About
Sarah Riley, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Medical Director of the Specialized Treatment Early in Psychosis (STEP) Program at Yale School of Medicine. She holds affiliations with the Yale Center for Asylum Medicine and the Connecticut Mental Health Center. Her academic roles include leadership in clinical care, education, and research focused on early psychosis intervention and mental health policy.
Education:
- MD: University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (2016)
- BS in Biology: Boston College (2010)
- Residency: Yale University (Chief Resident, Crisis Intervention Unit and WS3 Unit)
Research Interests: Dr. Riley’s work centers on reducing the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), evaluating Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) programs, and understanding the impact of early intervention on patient outcomes. Her studies explore how pandemic restrictions affected mental health service access and DUP, as well as the role of electronic care pathways in improving psychiatric treatment quality.
Publications: Her research highlights the clinical and quality-of-life implications of DUP, the effects of pandemic-era healthcare disruptions, and innovative care delivery models. Key topics include early psychosis detection, healthcare policy, and multidisciplinary treatment approaches.
Awards:
- Resident Teaching Award, Yale School of Medicine (2020)
- Gilbert M. Beck Memorial Prize in Psychiatry (2016)
- Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award (2016)
- Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society (2015)
Professional Activities: She serves on committees such as the Peer Review and Privileging Committee and the Safety Committee at Connecticut Mental Health Center. She co-founded a student-run asylum clinic and advocates for human rights in healthcare.
Labs/Teams: Leads STEP Program initiatives and collaborates with the Yale Center for Asylum Medicine on refugee mental health issues.