Barakat, attended the Association of Directors of Medical Student Education in Psychiatry (ADMSEP) annual meeting in Boston, MA. The team presented workshops, courses, posters, and led/engaged in committee work for the the organization throughout the meeting.
PSY Global Grand Rounds: "Extreme Overvalued Beliefs: Identification, Management, and Mitigation"
PSY Global Grand Rounds: "Extreme Overvalued Beliefs: Identification, Management, and Mitigation"
Dr. Mikel Matto will present on "Extreme Overvalued Beliefs: Identification, Management, and Mitigation." Mikel Matto, MD is a forensic psychiatrist, board certified in Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine.
Free CME credits will be provided. In order to receive CME credt and attend this virtual event, you must register on the SUSP website.
USU Brain & Behavior Hub Stress/PTSD Workgroup
USU Brain & Behavior Hub Stress/PTSD Workgroup
The Brain and Behavior Hub Stress/PTSD Workgroup brings together individuals interested in studying stress and stress-related disorders, from cell to community. The workgroup hosts an open meeting every other month where all are welcome. The end-goal of the workgroup is to foster interdepartmental collaborations across USU that lead to grant submissions, new projects, and more.
This document contains a list of projects currently being worked on by members of the workgroup. This list can be used to find collaborations across USU and has been used to find collaborations with external institutions. If you would like to add your projects to this list, please email Hanna Nettles (hanna.nettles.ctr@usuhs.edu).
The next workgroup meeting will be scheduled for September. More information will be distributed soon.
Congratulations to Capt Christine Kwak!
Congratulations to Capt Christine Kwak!
Please join us in congratulating Capt Christine Kwak, Teaching Fellow in the Department of Psychiatry, for being awarded Company Grade Officer of the Quarter!
Promotions and New Hires
Promotions and New Hires
Congratulations to the following faculty on their faculty appointments!
Dr. Gary Stocker, Assistant Professor
Please welcome our new hires to CSTS and PSY!
Brelynne Baldwin, Mental Health Practicum Student Trainee for SAFEGUARD (Life Force)
Katherine Hurley, Mental Health Practicum Student Trainee for SAFEGUARD (Life Force)
Amanda Milochik, Program Manager for STARRS
Laura Disney, Licensed Mental Health Professional for SAFEGUARD (Life Force)
Take the next step in your career as a USU faculty member! Learn more about the process for faculty promotion on our website. You can access the PSY faculty appointment form here.
Recent Publications
Recent Publications
A scoping review of assessments in undergraduate medical education: Implications for residency programs and medical schools
A scoping review of assessments in undergraduate medical education: Implications for residency programs and medical schools
Drs. Elle Cleaves and James "Curt" West coauthored this paper, in which a scoping review was performed to explore key features of assessments and their validity and reliability evidence. Results indicated that there was no single assessment that could easily differentiate medical students in a standardized, meaningful way. Despite the existence of contemporary validity theories for over two decades, there remains a need for greater education regarding the pivotal role of validity in conducting assessment research.
Position statement on military personnel and veterans’ mental health
Position statement on military personnel and veterans’ mental health
With the Military Psychiatry Section Working Group on Military Personnel and Veterans’ Mental Health, Dr. Joshua Morganstein coauthored this position statement, which summarized updates on the current global conflict situation, the unique mental health risks associated with military roles, the range of mental health concerns in military and veteran populations, the most common mental disorders in military and veteran populations, and the specific issues related to stigma and suicide. The authors also provided recommendations to improve awareness of the mental health problems related to military service, enable and improve access to mental health care, develop military leadership and clinical governance structures to support access and availability of the mental health care, and develop the evidence-based policy for prevention, early intervention, treatment, and reintegration into society after recovery of the military personnel and veterans with mental health problems.
Explore and Engage on Our USU Psychiatry Global Website
Explore and Engage on Our USU Psychiatry Global Website
Discover the wealth of resources and opportunities available at our USU Psychiatry Global Website.
-> Sign up for our mailing list to stay informed.
-> Link to our global event calendar.
-> Participate in one of our dynamic USU Psychiatry Community Tracks. Each track offers an innovative way to collaborate and contribute to our broader DoD/PHS/VA psychiatry community. No registration needed to attend the meetings.
USU Psychiatry Community Tracks
USU Psychiatry Community Tracks
Clinical Community: Share best practices and delve into advanced treatment strategies for those providing direct patient care. Next meeting: 17 September 2025 @1500 EDT
Operational Community: Collaborate with peers in similar environments and engage with leaders in the field of operational psychiatry. Next meeting: 09 July 2025 @ 1500 EDT
Academic and Teaching Community: Enhance your skills as an educator and mentor for the next wave of psychiatric professionals. Next meeting: TBD
Research Community: Integrate research into your practice and contribute to the advancement of our field. Next meeting: 27 August 2025 @ 1500 EDT
Resources for Challenging Times
Resources for Challenging Times
For some veterans and service members, the fireworks on July 4th may have triggered symptoms of PTSD. If your loved one is struggling with post-deployment stress, learn more about how you can support them with this fact sheet titled "Understanding Post Deployment Stress Symptoms."
CSTS offers other materials and resources to support individuals and communities. Utilize our easy-to-navigate mental health education Fact Sheet Search Page for succinct, evidence-based guidance on a variety of mental health topics.
Congrats to LTC William Pitts!
Congrats to LTC William Pitts!
USU alumnus LTC William Pitts was inducted into the Uniformed Services University (Maryland Gamma) Chapter of Alpha Omega Alpha!
Congrats to Grover!
Congrats to Grover!
Staff Sergeant Grover was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant on the 6th of May, 2025. We wish him the best of luck as he goes on to pursue his dogtorate at USUHS!
Dr. Stephen J. Cozza
Dr. Stephen J. Cozza
Acting Director of CSTS
Dr. Robert J. Ursano
Dr. Robert J. Ursano
Senior Advisor to the CSTS Director
Connect with Community: Find Your Track
Connect with Community: Find Your Track
Choose your path to excellence in behavioral health sciences. Each track we offer is meticulously designed to cultivate passion, expertise, and commitment. Whether your calling lies in clinical care, leadership, academia, or research, there's a path here. Dive in, and together, let's shape the future of psychiatric care for the DoD community and our nation's warfighters. You can join multiple communities if you cannot decide. If you would like to get on a community email list, click on the button below.
Engage with the core of behavioral health, honing expertise to heal and uplift. Here, you'll emerge as a beacon for the DoD community, ensuring the psychological well-being of our dedicated warfighters and their families.
Next meeting:
Next meeting:
21 May 2025
@1500h ET
21 May 2025
@1500h ET
Seize the reins of leadership, blending strategy with empathy. Master the military medical leadership tenets and drive your team, and the broader community, to mental well-being and unparalleled readiness.
Next meeting:
Next meeting:
14 May 2025
@1500h ET
14 May 2025
@1500h ET
Kindle the spirit of the next medical generation. Academia awaits your wisdom, experience, and drive. Shape the future of behavioral health education and be the inspiration for countless future leaders in health care.
Next meeting:
Next meeting:
07 May 2025
@1500h ET
Venture into uncharted territories of understanding. Your research will uncover solutions in areas like Traumatic Stress Response, Suicide Prevention, and more. Illuminate pathways, ensuring the readiness and fortitude of our nation's defenders.
Next meeting:
Next meeting:
28 May 2025
@1500h ET
28 May 2025
@1500h ET
Our Vision
Our Vision
Our department is the home of military psychiatry, an internationally recognized leader in behavioral health science education, research and leadership, serving as an example for building a productive global professional community.
Educational Mission
Educational Mission
Train medical students in foundational mental health skills, focusing on the well-being of warfighters and their families. Offer robust pre-clerkship, clerkship, and elective training, including capstone projects. Integrate tele-behavioral health and telemedicine into the university-wide curriculum to prepare students for digital healthcare delivery.
Research Mission
Research Mission
Conduct targeted research to address military medical gaps in traumatic stress, suicide prevention, and warfighter sleep and cognition. Integrate military medical leadership principles into behavioral health education and interdisciplinary efforts.
Top three priorities for National Faculty Development in 2024:
Build Community
Build Community
Build community by connecting psychiatrists across the DoD and providing resources as the home of DoD Psychiatry.
Streamline Processes for National Faculty
Streamline Processes for National Faculty
Streamline the academic appointment and review process within the department.
Enhance Educational Offerings
Enhance Educational Offerings
Improve the educational and developmental offerings of the department.
We hope that this website can be a conduit for enabling these priorities.
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