Chairman’s Welcome
Welcome to the Department of Psychiatry
El Paso Del Norte, or “The Gateway to the North,” founded in 1659, is a vibrant multicultural community sharing its history and culture with Ciudad Juárez, Mexico—a neighboring city of 1.5 million people. Together, these cities form a rich and dynamic environment that inspires our mission.
Our History and Mission
Since its founding in 1976, the Department of Psychiatry at the Texas Tech Health El Paso Foster School of Medicine has been dedicated to:
- Improving mental health care for the Paso Del Norte region.
- Training the next generation of physicians and psychiatrists.
- Advancing innovative psychiatric research.
Our Leadership
Under the guidance of Dr. Peter M. Thompson, the Hunt Family Endowed Chair of Psychiatry, our department continues to thrive in both clinical and academic excellence. Learn more about Dr. Thompson's vision and contributions on the Chairman’s Biography page.
Our Achievements
Largest Psychiatry Department on the U.S.-Mexico Border
We are proud to serve the region with culturally and linguistically sensitive research, training and care for all ages. Our expertise includes:
- Child and adolescent psychiatry
- Mood disorders
- Neuropsychiatry
- Southwest Brain Bank
- Public psychiatry
- Inpatient and consult-liaison psychiatry
- Geriatric psychiatry
Transmountain Partnership
In 2018, we expanded by opening the Transmountain Department of Psychiatry in collaboration with Tenet Corporation’s Transmountain Hospital.
- This community-based psychiatry training program welcomed its first class of residents in 2021.
Why Choose El Paso?
El Paso offers an ideal setting for training, research and living:
- Outdoor Adventures: Year-round activities at the base of the Rocky Mountains.
- Affordable Living: Low housing costs and a family-friendly environment.
- Educational Opportunities: A strong emphasis on education and community growth.
- Thriving Campus: The continued expansion of Texas Tech Health El Paso creates opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
Learn more about The City of El Paso.
Our Commitment
The faculty, staff and trainees of the Department of Psychiatry are passionate about improving lives and mental health in the Paso Del Norte region. Join us in making a difference in this vibrant, multicultural community.