On LGBTQ+ Mental Health: How One Student-Run Clinic is Making a Difference

In this episode, we explore a unique model for serving the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. The Weill Cornell Wellness Qlinic is a student-run mental health clinic providing free mental healthcare to the LGBTQ+ community in New York City. It serves as a model for education, affirming mental health care, and outreach to an underserved population. Join Dr. Daniel Knoepflmacher as he discusses the Qlinic, its clinical programs and educational initiatives with two of the Wellness Qlinic co-founders Dr. Jessica Spellun and Constance Zhou, and the Qlinic’s Director of Research, Dr. Christopher Ceccolini.

Featured Speakers:

Christopher Ceccolini, Ph.D. (he/him) is an Assistant Professor of Psychology in Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, an attending psychologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine affiliated hospital, Gracie Square Hospital, and a psychologist in private practice in Manhattan. He is one of the current faculty advisors and the Director of Research for the Weill Cornell Wellness Qlinic.

Jessica Spellun, M.D. (she/her) is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine and a psychiatrist in private practice. As a resident she helped to build the Weill Cornell Wellness Qlinic and later served as one of the faculty directors.

Constance Zhou (they/them) is an MD-PhD student at Weill Cornell Medicine interested in psychiatry. They are also the co-founder of the Weill Cornell Wellness Qlinic and served as the Clinical Executive Director of the Qlinic from 2019-2024.