Stephan Heckers

June 2, 2025

Landmark bequest from Charlotte and Donald Test Jr. to advance psychiatry research

Named for Donald Test’s late sons, and Charlotte’s stepsons, the Henry and William Test Endowment Fund will bolster the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences’ expansive research portfolio, promising a secure funding source for pathbreaking discoveries in areas such as schizophrenia, coordinated care models, brain imaging and neuromodulation.

By Sarah Wolf
March 28, 2023

Behavioral Health Clinical Services Center formed

The newly developed Behavioral Health Clinical Services Center provides a professional home for licensed and license-eligible, non-physician behavioral health providers who are delivering assessment, diagnosis and intervention to patients receiving services throughout Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

By VUMC News and Communications
The psychosis study team includes, from left, Neil Woodward, PhD, Maureen McHugo, PhD, Stephan Heckers, MD, MSc, Suzanne Avery, PhD, and Kristan Armstrong, PhD.
August 5, 2021

NIMH support bolsters early psychosis research efforts

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences has received an additional $4 million from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to study the evolution of hippocampal dysfunction in the early stage of psychosis.

By Emily Stembridge
April 8, 2020

Self-care crucial for providers during pandemic

High levels of stress and anxiety can be debilitating, especially for health care providers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. But there are ways they can protect themselves and their ability to provide the best and most compassionate care.

By Bill Snyder
March 23, 2020

Report sheds light on U.S. behavioral health crisis

A growing need for behavioral health services compounded by limited access to care has created a health crisis in the United States, according to a report issued by leaders of academic health centers across the country.

By Kelsey Herbers
Attendees cut the ribbon at last week’s event marking the opening of the Charlotte and Donald Test Jr. Center at Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital.
August 7, 2019

Psychiatric Hospital debuts new inpatient unit for psychotic disorders

Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital has opened a new inpatient unit focused primarily on patients in the early stage of a psychotic disorder and on patients who need the most comprehensive diagnostic clarity and close monitoring.

By Kelsey Herbers
June 13, 2019

$10 million gift bolsters psychosis research efforts

A $10 million endowed gift will fund translational research, support clinical programs and create an endowed chair within the Department of Psychiatry.
By Kelsey Herbers
May 15, 2019

Workshop explores integrating behavioral care across institution

Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, executive leaders, community partners and Patient and Family Advisory Council members gathered last week for a 1.5-day workshop focused on integrating behavioral health care across the institution.
By Kelsey Herbers
November 1, 2018

Heckers honored by National Alliance on Mental Illness

Stephan Heckers, MD, MSc, William P. and Henry B. Test Professor of Schizophrenia Research and chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, was recently recognized by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) with a 2018 Exemplary Psychiatrist Award.
By Kelsey Herbers
February 22, 2018

Panel explores issues surrounding gun violence prevention

About the same time a Vanderbilt University School of Medicine panel discussion on gun violence prevention ended Feb. 14 in Light Hall, a heavily armed young man barged into his former high school in Parkland, Florida, and opened fire on students and teachers, killing 17 and injuring others.
By Nancy Humphrey
February 8, 2018

Gift supports addiction medicine training program

The 2016 Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs and Health, “Facing Addiction in America,” leaves little question about the growing problem of addiction.
By Nancy Humphrey
February 1, 2018

‘Gun Violence Prevention: A Community Conversation’ Feb. 14

A panel discussion on gun violence prevention, along with a moderated public debate, will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
By VUMC News and Communications
August 17, 2016

New center will examine addiction at molecular level, develop treatments

Vanderbilt University researchers from diverse scientific disciplines are joining forces to help crack the stubborn mysteries of addiction through the new Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research.
By Bill Snyder
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