Message from the Chief

Welcome to the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

It is a privilege to serve as Chief of Pediatric Psychiatry and the inaugural Urban Child Institute Endowed Chair of Excellence for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Our division is deeply committed to improving the mental health and well-being of children and families across Memphis and the Mid-South. We believe that we can do the best for children and their families through collaboration — and our work reflects that belief.

We are proud to partner with Memphis-Shelby County Schools, the juvenile justice system, and faith-based nonprofits to create a network of care that reaches children where they live, learn and grow. These community-academic partnerships allow us to provide trauma-informed, community responsive services that address not only mental illness, but also the broader social and environmental factors that shape a child’s development.

For prospective fellows, our program offers a rich and diverse training experience. You’ll work across settings, from nationally recognized institutions like Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to school-based programs and outpatient clinics. Our faculty are deeply invested in mentoring and supporting each fellow’s unique path, and our small program size allows for personalized learning and meaningful relationships.

Memphis is a vibrant, welcoming city with a strong sense of community. We often say that Memphis has big city amenities with a small town feel. It’s a place where culture, music and history meet innovation and growth. From the Mississippi River to the city’s expansive parks and greenways, Memphis offers an affordable and enriching lifestyle for trainees and families alike.

Thank you for your interest in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Programs.

Warmly,

Alicia Barnes, DO, MPH
Urban Child Institute (UCI) Endowed Chair of Excellence for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry