The Department of Behavioral Sciences at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, is committed to the clinical practice of psychology, advancing psychological science through an active research program, and the advanced training of psychologists and physicians. The department operates a highly competitive psychology predoctoral internship and has several postdoctoral fellowship programs in adult and child health psychology within our sections.

The department has an active program of research, supported by both NIH and foundation grants. The department has particular research strengths in sleep disorders and circadian rhythms, neurocognitive psychology, stress and trauma, obesity, pain, depression in older adults, and coping with severe illness. To learn about research studies currently enrolling participants, call (312) 942-5932. Or click on the link at left for "Clinical Trials."

The department is also home to the Traumatic Stress Center at Rush, which uses a multidisciplinary approach to restoring full functioning and control to individuals with stress disorders. The Traumatic Stress Center has a strong program of research focused particularly on trauma in inner-city women, health-related trauma, and terrorism and war. 

Patient care services in behavioral sciences include the following:

• Traumatic Stress Center, providing multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment of the psychological and medical conditions of patients experiencing traumatic stress.
• Sleep disorders service, offering comprehensive evaluation and treatment for the more than 80 known sleep disorders.
• Neuropsychological testing and evaluation of intelligence, cognition, attention, language, perception and memory.
• Outpatient psychotherapy services, including evaluation and treatment of a variety of psychological and health-related issues.
• Geriatric and rehabilitation psychology. Issues addressed include depression, anxiety, coping with illness or hospitalization, adjustment to loss, grief, changes in levels of independence and adherence to treatment.
• Cancer Integrative Medicine Program, providing support services for those affected by cancer.
• Center for Women’s Behavioral and Mental Health, treating a variety of issues specific to women including pregnancy and parenting concerns, reproductive or sexual health issues, recovery from physical or sexual violence, and stress management.

Stevan Hobfoll, PhD, is chairperson of the Department of Behavioral Sciences. The department is the primary faculty home for behavioral scientists in Rush Medical College and in the hospital, where clinical members of the department hold staff appointments. For information about behavioral scientists, see the link at left for Find a Doctor.