Ailyn Diaz

Ailyn Diaz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. She serves as Director of the Hispanic Clinic, providing culturally sensitive care to underserved populations.

• Current Roles: Associate Professor, Director of Hispanic Clinic
• Key Affiliations: Central Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society (President), IDEA Committee Member

Her research focuses on racial/ethnic healthcare disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly examining neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2 in youth and long-term psychiatric effects. She also investigates social determinants of health and multidisciplinary approaches to mental health equity.

Recent publications highlight her work on post-COVID neuropsychological outcomes, cultural considerations in migrant youth suicide risk, and social media's impact on adolescent depression. She advocates for integrating psychiatry, neuroscience, and public health in addressing these complex issues.

• Teaching Innovations: ECHO model for suicide prevention training, flipped classroom methods during the pandemic
• Clinical Expertise: Mindfulness-based approaches, CBT, and psychopharmacology for Hispanic children

Dr. Diaz contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through health equity research and has presented on community healthcare outcomes models at national conferences.