University of Colorado Program

The program in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Colorado focuses on producing leaders in the field with a robust clinical and educational foundation. The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship is a comprehensive two-year program, dedicated to improving clinical skills as well as scholarly and advocacy competencies among its fellows.

Program Mission

The mission of the program is to enhance the lives of children and families through evidence-based, family-focused mental health care. The program is committed to delivering high-quality care while ensuring patient safety as a top priority, including services offered both in-person and through telehealth modalities 1.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship curriculum is designed to develop clinical expertise in treating infants, children, and adolescents across a wide spectrum of mental health issues. Fellows participate in rotations that cover various clinical settings, gaining experience in providing evidence-based interventions with graduated clinical autonomy.

Rotations and Clinical Exposure

Fellows engage in a variety of comprehensive clinical experiences that encompass inpatient, outpatient, and integrated mental health services. The program includes rotations at key clinical facilities, such as the Child Psychiatric Unit and adolescent units, which provide a hands-on environment for learning through both direct care to patients and collaborative inter-professional practice 1.

Research Opportunities

The program places a strong emphasis on research, encouraging fellows to participate in mentored scholarship projects. They are required to produce a poster and/or a manuscript based on their research findings. There is also a dedicated track for psychiatry residents interested in pursuing research opportunities alongside their clinical training, further integrating research into the education process 1.

Research areas focus on intervention and implementation, neuroscience, and clinical phenotyping, with investigations aimed at optimizing mental health treatment practices for youth. The program emphasizes community engagement in research, reflecting the unique needs of Colorado populations and contributing to national advances in child psychiatry 1.

Training Sites

The core training sites for the fellowship include the Anschutz Medical Campus, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and various community-based clinics. These sites provide a diverse and rich resource for experiential learning, enabling fellows to address multifaceted health and wellness needs among children and adolescents 2.

Special Programs

Additionally, the fellowship supports rotation opportunities for residents seeking an interest in child and adolescent psychiatry. Residents can explore clinical experiences in related fields such as pediatrics and pediatric neurology, providing them with a well-rounded educational experience 1.

Community Outreach and Advocacy

Community outreach is a significant aspect of the program's mission. The fellowship includes various initiatives aimed at enhancing community health and well-being through educational programs and partnerships with local organizations. This engagement ensures that fellows not only develop clinical skills but also learn the importance of advocacy for systemic changes to improve mental health care services for children and families 1.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates. The types of visas supported typically include J-1 and H-1B visas, making it accessible for international candidates wishing to apply. The program is known to be competitive; however, it remains friendly to qualified DO and IMG candidates who demonstrate aptitude and commitment to the field 2.

Application Requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed their general psychiatry residency and to demonstrate proficiency in relevant examinations with no more than one failed attempt on any of the STEP exams. Moreover, the program seeks candidates who exhibit initiative and a strong desire to advance their expertise in child and adolescent mental health 1.