Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences
USF Health · College of Medicine

Mission Statement

The department's mission is to educate health care practitioners about mental, addictive and behavioral disorders, advance scientific knowledge about the nature, causes and treatment of these conditions, and provide exemplary models of clinical care in order to benefit the health and well-being of the people of Florida.

Psychiatry Buliding

Photo of Francisco FernandezFrancisco Fernandez, M.D. Chairman

 A message from the Chairman

"The University of South Florida's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences is dedicated to providing the best care for persons with mental disorders and the best education for its trainees..."

Clinical Trials

  • ADHD with Aggressive Behaviors
    This is a 10 week investigational medication trial that will test the effectiveness and safety of molindone hydrochloride extended release as an add-on treatment to current ADHD medications for the treatment of aggressive behaviors in children ages 6-12 years old.
  • Bipolar Disorder
    This study is a 3-week investigational medication trial that will test the effectiveness and safety of asenapine compared to placebo in teens ages 12-17 years with Bipolar I Disorder who are currently experiencing a manic or mixed episode.
  • Schizophrenia
    This is an open-label, naturalistic study of aripiprazole long-acting intramuscular depot, an investigational medication, in the long-term treatment of schizophrenia.
  • Depression - Mixed Symptoms
    This study is a 6- week investigational medication trial that will test the effectiveness and safety of lurasidone compared to placebo in adults ages 18-75 with Depression who are currently experiencing mixed symptoms. A 12-week extension study is available. Study medication, study visits, and study related laboratory work are provided at no cost.
  • Bipolar Disorder - Depression
    This is a 12-week investigational research study to determine the safety and effectiveness of Ramelteon sublingual as an add-on treament to Lithium and/or Valproate (Depakote) for individuals with Bipolar I Disorder who are currently depressed.
  • Bipolar Disorder - Stable
    This is a 10-month investigational research study of Ramelteon Sublingual as an add-on treatment to treatment-as-usual in the maintenance treatment of Bipolar I Disorder.

Memory Disorders Clinic

Many people experiencing memory loss attribute it to the aging process. But significant memory loss at any age is not normal and may be related to stress, depression, or Alzheimer’s disease. The USF Memory Disorders Clinic, 1 or 15 state-designated memory disorder clinics in Florida, is devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of memory impairment. For more information...

New Programs

Social Skills/Pragmatics Group Therapy
Parent Training
CME Courses

Department News

Department Brochure