Discovery & Wellness Research Program

The Discovery and Wellness Center for Children is a pediatric research center housed within the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. Our research physicians include Molly McVoy, MD, Nora McNamara, MD, and Sarah Lytle, MD, with over 40 years of combined experience developing innovative treatments for youth with psychiatric disorders.

The Discovery and Wellness Center for Children's mission is to compassionately conduct clinically meaningful research that will better the lives of children and adolescents suffering from psychiatric illnesses. Our research team has led innovations in novel treatments for mood disorders, ADHD, and autism, in addition to innovations in biomarkers and psychosocial supports.

Our research is patient-centered. This means we have designed our research studies to improve people's lives who choose to participate in them. We offer several research-based treatment programs for children and adolescents who suffer from Major Depressive Disorder, autism, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and Tourette's disorder. All of these programs are provided at no cost.

Eligibility varies for each program. A thorough intake process is conducted to determine eligibility. If the patient is eligible, the treatment program may include a psychiatric evaluation, laboratory tests, study medication, and close follow up from a psychiatrist. Participants may be seen weekly or monthly, depending on protocol timelines. If the patient is ineligible, they will be directed to clinical care.