The psychiatry department conducts a wide variety of research that addresses a full range of brain diseases and psychiatric disorders. Learn more about our research centers and labs below.

Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research

The Institute brings together a broad, innovative network of collaborators dedicated to drug discovery, the development of novel therapeutics, lifestyle interventions and clinical applications to improve the outcomes of individuals with psychiatric illnesses.

Led byCharles Zorumski, MD, Director; Steven Mennerick, PhD, Scientific Director


Neuroimaging laboratories

The NIL is an interdepartmental, interdisciplinary group dedicated to ground-breaking work in animal models and human cognitive and clinical neuroscience using neuroimaging techniques across the lifespan. 

Led by: Tamara Hershey, PhD


Health and Behavior Center

A multi-disciplinary team of clinician-scientists conducting research that addresses key public health priorities such as genomics research and substance use epidemiology and policy.

Led by Laura Bierut, MD and colleagues


Healthy Mind Lab

Helping geriatric patients through a focus on mental and cognitive health through clinical trials of behavioral and medication treatments

Led byEric Lenze, MD


Center for Brain Research in Mood Disorders

Multidisciplinary program dedicated to the study and rapid treatment of complex mood and anxiety disorders.


Washington Early Recognition Center

Conducts neuroimaging, clinical and epidemiologic research geared towards the early identification and management of psychotic and related illnesses, with the goal of reducing their burden on individuals and their families.

Led byDaniel Mamah, MD, MPE


Social Development Studies Lab

Studying the genetic and environmental pathways to disorders of social development in childhood, with the goal of devising and implementing the most effective interventions and treatments.

Led byJohn Constantino, MD


Early Emotional Development Program

Identification and treatment of early onset mental disorders, including depression.

Led byJoan Luby, MD


Laboratory for Child Brain Development

The Laboratory for Child Brain Development uses neuroscientific and biological measures to identify which preschool age children (3-7) are most at risk for the development of psychopathology.  The lab focuses on  factors internal to the child (temperament, emotion), family factors (the parent-child relationship), and external influences (life stress, adversity) on the developing child brain.

Led by: Susan Perlman, PhD