Psychiatric Neurosurgery Program

Brown University is a world-leader in the application of surgical techniques for severe, intractable psychiatric disorders such as debilitating and otherwise untreatable obsessive compulsive disorder.  Our team of psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons and ethicists carefully consider patients who have failed all other treatments, to assess whether surgery might offer symptom relief and an improved quality of life.

Patients may be referred by their local treating physician or may contact us directly to be considered for treatment.  A comprehensive review of disease history and treatments, as well as detailed psychiatric and neuropsychological evaluations are required.  Surgical options include deep brain stimulation and MRI-guided laser ablation, as well as other potential treatments as part of clinical trials.

As a national and international referral center for those seeking advanced treatment options for severe, medically intractable psychiatric disorders, we have experience managing issues related to insurance, and helping navigate travel and lodging options for patients and families. 

Neurosurgery

Psychiatric Neurosurgery Committee

Psychiatry

Steven Rasmussen, MD, Chair of Psychiatry,
Benjamin Greenberg, MD, PhD
Mohamed Sherif, MD, PhD

Neuropsychology

Nicole McLaughlin, PhD, Neuropsychologist

Neuropsychiatric Disorders

• Intractable OCD
• Intractable Depression (experimental)
• Intractable Tourette’s Disease (experimental)
• Alzheimer’s Disease (experimental)