People

Kristen L. Eckstrand, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
Medical Director, UPMC LGBTQ+ Health
Medical Director, SAFE, SAFETY, & PFE Programs, Western Psychiatric Hospital of UPMC

Dr. Eckstrand is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh.  Their research focuses on the neuropsychiatric underpinnings of trauma and resilience in adolescents, with an emphasis on minoritized communities and vulnerable populations. Their K award is focused on examining the impact of emotional abuse on neural circuitry in sexual minority youth. Dr. Eckstrand’s research has been published in top-tier journals such as JAMA Psychiatry and Biological Psychiatry, and has been recognized by Honorary Membership in the World Psychiatric Association and awards from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, American Psychiatric Association, and Society for Biological Psychiatry. Dr. Eckstrand has also published four textbooks on the mental and physical health needs of LGBTQ+ communities, including the training of healthcare professionals to provide affirming and responsible care to LGBTQ+ individuals. They are board-certified child & adolescent psychiatrist and internationally recognized for their leadership supporting the health of LGBTQ+ communities. Dr. Eckstrand founded the Vanderbilt Program for LGBTQ Health, the second LGBTQ-focused program at an academic health center in the country, co-directs the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s LGBTQ Health elective, and speaks nationally on the importance of diversity and identity in health. Dr. Eckstrand’s commitment to diversity has been recognized through awards from the American Medical Association, American Medical Student Association, the Association of American Medical Colleges, and the Tennessee Medical Association.

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