University of Connecticut Program

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry program at UConn Health provides comprehensive training and experience in outpatient child and adolescent psychiatry. This program aims to educate residents in managing behavioral health difficulties and early-onset psychiatric disorders in children aged 4 to 17 years old.

The primary teaching site for outpatient child and adolescent psychiatry is the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic, located a short drive from UConn Health offices in West Hartford. At this facility, residents have the opportunity to work closely with medical students and adult psychiatry residents during various educational experiences that enhance their clinical skills and knowledge in a collaborative environment 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The program offers a diverse curriculum that covers the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and more 1. The residents will rotate through various clinical settings, enriching their learning experiences through exposure to different patient populations and treatment modalities.

In addition to individual and family therapy, residents participating in the outpatient clinic also engage in school consultations and multidisciplinary team meetings, enhancing their ability to work with children in multiple contexts 2.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a crucial role in the training of residents, especially through programs such as the Child/Adolescent Anxiety and Mood Program (CAMP). This program focuses on innovative treatments for anxiety and mood disorders among children and adolescents, providing residents with exposure to current evidence-based practices and research methodologies 2.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One unique aspect of the program is its co-location with pediatric and adolescent medicine services, which allows child psychiatry residents to develop vital skills in interdisciplinary consultation. This integration of services promotes collaborative care, ensuring comprehensive support for young patients and their families 1.

Training Sites

Residents will gain experience in various sites, including the primary outpatient clinic and specialized clinics such as the Psychological Trauma Clinic and the Child and Family Development Program, which offer trauma-specific services and classes designed to foster positive family relationships 2.

Visa Support and Sponsorship

The program is capable of sponsoring visa types commonly required for international medical graduates, offering support for J-1 and H-1B visas, thus making it accessible for a diverse group of applicants.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Child and Adolescent Psychiatry program at UConn Health is considered competitive; however, it is open to graduates of both MD and DO programs, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). The program encourages applicants to demonstrate a strong foundation in psychiatry and relevant clinical experiences. 2.

Specific application requirements may include consideration of the year of graduation from medical school and stipulations regarding prior attempts at STEP examinations, though applicants are encouraged to review detailed criteria as they work on preparation for residency application.