On October 26, 2015, over 50 ARCS Foundation Atlanta Chapter members and guests met at the Emory Brain Health Center where Dr. Mark Rapaport, Chief of Psychiatric Services, welcomed the group, thanked ARCS Foundation Atlanta for its support of Emory University scholars, and introduced Dr. Helen Mayberg, Professor of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Radiology. It has been 10 years since the first deep brain stimulation (DBS) implant to treat depression. Dr. Mayberg led the Canadian research team that developed this novel intervention for patients with treatment resistant depression. The research has made steady progress over the past decade with clues emerging as to who is most likely to benefit from the treatment and refinement of the technique to optimize outcome. Dr. Mayberg now heads a multidisciplinary depression research program that is dedicated to the study of brain circuits in depression and the effects of various treatments. 

Following the lecture, lunch, and an extended Q&A session, ARCS Foundation members toured the Brain Health Center, an innovate collaboration where the Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology have co-located to provide comprehensive, coordinated family-centered care.  The Center seeks to prevent brain disorders and transform care through continued innovation and learning, research and partnerships.