UCLA Pediatrics Residency Mental and Behavioral Health Rotation

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Rotation Director: Christine Thang, MD

Rotation Coordinator: Areli Gonzalez, C-TAGME

 

Rotation Overview:

The UCLA Pediatrics Residency Mental and Behavioral Health Rotation is a four-week experience (2 weeks per year for 2 years) designed to enhance clinical acumen in the management of common mental health (MH) conditions in pediatric patients. Co-created by UCLA Pediatric Residents, Drs. Emma Burdekin and Raquel Perez, and UCLA Pediatric Faculty Dr. Christine Thang, this hybrid experience includes virtual curricula and clinical site visits at the UCLA Children's Health Center and UCLA Semel Institute. For any virtual clinic visits or educational sessions specific to a particular clinic, the links will be provided by that specific clinic’s coordinators. To be nearby for in-person sessions, please consider utilizing the RR hospital call room for residents. Arrive promptly to all scheduled sessions.

 

*** Please review the schedules for your assigned clinics prior to your session and reach out to the clinic's POC regarding any questions (particularly if you do not see patients scheduled or if there are virtual visits on the schedule).

*** Please reach out to the clinic’s POC if you have any questions or scheduling changes – including if you are called into backup or unable to attend your session -- and copy the "Pediatric Chief Residents" pedchief@mednet.ucla.edu. Please also page the Chief Residents at p92610 for any unexpected absences. While there is no backup for this rotation, we want to be respectful of our partner clinical sites.

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Many of the clinics you will rotate through have multiple trainees with varying schedules, so please be sure to introduce yourself to the team as the pediatric resident rotator. We highly encourage you to ask questions throughout the time you are working with the attendings and trainees at each of the clinical sites, including what resources they recommend for you and patients, to maximize your clinical and educational experience on this rotation.

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As questions arise, please feel free to reach out to the rotation coordinator at AreliGonzalez@mednet.ucla.edu and the rotation director at cthang@mednet.ucla.edu (Note: please contact the interim rotation director at eburdekin@mednet.ucla.edu from June - December 2026).

Thank you!

 

Educational and Clinical Objectives:

• Gather comprehensive MH histories

• Utilize clinical screening tools

• Navigate differential diagnoses and initial management of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and behavioral disorders

• Integrate psychoeducation, pharmacotherapy, and referrals

• Collaborate with mental and behavioral health professionals

 

Main Clinic Locations:

• The UCLA Children’s Health Center is located at 200 Medical Plaza Suite 265. Modules 1-5 are located in this suite.

• The UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior is located at 760 Westwood Plaza. Once you enter through the main door, head straight down to the back of the hall and find the ‘H’ elevators. Take the elevators up to ‘A’ floor and upon exiting you’ll see the lobby name with glass doors which says A8-216.

• Please inquire about any specific zoom links for virtual encounters and/or educational sessions from the clinic’s point of contact.

• To be nearby for in-person sessions, please consider utilizing the RR hospital call room for residents.

 

Virtual Curriculum: 

• APPD Learning Center available at https://appd.oasis-lms.com/ - Please refer to this document for instructions on how to login and access the   EMPOWER Behavioral Mental Health Course

• UCLA Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Grand Rounds (2nd & 4th Wednesday of Month): These conferences occur twice per month on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays from 9:00-10:00AM. They are available via zoom and/or the Marisa Leif Conference Room at 300 Medical Plaza, Room 3200. (You will receive an email invitation if there is one scheduled). When there is no scheduled Grand Rounds, you can review prior lectures of your choosing from the UCLA Child & Adolescent Grand Rounds Video Library available at https://capfellowship.semel.ucla.edu/grand-rounds/#:~:text=The%20UCLA%20Child%20and%20Adolescent,mental%20health%20for%20our%20vulnerable

• Core Lecture Series for 1st Year Child Psychiatry Fellows and Psychology (Thursday Morning): Located at Semel Conference Room 37-413. POC: Denise Aguinaldo, DAguinaldo@mednet.ucla.edu; Justin Ortiz, JustinOrtiz@mednet.ucla.edu.

• Please see table below for more details.

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Rotation Schedule:

Please refer to AMiON to determine if you are MH Intern 1, MH Intern 2, MH Senior 1, or MH Senior 2.​​ 

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Absences: If you have any scheduling questions or changes during your Mental Health Rotation—including if you are called into backup —please email the clinic's point of contact (POC) directly (contact info is listed in the schedule) and copy the Pediatric Chief Residents at: pedchief@mednet.ucla.edu. Although there is no backup system for this rotation, it is essential to notify all parties to remain respectful of our partner clinical sites.

 

Scheduling Changes: Requests must be submitted at least 1 month in advance to Pediatric Chief Residents at: pedchief@mednet.ucla.edu. Requests are subject to review and approval by the residency leadership. If your request is approved, please notify Areli and Dr. Christine Thang, who will then adjust the schedule and contact the affected mental health clinic(s) as needed.

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Information about Clinics & Programs:

Please only attend the clinic or program that is listed on your schedule. There are additional clinics and programs included here for reference.  ​

• Overview of UCLA Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Specialty Clinics: https://capfellowship.semel.ucla.edu/clinics/​

 

General Pediatrics Residency ConT. Clinic (PCC)

Day/Time: Tuesdays 1-5:30PM

Location: 200 Medical Plaza, Module #5

Faculty/POC: Dr. Courtney Kwan, courtneykwan@mednet.ucla.edu

CareConnect Context: PEDS CONTINUITY CHC (patients listed under Dr. Courtney Kwan)

Dr. Kwan is a clinical psychologist co-located in the Pediatrics Residency Continuity Clinic (PCC). PCC providers refer patients and families to Dr. Kwan for initial evaluation and referral for intervention, with a possible follow-up as needed. This clinic does not provide ongoing psychotherapy.

Resident Education Goal: To learn about the diagnosis, treatment, and referral process for common mental health and behavioral concerns encountered through the pediatrics continuity clinic.

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Subspecialty Pediatrics Clinic (Endo/GI)

Day/Time: Tuesdays 8:30-12:00; Thursdays 8:30-12:00

Location: 200 Medical Plaza

Faculty/POC: Dr. Courtney Kwan, courtneykwan@mednet.ucla.edu / Dr. Krista Tabuenca, ktabuenca@mednet.ucla.edu

CareConnect Context: PEDS ENDOCRINOLOGY CHC (patients listed under Dr. Courtney Kwan)

The subspecialty pediatrics clinics consist of pediatric subspecialists, registered dieticians, social workers, and child psychologists. The psychologists offer support, screening, and therapy to address the pediatric patient’s emotional well-being and mental health in the setting of their chronic conditions.  

Resident Education Goal: To understand the impact of chronic illness on the mental health of pediatric patients and to learn ways to support them.

 

Subspecialty Pediatrics Clinic (Craniofacial)

Day/Time: Wednesdays 1-5PM

Location: 200 Medical Plaza, Module #4

Faculty/POC: Sylvia Villasenor, LCSW, svillasenor@mednet.ucla.edu / Kimberly Halley, Coordinator, khalley@mednet.ucla.edu

The UCLA Pediatric Craniofacial Specialty Care Clinic offers a multidisciplinary approach (pediatrics, plastic surgery, orthodontia, dental, speech pathology, audiology) to the diagnosis and treatment of children with congenital and acquired craniofacial conditions. The craniofacial social worker provides screening, guidance, and support for the social and emotional needs of clinic patients and families. The social worker connects them with community resources and referrals.

Resident Education Goal: To understand the impact of chronic illness on the mental health of pediatric patients and to learn ways to support them.

 

Adolescent Medicine (Adol)Outpatient Clinic

Location: 200 Medical Plaza, Module 3

Day/Time: Friday 2-5pm

Faculty/POC: Dr. Martin Anderson, MartinAnderson@mednet.ucla.edu

CareConnect Context: PEDS ADOLESCENT WW

Behavioral health interns serve as the primary mental health professional integrated within a primary care clinic for adolescents and young adults.

The goal of training is to provide the psychologist with an introductory experience in evaluation, brief intervention and triage of transitional age youth presenting to an outpatient adolescent medicine clinic. Patients have a range of medical conditions, developmental abilities, and co-morbid psychosocial and/or mental health problems.

Resident Education Goal: To learn introductory skills essential to adolescent mental health care including respecting confidentiality, assessing for suicidality, and tailoring the social history-taking to common mental health conditions including depression and anxiety.

 

The Child and Adult Neurodevelopmental (CAN) Clinic

Location: 300 Medical Plaza, First Floor

Day/Time: Thursdays 12-5pm  

Faculty: Dr. Amanda Gulsrud, agulsrud@mednet.ucla.edu; Dr. Ben Schneider, bschneider@mednet.ucla.edu

POC: Iliana Gomez, IGomez@mednet.ucla.edu (x44008)

The CAN Clinic focuses on Multidisciplinary and High Complexity Evaluations and Treatments. The CAN Clinic provides an opportunity to gain experience and familiarity with people with neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, and genetic conditions through a 4-month commitment for assessment training as part of our comprehensive assessment team (also involves presenting at our multidisciplinary case conference) or a 6-month commitment for treatment cases—group treatment and/or individual treatments.

Resident Education Goal: To gain knowledge regarding the identification of neurodevelopmental concerns that may warrant subspecialty referral.

 

The Max Gray Child & Adolescent Mood Disorders Program (CHAMP) Clinic

Location: UCLA Semel Institute, 760 Westwood Plaza, Room A8-221

Day/Time: Mondays 12-6pm

Details: 12-1:30pm - Evaluations via remote observation (please note: you do not need to be on site)

Directors: David Miklowitz, Ph.D., dmiklowitz@mednet.ucla.edu; Patricia Walshaw, Ph.D.

POC: Georga Morgan-Fleming, gmorganfleming@mednet.ucla.edu 

CareConnect Context: PSY CHAMP CLINIC

NOTE: You must contact Georga in advance of the rotation to receive details regarding live observation

The CHAMP clinic provides diagnostic evaluations, second opinion consultation, and short-term treatments (medication management and various forms of psychotherapy) for youth who have symptoms of significant and impairing mood disorders along with supports for their families, with a focus on pediatric bipolar disorder.

Resident Education Goal: To learn how to evaluate, treat, and refer for childhood and adolescent mood disorders including depression and bipolar disorder.

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Nourish for Life Outpatient Program

Location: 1260 15th Street, Suite 1024, Santa Monica (Mon/Thurs) & 200 Medical Plaza, Pediatrics (Weds)

Day/Time: Mon / Weds / Thurs at 1PM-5PM

Faculty: Michael G. Wetter, PsyD

POC: Kimberly Dyson, kdyson@mednet.ucla.edu

CareConnect Context: PEDS ADOLESCENT WW (patients listed under Dr. Michael Wetter)

The Nourish for Life Outpatient Program provides diagnostic and therapeutic outpatient support for questions around disordered eating or known eating disorder diagnoses.

Resident Education Goal: To learn how to evaluate, treat, and refer for concerns regarding eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).

 

The Child OCD, Anxiety, and Tic Disorders Program (OCD, Anxiety, Tics) Clinic

Location: 300 Medical Plaza, Room 1208

Day/Time: Mondays 1-6 pm

Faculty: John Piacentini, Ph.D. Emily Ricketts, Ph.D. Julia Cox, Ph.D. Michael Treanor, Ph.D. James McCracken, M.D.

POC: Sophia Barden, Sbarden@mednet.ucla.edu

CC: Julia Cox, PhD, Asst Clinic Director (scheduling), jrcox@mednet.ucla.edu

CareConnect Context: PSY CHD ANXIETY

The Child OCD, Anxiety, and Tic Disorders Program specializes in the evaluation and evidence-based treatment of children and adolescents with OCD, anxiety, tic, and body-focused repetitive behavior (e.g., trichotillomania, skin picking) disorders.

Resident Education Goal: To learn how to evaluate, treat, and refer for anxiety, OCD, tic disorders, trichotillomania, and skin picking.

 

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Program

Day: Fridays 1:15-5 pm

Location: 300 Medical Plaza, Suite 1260

POC: Dr. Nicole Hisaka (nhisaka@mednet.ucla.edu), Dr. Nicole McDonald (nmcdonald@mednet.ucla.edu)

For more information, contact starclinic@mednet.ucla.edu

The Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) program is designed to provide trainees with an introduction to a parent-child dyadic intervention model for children and their families in efforts to improve the quality of parent-child relationships and to teach parenting skills necessary to manage behavioral challenges. Trainees will have opportunities to learn modulated behavioral intervention strategies for children who have experienced maltreatment, parent-child separation or challenges related to attention, neurodevelopmental, and/or behavioral issues, and trauma. PCIT will be delivered virtually and in person in clinic, community and home settings to help families generalize their skills across locations. The trainee will be taught via both observation and direct application of evidence-based practices regarding parent-child relationship enhancement strategies and compliance improvement skills using a co-therapy model.

Resident Education Goal: To learn parenting and behavioral management techniques for application in general pediatric practice and how to identify families that would benefit from the PCIT program.

 

The Family Stress, Trauma and Resilience (STAR) Clinic

Location: UCLA Semel Institute, 760 Westwood Plaza, A8-221.

Once you enter through the main door, head straight down to the back of the hall and find the ‘H’ elevators. Take the elevators up to ‘A’ floor and upon exiting you’ll see the lobby name with glass doors which says A8-216.

Day/Time: Tuesday 12:30-5:00PM, Thursday 11:30AM-5:00PM

Faculty: Dr. Blanca Orellana, Dr. Catherine Mogil

POC: Ana Mendoza, anamendoza@mednet.ucla.edu

CareConnect Context: PSY CHD TRAUMA CLINIC

The STAR Clinic is designed to provide trainees with an introduction to traumatized children and their families, with an emphasis on children who are currently or have previously undergone medical traumas (e.g., organ transplant, chronic invasive medical treatment) or other community or family traumas.

Resident Education Goal: To learn about trauma-informed care (TIC), how to apply TIC to patients who have experienced trauma including medical trauma, and how to identify families who would benefit from trauma-informed therapy.

 

UC-LEND Multidisciplinary Clinic 

Day/Time: Wednesdays 9AM-12PM

Location: Virtual, on Zoom; Department code (EPIC Context code): 70256

Zoom link: https://uclahs.zoom.us/j/99931945837

Faculty: Zenith Khan, UC LEND Clinical Director (zskhan@mednet.ucla.edu)

Point of Contact: Mary Rosales (MarRosales@mednet.ucla.edu); LEND training director, Lauren Jones (laurenjones@mednet.ucla.edu), and program coordinator, Francisco Flores (franciscoflores@mednet.ucla.edu).

UC-LEND consists of an interdisciplinary team of professionals (primary care, social work, psychology, neurology, occupational therapy, and public health) who work with families and individuals with ADHD, autism, and related neurodevelopmental differences. The clinical team works together with patients and families in a collaborative manner to create a care plan that includes short- and long-term goals to meet the unique and individual needs of each patient. https://uc-lend.med.ucla.edu/uc-lend-clinic/clinic-overview

Resident Education Goal: To learn about neurodevelopmental differences and the wrap-around resources that can optimize the care for patients with neurodevelopmental differences.

 

UC-LEND with Psych NP

Day/Time: Tuesdays 1-5PM

Location: Virtual on CareConnect; Department code: 70256

CareConnect Context: UC LEND SM

Faculty: Gino Melillo, PMHNP, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (gmelillo@mednet.ucla.edu)

Point of Contact: Mary Rosales (MarRosales@mednet.ucla.edu); Gino Melillo (gmelillo@mednet.ucla.edu); Zenith Khan (zskhan@mednet.ucla.edu)

 

UC-LEND School Readiness Clinic 

Day/Time: Tuesdays 8AM-12PM; Wednesdays 8AM-12PM

Location: Virtual, on CareConnect. Department code (EPIC Context code): 60812

CareConnect Context: IM PCC TELEHEALTH

Faculty: Dr. Stacey Weinstein (SWeinstein@mednet.ucla.edu) on Tuesday mornings, Dr. Denise Nunez (DMNunez@mednet.ucla.edu) on Wednesday mornings

Point of Contact: Mary Cuevas, MarCuevas@mednet.ucla.edu

The School Readiness Clinical Program is a physician-led initiative designed to help parents and caregivers navigate common childhood challenges, such as picky eating, breastfeeding challenges, sleep difficulties, potty training difficulties, and disruptive behaviors, to ensure children are prepared for school. By providing early interventions and resources for children aged 0-5, the program aims to support healthy development and foster positive behavioral outcomes.

Resident Education Goal: To learn about parenting strategies that can support pediatric patients with picky eating, breastfeeding challenges, sleep difficulties, potty training difficulties, and disruptive behaviors to ensure readiness for school.

 

allcove Beach Cities

Day/Time: Thurs. 2PM-6PM (since most of allcove’s participants attend after school)

Location: 514 N Prospect Ave., Suite 400 (Fourth floor), Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Parking: the facility has its own parking lot, and no fee is required

Faculty: Gino Melillo, PMHNP, FNP-BC (Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner), gmelillo@mednet.ucla.edu

POC: Marisol Macedo, mmacedo@mednet.ucla.edu (allcove: Kerianne Lawson, Kerianne.Lawson@bchd.org)

Description: allcove Beach Cities is an interdisciplinary health drop-in center for adolescents and young adults (AYA), aged 12 to 25, in Redondo Beach, CA. allcove Beach Cities offers mental health, substance use, medical, and life skills services to AYA from its local communities within Service Provision Area (SPA 8), including Torrance and South Los Angeles. https://allcove.org/

Resident Education Goal: To learn about the diagnosis, treatment, and referrals available to common adolescent mental health concerns in the community.

 

Cal-MAP Virtual Consultations

Day/Time: Wednesdays 1-5PM via Zoom

Location: Via Zoom ID: 4309171111

Faculty/POC: Dr. Joe Cox, Josiah.Cox@ucsf.edu

Real-time guidance and coaching between primary care provider (PCP) and psychiatrist/psychologist via telephone. The California Child and Adolescent Mental Health Access Portal (Cal-MAP) is a Cal-HOPE pediatric mental health care access program designed to increase timely access to mental health care for youth throughout California's communities.

Resident Education Goal: To learn about pediatric mental health consultation resources and build competence in identifying, managing, and coordinating care for youth with common mental and behavioral health concerns through a statewide mental health access program.

 

Venice Family Clinic (VFC) Infant Mental Health Program

Day/Time: Fridays AM or PM (if scheduled, home visit details will be emailed to you) 

Location: Patient home visits (if scheduled, home visit address will be emailed to you)

POC: Michelle Marlowe, LCSW – Supervisor, Infant Mental Health Program - MMarlowe@mednet.ucla.edu

Overview: The VFC Infant Mental Health Program is part of The Community Connection, which integrates medical care, mental health care, and early childhood services to improve outcomes for young children and their families. The program serves VFC families with children ages 0–3 and Children First Early Head Start families. Infant mental health emphasizes the relationship between young children and their primary caregivers. Therapists in this field focus on observing parent-child interactions and understanding how these behaviors influence the child’s emotional and developmental well-being. Residents will attend home visits with infant mental health therapists, observing parent-child interactions and contributing their pediatric expertise to support families.

Resident Education Goal: To learn core principles of infant mental health and apply strategies/resources to support families with young children.

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Virtual Curriculum and Resources

for Self-Directed Learning:

 

The APPD EMPOWER Pediatric Mental Health Curriculum is a course requirement of this rotation. There is a suggested timeline how to complete modules during your virtual curriculum time. The other additional resources are included here for your consideration and for future reference.

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