Yale Psychiatry Residency

The Yale Psychiatry Residency program, based at Yale University's School of Medicine, is one of the oldest and most respected psychiatric training programs in the United States. With a rich history dating back to 1908, the program has consistently produced leaders in the field of psychiatry. The residency program is designed to provide a comprehensive education in psychiatry, emphasizing the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to mental illness.
Program Overview

The Yale Psychiatry Residency program is a four-year program that combines clinical training with didactic education and research opportunities. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and is designed to meet the requirements for certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). The program has a strong focus on clinical psychiatry, with residents spending a significant amount of time working directly with patients in a variety of settings, including inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and emergency rooms.
The program also places a strong emphasis on research and academic pursuits. Residents have access to a wide range of research opportunities, including clinical trials, basic science research, and health services research. Many residents go on to pursue careers in academic psychiatry, and the program has a strong track record of placing graduates in top-ranked fellowship programs and academic positions.
Curriculum
The curriculum of the Yale Psychiatry Residency program is designed to provide a comprehensive education in psychiatry. The program includes a mix of didactic courses, clinical rotations, and research opportunities. Some of the key components of the curriculum include:
- Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology: Residents learn about the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses, including the use of medications and other therapies.
- Psychotherapy: Residents learn about different types of psychotherapy, including psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and family therapy.
- Neuroscience: Residents learn about the neurobiological basis of mental illness, including the structure and function of the brain and the role of neurotransmitters.
- Research Methods: Residents learn about research design, statistics, and other research methods, and have the opportunity to participate in research projects.
In addition to the formal curriculum, residents also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of elective courses and rotations, including addiction psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, and forensic psychiatry.
Year | Rotation | Description |
---|---|---|
PGY-1 | Inpatient Psychiatry | Residents work on inpatient units, caring for patients with a wide range of psychiatric illnesses. |
PGY-2 | Outpatient Psychiatry | Residents work in outpatient clinics, caring for patients with chronic mental illnesses. |
PGY-3 | Elective Rotations | Residents have the opportunity to participate in elective rotations, including addiction psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, and forensic psychiatry. |
PGY-4 | Chief Residency | Residents have the opportunity to serve as chief residents, overseeing the education and training of junior residents. |

Faculty and Research

The faculty of the Yale Psychiatry Residency program are renowned experts in their fields, with a strong track record of research and academic achievement. Many faculty members are leaders in their fields, and have made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of mental illness. The program has a strong research focus, with faculty members conducting research in a wide range of areas, including:
- Neuroimaging: Faculty members use neuroimaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), to study the neural basis of mental illness.
- Genetics: Faculty members study the genetic basis of mental illness, including the role of genetic variants in the development of psychiatric disorders.
- Psychopharmacology: Faculty members study the use of medications in the treatment of mental illness, including the development of new medications and the optimization of treatment regimens.
Residents have the opportunity to work with faculty members on research projects, and many go on to pursue careers in research and academic psychiatry.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Yale Psychiatry Residency program?
+Applicants must have a medical degree (MD or DO) and must be eligible for licensure in the state of Connecticut. Applicants must also have completed a minimum of one year of clinical training in a psychiatry residency program accredited by the ACGME.
How do I apply to the Yale Psychiatry Residency program?
+Applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants must submit a personal statement, curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation, in addition to transcripts and other supporting documents.
What is the length of the Yale Psychiatry Residency program?
+The Yale Psychiatry Residency program is a four-year program, which includes a minimum of 48 months of clinical training and didactic education.