Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine

The Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine is the teaching, research, and patient care arm for the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in West Michigan. The division's faculty are committed to educating Michigan State University medical students, conducting ground-breaking research, and caring for the people of western Michigan who are suffering with mental health disorders.

It is with profound pleasure we welcome you to the Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine — a hub of innovation, compassion, and groundbreaking research. Whether you are a clinician, scientist and a current or future faculty member, aspiring resident or fellow, or a patient seeking care, we are honored to have you engage with our community.

---

The Power of Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine: A Field of Endless Possibilities

Psychiatry and behavioral medicine stand at the crossroads of human complexity, where the biological, psychological, social, and emotional dimensions of health converge into a symphony of synapses of orchestrated ingenuity. What makes this field so deeply compelling is its vast potential to transform lives. Unlike many other disciplines, psychiatry touches every part of the human experience, from the most intricate neural circuits (including mitochondria and genomics and electric signals that fuel our thoughts, emotions, behavior, sensation and perception of the world, at least as the brain perceive it) to the broadest societal challenges. It allows us to not only understand the workings of the mind and our interwoven cognitions but also to address the suffering and hope found within us. It allows us to use hope.

Hope, among others, fuels resilience and fuels our ability to bounce back from adversities via harmonic dynamic engagement between our biology and genomics on one hand to our environment and experiences on the other.

---

• To Our Scientists: Advancing Human Understanding
  We invite researchers and scientists to join us in our relentless pursuit of discovery. Our Division in West Michigan is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in neuroscience, genetics, epigenetics, psychopharmacology, epidrugs, and the study of behavior. Through our developing world-class research infrastructure and collaborative ethos, we aim to unravel the mysteries of the human mind and translate our findings into therapeutics that directly improve the lives of individuals and communities.
• To Our Faculty: Shaping the Future

  To our esteemed faculty, you are the lifeblood of our great Division. You do a tremendous job in teaching and taking care of patients at Pine Rest. of over 120 faculty, You do an excellent work taking care of almost half a million outpatient visits a year in over 21 clinics all over Michigan, supported by world-class 350 inpatient and residential beds and provide specialized services to all demographics including child and adolescents, adults and geriatricss, addiction services and one of the world class partial hospital program for mother and baby. Your expertise in all these programs and across the continuum of age groups and settings, your dedication, and passion for teaching medical students and residents and patient care are what make us a beacon of excellence in the world of psychiatry and behavioral medicine.

  We are committed to providing an environment that supports academic freedom, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and allows each faculty member to thrive as a leader in their field. Together, we will continue to shape the future of mental health care, setting new standards for excellence in both practice and education.

• To All Our Clinicians: Delivering Compassionate, Evidence-Based Care
  For our clinical practitioners, we are proud to provide a platform that supports the highest levels of patient care. We believe that every patient deserves a treatment plan tailored not only to their condition but also to their personal story. The strength of our clinical team lies in its diversity of expertise, from innovative psychopharmacological interventions to the most nuanced forms of psychotherapy. We are united by a shared commitment to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care that meets the full spectrum of mental health needs.
• To Our Patients: You Are Our Priority
  For those who come to us for care, know that you are at the heart of everything we do. We understand that seeking mental health treatment can be a deeply personal and sometimes difficult journey. Our commitment is to walk with you every step of the way, offering personalized, compassionate care that integrates the latest scientific advancements with a deep respect for your unique needs and experiences. We are here not only to treat but to listen, support, and empower you to take chanrge and collaborate with us for your care.

A Vision for the Future

Our clinical and research enterprise is not just a place of learning and care—it is a community bound by a shared vision: of hope and resilience. A vision to build a future where mental health is fully integrated into the broader landscape, not only as Brain Medicine and Science with all its multifaceted, multidimensional cosmos, and its exquisite, intentional and essential complexity, but also and inevitably in healthcare at large. This needs to be realized both nationally and globally; where research and treatment are continuously evolving, and where every individual receives the care, respect, and understanding they deserve with dignity and understanding.

Thank you for visiting us. Whether you are here to learn, to teach, to collaborate, or to seek help, you are a vital part of this journey. Together, we will redefine what is possible in psychiatry and behavioral medicine.

Sincerely,

Nagy A. Youssef, MD, PhD
Director, Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine West Michigan Division
Professor of Psychiatry, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University
Vice President for Research, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health

Biography