School of Medicine

The Pulse

LSU Health Behavioral Sciences Center, LSU Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program, and Brett Thomas Doussan Foundation Raise Mental Health Awareness

Howard Osofsky, MD, PhD; Chairman, Department of Psychiatry

Brett Thomas Doussan Foundation Photo1In December 2019, the LSU Health Behavioral Sciences Center and the LSU Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program acknowledged the Brett Thomas Doussan Foundation's dedication to a much-needed issue in our community. Dr. Joshua Sanderson, assistant professor of child and adolescent clinical psychiatry, has been working alongside the foundation, which aims to raise mental health awareness through advocacy, education, and music. They have spearheaded projects such as "Music for the Mind" and a concert series entitled "Music for Mental Health" that brings school-aged children together to discuss complex issues related to behavioral health topics.

"We are very appreciative to have had the opportunity to team up with the Brett Thomas Doussan Foundation over the past few years. Through fundraisers like their annual volleyball tournament at Coconut Beach and their Play it FOREward golf tournament, they've been able to provide us with therapy supplies, artwork for our clinics, renovations to our inpatient unit, and holiday gifts for some of our families in need. We appreciate all that they've done for our program and hope to maintain this relationship for years to come."

The LSU Department of Psychiatry and the LSU Health Behavioral Sciences Center dedicated the child psychiatry wing of their outpatient clinic to the memory of Brett Thomas Doussan.

Lisa Doussan, Brett's mother and co-founder of the organization, has played an integral part in coordinating all of the group's efforts. "Brett would be so happy to know all that we've been able to do for these children," she said.

To contribute or participate in any future activities organized by the foundation, visit their website at www.BTDFoundation.org

Brett Thomas Doussan Foundation Photo2