Fellowship Experience

The Interventional Psychiatry Fellowship at UTHealth Houston offers rotation experiences at UT Physicians Interventional Psychiatry Clinic and the Dunn Behavioral Sciences Center providing a dynamic and immersive training environment for managing some of the most complex and treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions. Fellows gain comprehensive exposure to inpatient and outpatient settings, working alongside leading experts in neurostimulation and advanced psychopharmacology.

Clinical Focus: Treatment-Resistant Psychiatric Disorders

Fellows are deeply involved in the evaluation and management of patients with:

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
  • Bipolar Depression
  • Catatonia
  • Bipolar Mania
  • Schizophrenia
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Cutting-Edge Therapeutic Modalities

The fellowship emphasizes mastery of both non-invasive and invasive interventional treatments including:

Non-Invasive Therapies:

  • Esketamine (Intranasal) – Rapid-acting antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression.
  • Ketamine (IV Infusion) – Acute intervention for severe depression and suicidality.
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) – Precision-targeted neuromodulation for depression and OCD.
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) – Gold-standard treatment for catatonia, severe depression, and psychosis.
  • Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST) – A novel, focal seizure therapy with cognitive-sparing potential.

Invasive Therapies:

  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) – Chronic neuromodulation for refractory mood disorders.
  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) – Advanced surgical intervention for OCD and mood disorders.

Integrated Learning Environment

Fellows benefit from:

  • Multidisciplinary collaboration with neurologists, neurosurgeons, and anesthesiologists.
  • Hands-on procedural training in state-of-the-art facilities.
  • Robust academic mentorship and opportunities for clinical research and publication.

Outpatient Experience at UT Physicians Interventional Psychiatry Clinic

Located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, the UT Physicians Interventional Psychiatry Clinic within the UTHealth Houston University Center Tower (UCT) offers a premier outpatient experience for individuals facing the most challenging psychiatric conditions serves as a hub for cutting-edge, compassionate care. Fellows benefit from direct involvement in clinical trials, offering patients access to emerging therapies and contributing to the advancement of psychiatric care. This integration of research, education and clinical practice creates a dynamic environment for both learning and development of advanced procedural skills .

Inpatient Experience at the John S. Dunn Behavioral Sciences Center

The John S. Dunn Behavioral Sciences Center, operated by UTHealth Houston in partnership with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), provides a robust and immersive inpatient training experience for fellows in Interventional Psychiatry. As one of the largest academic psychiatric hospitals in the country, the Dunn Center offers a high-acuity environment ideal for managing complex and treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions. Fellows participate in treatment planning, procedural delivery, and interdisciplinary case discussions, gaining critical experience in tailoring interventions to the unique needs of acutely patients. This setting supports clinical innovation and scholarly activity.

Interventional Psychiatry Consortium

The Interventional Psychiatry Consortium is a dynamic educational network connecting over 30 training programs across North America. This monthly virtual didactic series is designed for interventional psychiatry fellows to explore the rapidly evolving field of interventional psychiatry and neuromodulation. The Consortium offers a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge, connect with peers and learn from national leaders in the field.

Topics Include:

  • Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST)
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
  • At-Home Neuromodulation Devices
  • Ketamine and Esketamine Therapies
  • Surgical Interventions (e.g., Deep Brain Stimulation)
  • Psychedelics and Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
  • Bioethics in Interventional Psychiatry
  • Special Populations and Tailored Treatments
  • Clinical Decision-Making in Complex Cases