Heather Berlin, PhD, MPH

Heather Berlin, PhD, MPH, is an accomplished neuroscientist and clinical psychologist currently serving as an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. Her research primarily focuses on understanding the neural basis of impulsivity, compulsivity, and emotional disorders, aiming to develop more effective treatments for these conditions. Dr. Berlin employs various methodologies, including neuroimaging and psychopharmacological testing, to study brain lesions and personality disorders.125

Education and Training

Dr. Berlin earned her PhD in experimental psychology/neuropsychology from the University of Oxford. She also holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Harvard University and has completed a Master's in Psychology from the New School for Social Research. Additionally, she undertook a postdoctoral fellowship at Mount Sinai focused on psychiatry and trained in clinical neuropsychology at Weill Cornell Medicine.25

Clinical Practice

In her clinical practice, Dr. Berlin specializes in treating a range of disorders across all age groups, including anxiety, mood disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She integrates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and humanistic approaches to provide holistic care that emphasizes mental well-being rather than merely addressing illness.34

Research Interests

Dr. Berlin's research interests extend to the neural underpinnings of consciousness and creativity. She has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals and has contributed to various textbooks on neuroscience and psychology.25 Her work often involves advanced neuroimaging techniques like fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) to explore brain-behavior relationships.5

Public Engagement and Media

Beyond her academic and clinical roles, Dr. Berlin is actively involved in science communication. She co-hosts StarTalk with Neil DeGrasse Tyson and has appeared in several television series related to science, including PBS’s Your Brain and Science Goes to the Movies. Her efforts aim to destigmatize mental health issues and promote women in STEM fields.25

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Berlin has received numerous accolades for her contributions to neuroscience and psychology, including Young Investigator Awards from both the American Neuropsychiatric Association and the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder. She was also recognized as one of Stony Brook University’s “40 Under Forty” for her achievements.25

Overall, Heather Berlin's multifaceted career combines rigorous scientific research with clinical practice and public engagement, making significant contributions to the fields of psychiatry and neuroscience.