Los Angeles County-Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Program

The Harbor-UCLA Psychiatry Residency Program provides a comprehensive training program for general psychiatrists. The program focuses on training psychiatrists who are competent in various practice situations and have a strong sense of responsibility for the healthcare system. Residents benefit from a vertically integrated system that offers continuity of care and opportunities for longitudinal patient responsibility. The program encourages residents to explore their special interests and talents while providing a hands-on approach to psychiatric education.

Applicants to the program are selected through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and applications are managed through ERAS. Requirements for application include at least three letters of recommendation, a dean's letter, personal statement, and transcripts. There are no minimum scores required for Steps I and II, and the requirements for IMG applicants are the same.

Harbor-UCLA is committed to training a diverse workforce and providing inclusive and culturally competent mental health care to marginalized populations. The program values diversity in ethnicity, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, ability, and age. Ongoing initiatives focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, and antiracism.

Residents in the program are provided with competitive salaries and benefits as negotiated under the CIR (Committee of Interns and Residents) SEIU Healthcare Collective Bargaining Agreement. The curriculum includes a core weekly didactic seminar series, weekly interviewing and psychotherapy courses, and opportunities for clinical experiences. Residents also have access to a variety of educational resources and scholarly meetings in the Los Angeles area.

The program offers a structured PGY schedule that combines psychiatry and primary care rotations, as well as outpatient multidisciplinary team experiences. Psychotherapy training and supervision are emphasized throughout the training years, with opportunities for residents to select appropriate patients for short or long-term psychotherapy.

Harbor-UCLA supports resident well-being through a multidisciplinary team-based approach and a sense of community among residents. Regular wellness events and access to support services aim to minimize burnout and promote a healthy work-life balance. The program is located in the South Bay area of Los Angeles, offering proximity to beaches and cultural institutions while being easily accessible to downtown and other parts of the city.