Welcome to the CUSM Center for Brain and Behavioral Health
The Center for Brain and Behavioral Health at California University of Science and
Medicine is a transformative hub dedicated to advancing health equity in brain, behavioral,
and neurological health. Through innovative research, integrated clinical care, education
and workforce training, and meaningful community engagement, the Center works to address
disparities in health outcomes, with a particular focus on underserved communities
in the Inland Empire.
Our Mission
The CUSM Center for Brain and Behavioral Health serves as a catalyst for collaboration
among healthcare providers, scientists, educators, and community partners. By bringing
together diverse perspectives and expertise, we develop and implement evidence-based
interventions and contribute to a health workforce ready to meet brain and behavioral
needs for our Inland Empire community and beyond.
Our Comprehensive Approach
The Center’s work is organized around four interconnected pillars that together address
the full spectrum of brain and behavioral health equity:
Research
Dedicated to advancing neuroscience, brain health, and behavioral health through cutting-edge
interdisciplinary research. We engage affiliated faculty researchers with diverse
expertise in neurology, psychiatry, implementation science, and neuro-immunology.
The Center builds research capacity through interdisciplinary workshops, training
programs, and seed funding opportunities, further contributing to workforce development
in the Inland Empire.
Clinical Care
Provides comprehensive neurological and behavioral health care through expert treatment
for neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy,
and stroke, as well as neurobehavioral disorders including dementia. We partner with
patients and families to optimize neurological and behavioral wellness, delivering
care specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of Inland Empire communities.
Education and Training
Develops the regional health workforce through comprehensive education and training
in brain and behavioral health. We prepare future healthcare providers through specialized
medical school curricula while offering healthcare professionals and community members
evidence-based courses, interactive workshops, and training programs. Our educational
initiatives support diverse career paths in neurological and behavioral health services
and equip participants with practical skills to respond effectively to mental health
needs.
Community
Centers community partnership as fundamental to meaningful improvements in brain and
behavioral health equity. We engage deeply with community members, ensuring they benefit
from our expanding knowledge base and resources while contributing valuable insights
to shape our research priorities and clinical approaches. Through regular community
forums and collaborative initiatives, we share findings, increase awareness, and create
accessible opportunities that empower our community partners in advancing brain and
behavioral health for all.
Leadership Team
Founding Director
Founding Director
Dr. Zohray Talib
MD, FAC
Pillar Leads
Research
Dr. Edith Wakida
BIFA, MA, MRA, PhD
Clinical Care
Dr. Elizabeth Morrison-Banks
MD, MSED
Education and Training
Dr. Vanessa Orozco
PhD
Community
Dr. Joél Arvizo-Zavala
PhD, MEd, CHES
Advisory Board Members
Louise Borda, MBA, BS— Senior Associate Dean, Education Operations
David Seigler, MD, FAPA— Chair, Behavioral Health, ARMC
Supporting the CUSM Mission
The Center directly advances CUSM’s mission by:
Advancing the science of medicine through innovative research in neuroscience, neurology,
mental health, brain health, and population health equity
Training health workforce leaders and future scientists who are equipped to address
health disparities in brain and behavioral health
Improving community health outcomes through evidence-based interventions and community
engagement
Community at Our Core
At the heart of our Center is a commitment to community partnership. We believe that
meaningful improvements in brain and behavioral health equity can only be achieved
by working directly with the communities we serve. Our community partners help shape
our research priorities, inform our clinical approaches, and guide our educational
initiatives.
Events
Current Events
Past Event
CBBH Research Training Program
For researchers, students, and residents, with a mentored research project (12 months).
Past Event — Series on Grants/Research Administration and Management
Session 1: Introduction to the Grant Lifecycle and Finding Funding
One-hour information session — LH 125 at noon on July 28, 2025.
Past Event — Series on Grants/Research Administration and Management