We seek to conduct state of the art research that will help us understand why some patients are at much higher risk of suicide so that we can identify new ways of detecting high-risk patients and better ways of helping them reduce their risk.

We do this in an environment that offers careful and comprehensive evaluation, monitoring of clinical state and medication treatment of identified psychiatric disorders.

We want our research volunteers to be as safe as possible with help available when it is needed. Our team has much experience taking care of patients with major depression who feel suicidal and does so with compassion and dedication.

The following services are available to patients who participate in our research studies:

1. Thorough Psychiatric Evaluation

Participation in research studies in our division begins with a thorough psychiatric evaluation, including interviews with a research psychologist and a research psychiatrist to review current symptoms, history of previous psychiatric illness, history of treatment, developmental stressors and family history. Diagnosis and treatment recommendations are discussed with the patient as part of formulating a patient’s clinical care plan.

2. Comprehensive Medical Assessment

In addition to the psychiatric evaluation, all research participants will receive a medical assessment that includes a review of systems, a physical examination, and blood, and urine testing. If we find abnormalities that require further evaluation, the patient is informed and encouraged to develop a plan for follow-up of any relevant findings.

3. Clinical Monitoring

All patients are closely monitored by a psychiatrist while they undergo research procedures. Our Center has an on-call psychiatrist who is available by phone after hours to address any psychiatric emergencies that may arise while under our care.

4. Ongoing Psychiatric Treatment

Patients receive up to six months of outpatient treatment following completion of research procedures. All appointments, as well as the first month’s medication, are provided at no-cost.

Patients are responsible for the cost of medication for the remainder of their time in treatment. Medications prescribed to patients enrolled in this Conte Center’s research studies are all standard medications for mood disorders.

In addition, our division has other ongoing research studies, including studies involving novel medications that have not been approved at this time by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of depression or specific types of psychotherapy.

Further, inpatient treatment may be provided at the New York State Psychiatric Institute when deemed clinically appropriate for short-term care.