Psychiatry is a department in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta. Our department couples basic science with clinical research to promote world-class investigations on issues relevant to mental health. The main office is located on the main floor of the Walter C Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre (WMC). Research groups are located in the Clinical Sciences Building, the Research Transition Facility and the WCM.
The Department currently consists of:
- 18 full-time academic faculty members
- 160 clinical faculty members
- 20 adjunct academic faculty members
- 50 residents
- 10 post-doctoral fellows
- 22 graduate students
- 11 non-academic staff members
We have an active training program for psychiatry residents, with input from psychiatrists and other mental-health professionals from the University of Alberta Hospital, Grey Nuns Community Hospital, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Misericordia Hospital and Alberta Hospital Edmonton. We also offer separate MSc and PhD programs for graduate students (there are also available to psychiatry residents).
The Department also has a diverse group of outstanding scientists who are internationally recognized. These scientists are carrying out some of the leading-edge research in neuropsychiatry, mood and anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. Some of the areas of expertise include:
- Neurochemistry
- Neuropsychopharmacology
- Psychotherapy
- Epidemiology
- Neuro-imaging
- Molecular biology
- Translational neuroscience
- Concurrent disorders
- Child and adolescent psychiatry
Our research into mental health and addiction incorporates studies of all forms of mental illness. Fundamental research in our department investigates the neurobiology of diseases including schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and addiction. This includes research in models of psychiatric disorders and research in people with or without mental illnesses. Ongoing translational and clinical research in our department is testing new experimental therapies and identifying methods to improve diagnosis of mental illness and improve mental health care.
While research across the spectrum of psychiatric disorders and experimental approaches is essential for continued progress in mental health care, our research community has identified key areas of translational research that are priorities in our research programme. In particular, translational research into depression, addiction, and biomarkers of mental illness have been identified as departmental priorities. Within these priorities, research that addresses emerging provincial trends including a focus on aging and vulnerable populations, incorporation of health economics, innovative technologies, and patient engagement are considered particularly promising.
University of Alberta, Department of Psychiatry
WMC 1E1, 8440 - 112 Street
Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7
- Alberta Health Services (Canada)
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta (Canada)
