UCLA Friends of the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior

UCLA Friends of the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior Mission: To raise awareness, reduce the stigma, and educate the public about mental health issues.

Mission: To educate the public about illnesses of the mind and brain and support research to develop new treatments for mental illnesses and disorders

09/25/2026

✨ What an inspiring Open Mind program!

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Deepika Chopra, author of “The Power of Real Optimism”, for a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Wendelin Slusser, Associate Vice Provost for the Semel Healthy Campus Initiative and Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at UCLA.

Together, they explored the science of optimism and how cultivating a more realistic, resilient mindset can help us navigate stress, uncertainty, and the challenges of everyday life.

Dr. Chopra reminded us that optimism isn’t about ignoring what’s difficult or simply “thinking positive.” It’s about developing the tools to approach life with greater possibility, perspective, and resilience.

We are so grateful to Dr. Chopra and Dr. Slusser for sharing their expertise and insights—and to everyone who joined us for another meaningful Open Mind conversation.

💙 Here’s to cultivating real optimism and finding possibility, even when life feels uncertain.

If you missed this Open Mind program, you can see it on our website. Link in bio or visit www.friendsofsemelinstitute.org



🌈DR. DEEPIKA CHOPRA 💫 David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA UCLA Health

When Life Happens, how do we stay grounded, confident, and resilient?Renowned clinical psychologist and speaker Dr. Rach...
09/22/2026

When Life Happens, how do we stay grounded, confident, and resilient?

Renowned clinical psychologist and speaker Dr. Rachel L. Goldman offers an inspiring and practical approach in her book, “When Life Happens: The Mindset Shift You Need to Manage Stress, Build Confidence, and Break Free”

Join us for an engaging virtual Open Mind conversation on Tuesday, October 6th 5pm PT with Dr. Goldman as we explore the mindset shifts that can help us navigate life with greater confidence, perspective, and resilience.

Dr. Helen Lavretsky, Professor In-Residence in the Department of Psychiatry at UCLA and a geriatric integrative psychiatrist with federally funded research program in geriatric depression and integrative mental health (NIMH, PCORI, and NCCIH) using mind-body interventions.

🗓️ Tuesday, October 6th
⏰ 5-6pm PT

Link in bio to register or visit https://www.friendsofsemelinstitute.org/events-reservations/when-life-happens



DR. RACHEL GOLDMAN | PhD PSYCHOLOGIST | SPEAKER | AUTHOR Helen Lavretskey

09/12/2026

What an extraordinary evening of music, conversation, and inspiration at our first Open Mind of the Fall 2026–Spring 2027 season. ✨
We were deeply moved by the brilliance and humanity of Vijay Gupta, the wisdom and compassion of Dr. Helena Hansen, and the extraordinary musicians of Street Symphony’s Son Estimados.
Through music and conversation, they reminded us of the profound connections between creativity, community, compassion, and mental health—and of the power we each have to create moments of connection and belonging.
Vijay’s artistry is extraordinary, but it is his generosity and commitment to humanity that left an especially lasting impression. His decision to donate all proceeds, in perpetuity, to support Street Symphony’s programs is a remarkable expression of his belief in the transformative power of music and service.
We are also excited to bring our Teen Advisory Council to volunteer with Street Symphony’s holiday program at the Midnight Mission. We look forward to giving our young leaders the opportunity to experience the power of music, service, and community firsthand.
Thank you, Vijay, Dr. Hansen, and Street Symphony Son Estimados, for giving our Open Mind audience a truly magical evening.

Vijay Gupta Street Symphony

08/28/2026

What an extraordinary honor it was to have Dolly Parton join us for WOW2021. We were deeply honored to welcome a true icon whose light, wisdom, and generosity have touched countless lives around the globe. What a gift to was to Dolly Parton be part of WOW2021. ❤️✨Forever grateful

08/28/2026

What an extraordinary honor it was to have Dolly Parton join us for WOW2021. We were deeply honored to welcome a true icon whose light, wisdom, and generosity have touched countless lives around the globe.

Dolly, the humanitarian, was a gift to the world and we were privileged to have her be a part of WOW2021❤️✨Forever grateful, Dolly.


Dolly Parton

08/27/2026

🌟 What does it really mean to stay hopeful when life gets hard?

Join UCLA’s Friends of the Semel Institute for a virtual Open Mind program featuring Deepika Chopra, PhD, author of The Power of Real Optimism, in conversation with Wendelin Slusser, MD, Associate Vice Provost for the Semel Healthy Campus Initiative Center at UCLA.

Dr. Chopra—known as The Optimism Doctor®—will share a practical, science-based approach to resilience that moves beyond toxic positivity and embraces emotional honesty, curiosity, openness, and hope.

💡 Discover actionable tools for cultivating resilience and navigating uncertainty, adversity, and everyday challenges.

Link in bio to register



🌈DR. DEEPIKA CHOPRA 💫 Friends of Semel Teen Advisory Council (TAC) Friends of Semel at UCLA UCLA Health David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA UCLA

Thank you, Dolly, for being such an amazing human and for sharing your incredible talent and heart with us. 💕 We were tr...
08/26/2026

Thank you, Dolly, for being such an amazing human and for sharing your incredible talent and heart with us. 💕 We were truly honored to have Dolly perform at UCLA’s WOW in 2021. It’s a moment we’ll always cherish! ✨🎶

08/24/2026

From 9 students to 61 — what an incredible journey! 💙🧠

The Friends of Semel Teen Advisory Council (TAC) kicked off another exciting year with Orientation Day, welcoming high school students from across Los Angeles and their parents to this highly competitive and unique program.

TAC gives teens a special introduction to mental health, neuroscience, and UCLA Semel faculty, while building community with like-minded peers. Students will experience special programs including Career Day and Meet the Scientists, and a Perception Box experience at Unlikely Collaboators.

Students will also have the opportunity to participate in committees focused on Social Media & Events, Global Outreach, Neuroscience Research, and Public Policy and the Next Gen Summit (aka Gen Z Summit)

A huge thank you to Program Director Dr. Conor Murray for creating such a meaningful day for students and parents, and to Dr. John Piacentini for sharing his expertise on teen anxiety.
A shout out to Selena Gomez and Rare Impact for their continued generous support of the TAC.
We’re so proud of our 61 student leaders! They aren’t just learning about mental health — they’re helping shape its future. 💙
Follow Friends of Semel Teen Advisory Council (TAC)



Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Selena Gomez Friends of Semel Teen Advisory Council (TAC) Friends of Semel at UCLA UCLA CARES Center Conor Murray

08/18/2026

The Open Mind series returns with a dynamic line-up of thought provoking programs featuring acclaimed authors, mental health experts, scientists, and filmmakers. Check out our line-up and
Register now using the Link in bio. Free and virtual (with a few in-person at UCLA)



Friends of Semel at UCLA Friends of Semel Teen Advisory Council (TAC) Dr. Dan Siegel 🌈DR. DEEPIKA CHOPRA 💫 Vijay Gupta Landon Donovan Harold S. Koplewicz, MD Stephanie Malia Krauss Julia Krankl Sarah Hoover DR. RACHEL GOLDMAN | PhD PSYCHOLOGIST | SPEAKER | AUTHOR Donna Jackson Nakazawa Howard Schubiner M.D. Dr. Andrea Vassilev

08/18/2026

The Friends of Semel Open Mind series returns with a dynamic lineup of acclaimed authors, mental health experts, neuroscientists, physicians, filmmakers, and thought leaders who are helping us better understand ourselves and the challenges of modern life. Through engaging discussions on topics ranging from anxiety, parenting, recovery, and chronic pain to optimism, motherhood, mindfulness, and the science of human flourishing, this season offers opportunities to learn, reflect, and connect. We are delighted to share these upcoming programs and hope you’ll join us for a season of discovery, insight, and inspiration

Link in bio to register for our virtual (and a few in-person at UCLA) programs or visit www.friendsofsemelinstitute.org. Don’t miss out! Reserve now. Free!

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