David Sommerfeld

David Sommerfeld is an Assistant Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine. His work is centered on mental health services research, implementation science, and health equity, particularly among underserved populations such as American Indian elders and adults with serious mental illness.

• Institution: University of California, San Diego
• School: School of Medicine
• Department: Department of Psychiatry
• Rank: Assistant Adjunct Professor

His research focuses on improving access to care, culturally competent services, and the implementation of evidence-based practices in public mental health systems. He frequently employs mixed-methods and concept mapping approaches to understand stakeholder perspectives and systemic barriers.

The recent publications highlight a consistent trajectory in public health and psychiatry, emphasizing implementation science, health disparities, geriatrics, and community mental health. Themes include the sustainment of evidence-based practices, cognitive-behavioral interventions, health system navigation, and structural determinants of health inequity. His work spans diverse populations, including Latinos, Native Americans, and individuals with schizophrenia or serious mental illness.

Notable scientific contributions include research on assisted outpatient treatment, health care access for American Indian elders, and integrated interventions for diabetes risk reduction in psychiatric populations.

Dr. Sommerfeld has been actively involved in advising and collaborative research, particularly with Dr. Gregory A. Aarons. While no formal students are listed, his role in large-scale implementation studies suggests mentorship and team leadership. He has not received any explicitly mentioned awards or grants in the provided text. He is affiliated with research teams focused on behavioral health reform, cultural competence, and implementation science, contributing to policy-relevant research with real-world impact.