The Contributions of a Professor of Psychiatry in Mental Health Education

Psychiatry professors teach children, parents, and teachers how to recognize mental health-related problems. They also help develop programs that address the needs of people with mental illness and other social issues that impact their lives, such as coping skills.

College and university faculty are often the first to notice their students’ distress, a role heightened during the pandemic. Some are asking for mandatory training on handling student mental health concerns.

Teaching

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They receive training to recognize and diagnose emotional disorders by examining patients’ physical and psychological data, conducting tests, and talking with them. Doctors use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the Psychiatric Association, to make specific diagnoses.

The need for school counselors, support staff, and teachers to help children cope with stress and anxiety is growing significantly as trauma and chronic stress diminish concentration, memory, and the ability to learn. These teachers need to be able to identify early warning signs of mental health issues in students and refer them for appropriate care.

Educators also want to teach students about the mental health continuum, reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviors and emotional well-being practices. But many schools need help to balance these goals with the demands of academic instruction, and they often need to be equipped to provide appropriate support. This is where the role of a professor of psychiatry comes in.

Research

When a university student has a mental health issue, it’s not always clear what the faculty member’s role is in dealing with that problem. According to a study by the non-profit group, confusion can seriously affect students.

In addition to teaching, many professors of psychiatry, like Catherine Cerulli New York, conduct and participate in research within their area of expertise. They may also work with graduate students on various projects. This is especially true in the field of adolescent mental health.

At the University the recent loss of two students in residence prompted a review of campus mental-health services. It led to an overhaul of policies on Faculty dealing with student issues. The institution is now embracing a “whole-person view” of students, which includes making their emotional and mental well-being as important as their academic achievements. This includes making accommodations for students with disabilities.

Supervision

Supervision is the cornerstone of psychiatric education. It’s the process by which trainees learn to work with patients, elicit information and interpret observations, develop treatment plans, evaluate progress, and adjust their interventions. Supervisors also pass on their professional values to supervisees.

A psychiatry professor may supervise students in the doctoral program in clinical health psychology, practicum students in social work, marriage, and family therapy, or psychiatric residents. They may also give didactic training in seminars for these students on theories, interventions, or diagnoses.

Supervision is a demanding and sometimes complex task with ethical, legal, and personal consequences. Supervisors must walk a fine line between allowing trainees to make decisions, trusting their clinical judgment, and providing sufficient structure, guidance, and feedback to prevent harm to patients and avoid malpractice. Psychiatry professors often need to be made aware of the unique risks and liabilities associated with their roles as psychotherapy supervisors.

Community Engagement

Psychiatrists often work on community engagement initiatives. One example is using mindfulness to support students in the classroom and improve their mental health. Another is the development of antiracism training for medical students.

There is also a role for psychiatry professors to engage in advocacy and public service. This could include addressing issues such as reducing stigma around mental illness or managing the impact of social determinants on mental health.

A professor of psychiatry will have a distinguished track record of research and be recognized as an eminent leader in their field. They will contribute to the research strategy of the Faculty and School, teach at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and undertake leadership and management activities. This will enhance the external profile nationally and internationally.