University of California Davis Health Program

Sacramento, CA
Specialty:Child and adolescent psychiatry
ACGME Code:4050511005
NRMP Code:-
Status:Continued Accreditation

Overview

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program at UC Davis Health is dedicated to improving the mental health of children and teens through innovative treatment approaches. The program is situated within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California, providing a comprehensive array of mental health services tailored to the unique needs of young patients.

What distinguishes the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program is the expertise of its physicians, who are recognized leaders in pediatric mental health. They utilize the latest evidence-based treatment protocols, backed by ongoing research efforts aimed at advancing care in this field. This combination of clinical practice and research enables the program to offer cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic options that may not be available elsewhere in the region 1.

Curriculum and Training

The curriculum of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship comprises a diverse range of clinical experiences. Fellows engage in various rotations that encompass outpatient services, inpatient care, and specialized clinics, focusing on the assessment and treatment of a wide array of mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, depression, and bipolar disorders 1. This experiential learning is supplemented by didactic sessions that cover key topics in child and adolescent psychiatry, ensuring that fellows are well-equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Unique Rotation Opportunities

During the fellowship, participants have the opportunity to rotate through multiple clinical settings, gaining exposure to different treatment modalities. This includes individual and family therapy, medication management, and comprehensive psychiatric assessments 1. Fellows also participate in an Early Psychosis Program, which is nationally recognized for its innovative approaches to the early identification and intervention of psychotic disorders. This unique aspect of the program underscores its commitment to not only treating existing conditions but also preventing future mental health issues in the pediatric population 4.

Research Opportunities

Research is a fundamental component of the fellowship with numerous ongoing studies focused on child and adolescent mental health. Fellows are encouraged to engage in research projects, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field 4. Being involved in research not only enhances the fellows’ academic experience but also informs their clinical practice with evidence-based findings.

Training and Educational Environment

The training environment at UC Davis is enriched by a collegial atmosphere encouraging collaboration among trainees and attending physicians. This supportive setting allows fellows to develop vital professional relationships and gain insights from peers and mentors alike 3.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program provides support for J-1 and H-1B visa applicants, making it accessible for international medical graduates and those who may need visa sponsorship. Applicants are typically required to have completed their residency training in an accredited program and demonstrate a commitment to the field of child and adolescent psychiatry 1.

Competitiveness of the Program

UC Davis Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship is regarded as a highly competitive program, known for its rigorous selection process. Due to its reputation for excellence and comprehensive training, the program attracts a diverse pool of applicants, including U.S. allopathic and osteopathic medical graduates, as well as international medical graduates 1. While the program maintains high standards, it is also recognized for being welcoming to osteopathic and international medical graduates, fostering an inclusive training atmosphere.

Application Process

Applicants must meet specific requirements to be considered for the fellowship. This can include guidelines such as the year of graduation from medical school and any limits on failed STEP exams, emphasizing the program's commitment to attracting qualified and motivated candidates. Potential applicants are encouraged to review the detailed program requirements carefully prior to applying 1.

Web sources

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Program data

ACGME History [2]

Accreditation Last updated: Jul 16, 2026
Initial accreditation0
Full accreditation0
Continued27
Warning0
Probationary Accreditation0
Withdrawal0

Program

Program Size

-- (2 years) [1]

Accreditation Status

Continued Accreditation

(Effective: February 12, 2026)

Composition

--

Training

Fellowship Rate:--

Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:0.9X [1]

Residents Career Path

--

Quality of Life

First Year Paid Sick Leave: --

First Year Paid Vacation: --

First Year Salary: $91,561 [1]

First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 24 hours [1]

First Year Average Weekly Hours: 40 hours [1]

Admission

USMLE Step 2 Score: --

Visa Sponsorship:--

YOG Cutoff:--

Race / Ethnicity

No race data available.

Gender

No gender data available.

Incoming Schools

No incoming school data available.

Rotation Duration by Site

Benchmarks

Roster

Location

Sacramento, CA [4]

Population
1,585,055
Median income
$90,252Above
Education
35.1%Above
Employment
60.1%Below
Health
4.9%Above
Age
37On par
  • Above the national average
  • Below the national average
  • Similar to the national average

Housing — Rental prices [5]

Rental prices

Crime — All violent offences [6]

Rate per 100,000 residents

Living in Sacramento, CA

Crime Rate and Safety

Sacramento has both safe and less safe neighborhoods. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in certain areas known for higher crime rates. Overall, it's advisable to stay informed about the safety of the specific neighborhood you choose to live in.

Fun Activities

Sacramento offers a variety of outdoor activities due to its proximity to rivers, parks, and hiking trails. The city also has museums, art galleries, and a growing food scene. Additionally, it's home to the California State Fair and is near wine country.

Climate

Sacramento has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Be prepared for hot temperatures during the summer months.

Races and Population

Sacramento is a diverse city with a mix of different races and ethnicities among its population, contributing to a rich cultural experience.

Education

Sacramento is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for higher education.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Sacramento is relatively high compared to other cities in California but is more affordable than some of the more expensive coastal cities.

Proximity to Larger Cities

Sacramento is located about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from San Francisco and is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours away from San Jose. You can easily explore larger metropolitan areas on weekends or during time off.

Pros

  • Proximity to outdoor activities
  • diverse population
  • cultural attractions.

Cons

  • Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates
  • and the summers can be extremely hot.

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Nearby programs

Child and adolescent psychiatry Programs Near Sacramento, CA

Stanford Health Care-Sponsored Stanford University ProgramStanford, CAChild and adolescent psychiatryLos Angeles County-Harbor-UCLA Medical Center ProgramTorrance, CAChild and adolescent psychiatryCharles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, College of Medicine ProgramLos Angeles, CAChild and adolescent psychiatryUniversity of Nevada Reno School of Medicine ProgramReno, NVChild and adolescent psychiatryUniversity of California (San Francisco) ProgramSan Francisco, CAChild and adolescent psychiatryKaweah Delta Health Care District (KDHCD) ProgramVisalia, CAChild and adolescent psychiatryKaiser Permanente Southern California ProgramFontana, CAChild and adolescent psychiatryUniversity of California Riverside School of Medicine ProgramRiverside, CAChild and adolescent psychiatryKirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV ProgramLas Vegas, NVChild and adolescent psychiatryUCLA-Kern Medical Center ProgramBakersfield, CAChild and adolescent psychiatryUniversity of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center (USC/LA General) ProgramLos Angeles, CAChild and adolescent psychiatrySt Joseph's Medical Center ProgramStockton, CAChild and adolescent psychiatryUCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center ProgramLos Angeles, CAChild and adolescent psychiatryLoma Linda University Health Education Consortium ProgramRedlands, CAChild and adolescent psychiatryRiverside University Health System ProgramRiverside, CAChild and adolescent psychiatryUniversity of California (Irvine) ProgramOrange, CAChild and adolescent psychiatry

References

1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/4050511005

2. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search

3. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/

4. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=050XX00US06067

5. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/

6. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr