About Us

Stress-related diseases have the highest global disease burden today. Founded by Dr. Rajita Sinha in 2007, the Yale Stress Center began as the organizational and administrative "home" for interdisciplinary basic and clinical scientists studying stress, emotions and health and those treating stress-related diseases. The Center is the research hub for a number of interdisciplinary initiatives that further the understanding of the deleterious effects of stress on the brain, body and behavior. Development of novel interventions to prevent and treat stress-related diseases is also a major goal of the Center. The research is funded by the National Institutes of Health grants and large program initiatives.

On the basis of the scientific discoveries coming out of the Center, the Yale Stress Center Clinical Services was launched in April 2012. Using an interdisciplinary approach to interventions, this unique clinic addresses chronic stress and stress related maladaptive behaviors that adversely affect health and promote relapse and disease risk. Our bio-psychosocial approach integrates behavioral and physical healthcare while emphasizing early intervention.

The primary populations served at the Stress Center include:

• Individuals at risk for or experiencing stress related chronic medical conditions and diseases, such as hypertension, heart disease, obesity and metabolic syndrome, Type II diabetes, and some types of cancers, arthritis and others.

• Individuals with stress related substance addictions, such as alcohol, nicotine, prescription drugs, and behavioral addictions.

• Secondary diagnoses may include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and adjustment disorders.

• Individuals wishing to decrease the damaging effects of stress in their lives to optimize their health and function.

• Individuals experiencing cognitive and mental changes relating to stress and other health conditions.

Research participation in a number of different scientific projects is also available.