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UCLA Friends of the Semel Inst

@uclafriendsofsemel

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We sponsor free “Open Mind”programs about mental health and support early career neuroscientists. Our Teen Council hosts the Gen Z Wellness Summit.

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What does it really mean to raise emotionally healthy, resilient children?

Join UCLA Friends of the Semel Institute for an upcoming Open Mind conversation on parenting featuring Dr. Harold Koplewicz, founding president of the Child Mind Institute and author of “Scaffolding: The Power of Support in Building Strong, Independent Children”.

Dr. Koplewicz will share insights on how parents can provide the right balance of support, guidance, and independence to help children navigate challenges, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to thrive.

Dr. Eraka Bath, child, adolescent and forensic psychiatrist and Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA will join in conversation.

💡 How can we support our children without doing everything for them? How do we help them build resilience, manage difficult emotions, and become confident, independent individuals?

Don’t miss this timely and engaging conversation for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone who cares about the well-being of children.

📅 Tuesday October 20th
⏰ 5-6PM PT/8PM ET
📍 Virtual

Register at link in bio or visit www.friendsofsemelinstitute.org
Follow @friendsofsemelfor event details and registration information.

#ucla #parenting #kids #resilience

@childmindinstitute @drharoldkoplewicz @dr.erakabath taken in UCLA Friends of the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior by @uclafriendsofsemel

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5 days ago

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.
#WOW2021 #DollyParton #Inspiration #gratitude #ucla

@dollyparton taken in UCLA Friends of the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior by @uclafriendsofsemel

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2 months ago

When life happens, how do we find our way forward?
We were honored to welcome Dr. Rachel Goldman, author of “When Life Happens” and Dr. Helen Lavretsky, UCLA Progesssor of Psychiatry for a meaningful Open Mind conversation exploring what happens when life takes an unexpected turn, and the science and strategies that can help us navigate change, stress, and uncertainty.

Their conversation offered thoughtful perspectives on resilience, emotional well-being, and the ways we can better understand and support ourselves through life’s challenges.

Thank you to Dr. Goldman and Dr. Lavretsky for sharing their knowledge, compassion, and expertise with the Open Mind community and to everyone who joined us for another inspiring evening of conversation and connection.

The Open Mind brings together leading voices in neuroscience, mental health, and behavioral health to explore ideas that can deepen our understanding of ourselves and one another.

We are grateful to our community
for continuing to make these conversations possible.
#mentalhealth #wellness #ucla #resilence

@drrachelnyc @drhelenlavretsky taken in UCLA Friends of the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior by @uclafriendsofsemel

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7 days ago

TAC Holistic/Spiritual Wellbeing Meeting Recap!🧘

We kicked off the new TAC year by exploring holistic wellness, meditation, stillness, and the mind-body connection
with two incredible speakers, Dr. Sahib Khalsa and Sitender Sehrawat.

Dr. Khalsa shared research on interoception—the sense of our bodies— while Sitender introduced us to Stillness Meditation
and the importance of quiet and presence in meditation practice. Together, they brought research and lived experience into the conversation around holistic wellbeing.

TAC members then broke into small groups to reflect on what holistic wellness could look like in their own schools and communities.

What would holistic wellness look like at your school or community?👇

Follow along for more recaps! 📸

#TAC #TeenAdvisoryCouncil #YouthMentalHealth #HolisticWellness #MentalHealthAwareness UCLA SemelInstitute MindBodyWellness by @uclafriendsofsemel

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12 days ago

✨ 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

#ucla #RealOptimism #mentalhealth #Resilience #wellness

@drdeepikachopra @dgsomucla @uclahealth by @uclafriendsofsemel

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19 days ago

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

#OpenMind #MentalHealth #UCLA #MentalWellness #Resilience

@drrachelnyc @drhelenlavretsky by @uclafriendsofsemel

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21 days ago

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.
#OpenMind #FriendsOfSemel #UCLA #mentalhealth #community
@guptaviolin @streetsymph taken in UCLA Friends of the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior by @uclafriendsofsemel

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a month ago

TAC IS BACK! 💙📣

We’re excited to kick off the 2026–2027 Teen Advisory Council at Friends of the Semel Institute at UCLA!

TAC brings together high school students passionate about mental health, advocacy, neuroscience, and creating change. This year, members will have opportunities to connect with UCLA faculty, build community, advocate for youth mental health, promote Open Mind, and help shape programming for Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

We’re grateful for the organizations that support TAC and our mission. 💙

The Rare Impact Fund, founded by Selena Gomez in partnership with Rare Beauty, has provided a generous grant to support and grow the Teen Advisory Council.

Unlikely Collaborators, founded by Elizabeth R. Koch, is a nonprofit fostering self-awareness, connection, and new perspectives and has generously supported our Next Gen Wellness Summits.

From Legislation & Advocacy and Research to Global Outreach, Social Media, Planning & Events, and the Thought Leadership Accelerator, there are so many ways for TAC members to get involved and turn their ideas into action.

From Legislation & Advocacy and Research to Global Outreach, Social Media, Planning & Events, and the Thought Leadership Accelerator, there are so many ways for TAC members to get involved and turn their ideas into action.

From Legislation & Advocacy and Research to Global Outreach, Social Media, Planning & Events, and the Thought Leadership Accelerator, there are so many ways for TAC members to get involved and turn their ideas into action.

And there’s a lot to look forward to! 👀

This year, TAC members will take part in conversations and experiences exploring wellbeing, mental health, neuroscience, stigma, neurodiversity, and more - including a Santa Monica Field Trip, Career Day with UCLA Scientists and clinicians, the Next Gen Wellness Summit, Meet the Scientists & Lab Tours, and a TAC-driven topic chosen by our own members. 💙

And there’s a lot to look forward to! 👀

This year, TAC members will take part in conversations and experiences exploring wellbeing, mental health, neuroscience, stigma, neurodiversity, and more - including a Santa Monica Field Trip, Career Day with UCLA Scientists by @uclafriendsofsemel

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a month ago

🌟 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, PsyD, 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.

Wednesday, September 23 5 -6pm PT

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

#mentalhealth #ucla #optimist #resilience

@drdeepikachopra @teencouncilsemelfriends @openmindfilmfestival @uclahealth @dgsomucla @ucla taken in UCLA Friends of the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior by @uclafriendsofsemel

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2 months ago

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 @teencouncilsemelfriends

#mentalhealth #ucla #neuroscience #teenmentalhealth

@rarebeauty @selenagomez @teencouncilsemelfriends @openmindfilmfestival @uclacarescenter @c_hays taken in UCLA Friends of the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior by @uclafriendsofsemel

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2 months ago

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)

#mentalhealth #ucla #wellness #brain #psychology

@openmindfilmfestival @teencouncilsemelfriends @drdansiegel @drdeepikachopra @guptaviolin @landondonovan10 @drharoldkoplewicz @stephaniemaliakrauss @juliakrankl @sarahhoov @drrachelnyc @donnajacksonnakazawa @hschubiner @best.life.bipolar by @uclafriendsofsemel

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2 months ago

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!
#mentalhealth #ucla #neuroscience #mentalhealthawareness #wellness taken in UCLA Friends of the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior by @uclafriendsofsemel

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2 months ago