Kara Bagot

Kara Bagot serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine. Her academic profile demonstrates significant contributions to adolescent psychiatry, with a particular focus on racial and ethnic disparities in mental health outcomes, substance use disorders, and the impact of digital media on adolescent brain development. Dr. Bagot has established herself as a thought leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within psychiatric research and academic publishing.

Dr. Bagot's research interests center on critical issues in adolescent mental health, with particular emphasis on how racial-ethnic discrimination affects psychopathology development in young people. Her work with the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study has produced significant insights into screen time effects on developing brains, the relationship between pubertal development and mental health outcomes, and risk factors for substance use initiation. She has made substantial contributions to understanding cultural diversity in mental healthcare delivery and outcomes, with numerous publications examining systemic inequities in psychiatric treatment and research.

Her publication record shows a clear trajectory of increasing influence in the field, with numerous editorials in high-impact journals like JAMA Psychiatry and the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Bagot's work demonstrates a consistent focus on translating research findings into practical applications for improving mental health equity. Her recent publications reveal growing emphasis on methodological considerations in diversity research, particularly regarding appropriate reporting of race and ethnicity in clinical studies.

Dr. Bagot has established collaborative relationships across multiple University of California campuses, particularly with researchers at UCSD, UCSF, and UC Irvine, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of her work. Her network includes experts in adolescent brain development, substance use disorders, and health disparities research, creating a robust foundation for continued contributions to the field of child and adolescent psychiatry.