Opinion: We’ve seen firsthand Ukraine’s tragic behavioral-health crisis

The Seattle Times | April 28, 2022

“The refugee situation for Ukrainians in Poland is similar in some ways to that of others in the rest of the world … But, unlike previous refugee groups with whom we have worked, these were almost exclusively mothers and children. Husbands, brothers, grandfathers and uncles stayed behind to fight. There is a different sense of fragility and trauma when families are separated in this way,” write Eric Bruns, PhD, Tona McGuire and Kira Mauseth.




Michael V. Vitiello retires after 40+ years

Department news | April 21, 2022

After a distinguished career spanning over four decades in our department, Michael V. Vitiello, PhD, will retire at the end of this month. Known for his brilliant mind, good humor, candid feedback and affinity for wearing shorts and Hawaiian shirts, he has been an incredible asset to our department and the UW community.


Jim Vollendroff appointed to Liquor and Cannabis Board

Department news | April 21, 2022

Jim Vollendroff, MPA, has been appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee to the vacant seat on the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) and will leave his current department role as the Behavioral Health Senior Advisor for Policy and Advocacy at the end of this month.


Department funds suicide prevention and recovery grants

Department news | April 21, 2022

We are delighted to announce the recipients of the Department’s Suicide Prevention and Recovery Small Grants Program aimed at supporting projects related to preventing suicide, promoting the recovery of suicide survivors and supporting the families and caregivers impacted by suicide.



Bhat awarded ITHS pilot award

Department news | April 21, 2022

Amritha Bhat, MBBS, MD, MPH, received the Translational Research Partnership Award for Academic Community Partnerships for her project “Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Building the Capacity of Birth Doulas to Improve Access to Care and Outcomes for Parents and Babies.”


Novel Therapeutics in Addiction Psychiatry Symposium

Department news | April 21, 2022

A growing body of research suggests that the use of psychedelic compounds combined with behavioral interventions may provide powerful treatment options for a range of addictions including alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, tobacco use disorder and others.