Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Department of Psychiatry

Sometimes, psychotherapy or cognitive therapy isn’t enough. Patients with severe MDD or OCD don’t always respond to evidence-based psychological treatments. Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment can offer relief without medication. It is locally available and completed in an outpatient setting in short sessions. Learn more about whether TMS is right for you at >> https://f.mtr.cool/xvgefexrju

✨ Feature Friday ✨ Here's what we've been up to so far this month:

⚫ Our department chair, Sarah Mallard Wakefield, MD, joined colleagues on a panel for the House Committee on Public Health to discuss telemedicine and access to care for rural Texas!
🔴 PGY-3 resident Dr. Seif, shared a successful presentation at the International Society for ECT and Neurostimulation (ISEN) and even received a Poster Award. Congratulations, Dr. Seif!
⚫ Our second mock trial was a huge success, allowing our residents to learn, build confidence and teamwork. Their commitment, emotion and precision transformed a simulation into something unforgettable.

Warmer weather often brings more conversations about appearance, “summer bodies,” and social comparison. But your worth is not seasonal. This summer, try focusing on what your body does for you, not just how it looks:

☀️ Choose movement and food from a place of care, not punishment. Eat to nourish and energize yourself.
☀️ Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident.
☀️ Curate your social media to include diverse, realistic bodies.
☀️ Practice self-talk you would offer a friend.
☀️ Speak (or write) words of gratitude for your body’s abilities.

Summer = fun, right? For some parents it can also mean a hidden mental load that can be hard to carry. From managing schedules and camps to arranging childcare, meals, activities and transportation, if you're feeling stretch thin, here are a few reminders:

✔️ Not every day needs to be packed with activities.
✔️ Boredom can be part of healthy development.
✔️ Asking for help is a strength. Share responsibilities when possible.
✔️ Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your family.

You don't have to make summer perfect to make it meaningful!

June is PTSD Awareness Month. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a complex mental health condition that can develop after exposure to trauma and may affect an individual's emotional, physical, social and occupational well-being.

This month, we recognize the importance of early identification, evidence-based treatment, ongoing research and increased access to mental health care. Through education and awareness, we can help connect more people with the support they need.

✨Feature Friday ✨ Our team members have had a FULL spring. Here are just a few highlights of what the TTUHSC Department of Psychiatry has been up to:

📍 Dr. Bavishi presenting at the APA 2026 Conference: Bavishi, D. (Presenter), Baronia, R., Awal, A., Alag, P., & Rayel, M. From Courtroom to Classroom: Effectiveness of a Forensic Mock Trial as a Teaching Tool for Psychiatry Residents. Poster presented at APA Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA, May 18, 2026.
📍 TTUHSC Dean’s Faculty Appreciation Dinner last May 14, 2026. Congratulations to Dr. Alag on the Dean’s Educational Innovation Award!
📍Dr. Atiq and Dr. Sarangi presented a series of presentations on management of Psychogenic Non- Epileptic Seizures.
📍Our Child Team had an amazing afternoon giving back and connecting with some of our youngest community members!
📍Dr. Putiz attended the 16th Annual Traumatic Brain Injury Conference in Philadelphia, PA in March where he was also selected to present a research poster.
📍Our TCHATT teams gathered for a Professional Development Day with a strong emphasis on our TTUHSC Value of VISIONARY. The Back to the Future theme helped explore where we have been, where we are at, and where we are going!
📍Dr. Sarangi presented at the Alabama Psychiatric Association's Annual Meeting on the Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease - Beyond the Tremor.

Poorvanshi Alag, MD, breaks some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding mental health and highlights the changing conversation surrounding mental health over the last few years 🧠

Mental health is human: Lubbock Psychiatrist breaks down the stigma Mental health is part of being human, and people should seek help when needed, as mental health conditions can affect anyone, regardless of age, and are not a sign of weakness.