Nodes

Psychiatry Department

UT Rio Grande Valley was created by the Texas Legislature in 2013 as the first major public university of the 21st century in Texas. Since establishing patient services through the Department of Psychiatry, UT Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine psychiatrists and residents have served approximately 500 children, adolescents, and adults per month.

The UT Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine has been awarded clinical research grants to study the genetics of depression, dementia, and bipolar disorder; to teach recovery-oriented psychiatry; and to train health professionals in mental health treatment integrated into primary care settings. Through research, patient services, and building relationships with community agencies, the Psychiatry Department is committed to improving the lives and well-being of the Rio Grande Valley community.

Cynthia Garza, Psy.D.

Cynthia Garza, PsyD

Node Lead

Cynthia Garza, Psy.D., is a UT Rio Grande Valley Assistant Professor and licensed Clinical Psychologist from Brownsville, Texas. As a daughter and granddaughter of educators, Dr. Garza is committed to serving children and families to support the success of the next generation.

Dr. Garza has clinical experience with brief models of care, risk assessment, safety planning, harm reduction for suicidal behaviors and non-suicidal self-injury, substance use disorders, and Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Her research interests include the incorporation of Community Health Workers, “Promotoras,” in youth mental health promotion to address disparities in treatment access.

Diana Chapa, M.D.

Diana Chapa, MD

Node Co-Lead

Diana Chapa, M.D., is a Rio Grande Valley native and a double–board-certified psychiatrist in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. After completing medical training at the University of Wisconsin and practicing in Minnesota, Dr. Chapa returned to serve the RGV community. Dr. Chapa currently works as a child and adolescent psychiatry specialist at UT Health Rio Grande Valley and serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the UTRGV School of Medicine in Harlingen.

With more than 20 years of experience in medicine and education, Dr. Chapa leads and supports programs that expand telehealth services, strengthen the mental health workforce, and improve training for future psychiatrists. She also works closely with local clinics and community partners to address substance use and behavioral health challenges across the Rio Grande Valley.

Node Team
Alessandra Rizzo Esposito
Alexa Mancera
Christabel Cox
Hugo Franco-Rodriguez