Research Spotlight

We’re excited to introduce a new feature highlighting the incredible research happening in our department! Each month, we’ll spotlight a recent publication from our faculty, providing an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the important work being done across our department. 

Treating Depression With Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Clinician’s Guide

Shixie Jiang, MD Published in: American Journal of Psychiatry Read more: https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.20240859  What's This Study About? This clinician-focused review offers an up-to-date synthesis of the clinical application of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for major depressive disorder (MDD), with an emphasis on treatment-resistant depression (TRD). It summarizes FDA-cleared protocols, discusses recent innovations like bilateral stimulation, theta burst stimulation, and accelerated treatment schedules, and provides practical guidance on treatment setup, coil targeting, and safety considerations. Key Findings:  TMS is a well-tolerated, evidence-based treatment for TRD, with FDA-approved protocols now considered standard of care. Theta burst stimulation (TBS) offers equivalent efficacy to standard TMS protocols in a shorter time frame, increasing clinic efficiency. Real-world registry data suggest response rates of ~50%, with early symptom improvement and number of sessions correlating with outcomes. Alternative protocols (e.g., bilateral stimulation) and scheduling (e.g., accelerated TMS) provide flexibility for tailoring treatment to patient needs. Why It Matters: This article equips clinicians with a comprehensive, accessible overview of TMS practice, helping bridge the gap between research and real-world application. By distilling decades of evidence, it supports informed clinical decision-making and underscores the potential for TMS to improve outcomes in patients who have not responded to medications. As TMS technology evolves, the guide highlights the expanding role of neuromodulation in psychiatry. Learn more about Dr. Jiang's research

Welcome

Dr. Rob Henderson, Ph.D., is a Licensed Psychologist specializing in the clinical assessment and treatment of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) across the lifespan. He is dedicated to providing evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He is also skilled in tailoring interventions such as SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions).

Dr. Henderson has contributed to the field through guest lectures and presentations at international conferences, including the Society for Psychophysiological Research and the International OCD Foundation. His career has included clinical and research roles at the University of Florida and the University of Rochester Medical Center, where he developed expertise in exposure-based interventions, group therapy, and telehealth innovations.

He has also served as a clinical supervisor with Rogers Behavioral Health, providing oversight for IOP and PHP programs for OCD/anxiety and mood disorders, and as a psychologist with Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta, offering outpatient treatment for children and adults.

Outside of his clinical work, Dr. Henderson enjoys playing and creating music, spending time outdoors, and looks forward to exploring all that Gainesville has to offer with his wife and growing family.

Congratulations

Summer Photo Contest – Share Your Summer Story!

We’re excited to announce our Department of Psychiatry Summer Photo Contest! As you soak up the sunshine, travel, spend time with loved ones, or simply enjoy the season, we invite you to capture and share your favorite summer moments with us.

Submit your photos in one of five categories, each inspired by some of our department’s core values:

• Exploration & Growth – Show how you’ve grown or discovered something new this summer.

• Connection – Highlight moments of community, belonging, or meaningful relationships.

• Joy in the Moment – Celebrate simple joys, laughter, or feel-good moments.

• Creativity in Nature & Life – Capture the beauty, art, or creativity you’ve seen or created.

• Harmony with Nature – Share how you’ve connected with or appreciated the natural world.

Deadline for submissions: August 27th
Submit to: Melinda Fawcett at hartigan@ufl.edu

Winners will be announced at the Fall Social, and winning photos will be proudly displayed!

We can’t wait to see the summer through your lens!

Psychiatry Staff Professional Development Program

Faculty from across UF Psychiatry have created a Staff Professional Development Fund designed to provide direct support from faculty to our support staff in their efforts to advance professionally

Tuesdays Starting June 3rd

Residents, fellows, and faculty!  Take a 20-minute breather from patient care and join us for Trails & Tales Tuesday, a weekly wellness walk designed to get your steps in while nurturing career and life mentorship. Whether you’re interested in child psychiatry or just looking to connect with colleagues, this is an open invitation to unplug, move, and share stories along the way. Why “Tales”? Because every walk is a chance to swap clinical pearls, reflect on meaningful patient interactions, and share lessons learned in our journeys as mental health professionals. Think of it as storytelling with a purpose—mentorship, wellness, and connection, all rolled into one. When: Every Tuesday starting June 3 Where: Meet at Opus at 12:10pm What to expect: A casual walk with good conversation, career guidance, wellness tips, clinical stories, and reflections on the art of medicine. No prep, no pressure. Just fresh air, fresh perspectives, and a few more steps on your pedometer. Join the Trails and Tails WhatsApp chat for reminders and coordinating walks! Join the Chat

June 6 | Grand Rounds

Perinatal Psychiatric Management: Our Experiences & Current Recommendations

Christina Bulleit, Michael Gravenstein, Rubab Islam, Georgio Legerme, Manonmani Murugappan, Diego Nolasco, Ana Silva Pires, & Ana Reyes
Dept. of Psychiatry

Time: 12 – 1 p.m.

This presentation will be given in-person at the UF Psychiatric Hospital, Room 1901, with watch parties held at the McKnight Brain Institute, Room L4-101, and AOPC, Room 3242.

Attend via Livestream or Zoom.

Employee Assistance Program

The UF Employee Assistance Program aims to support UF employees by providing a safe space and quality mental health and wellness resources. EAP therapists and affiliated employees uphold UF’s non-discrimination policy (UF Regulation 1.006), ensuring services are inclusive and respectful of everyone, regardless of their background or identity. UF employees and their household members may call the EAP at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at (833) 306-0103, and anyone experiencing a crisis with more urgent needs should call the Alachua County Crisis Center at (352) 264-6789. You can also request an appointment online. EAP Resources & Appointment Requests

Let Us Know!

Do you have some news or an announcement you would like to share? Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond and who you would like to recognize?  Want us to save the date for an upcoming event? Editorial Team:  Melinda Fawcett Aubrey Bonsal