2026 CPS Awards Applications & Nominations Now OpenThe Connecticut Psychiatric Society is pleased to announce that applications and nominations are now officially open for the 2026 CPS Awards. These awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, advocacy, service, and dedication to psychiatry and mental health care across Connecticut and beyond. As part of CPS’s ongoing modernization efforts, this marks the first year the awards application and nomination process has moved fully online to improve accessibility, organization, and transparency for applicants and reviewers alike. Submission Deadline: Monday, May 25, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET Supporting materials, including CVs or resumes, letters of support, and any additional documentation for consideration, should be emailed separately to [email protected] with the subject line: “Nominee Name – Award Name”. Apply or Submit a NominationCPS AwardsEach year at its Annual Meeting, the Connecticut Psychiatric Society presents awards to deserving CPS members. A new award introduced in 2025, the Michael J. Sernyak Award for Advancing Well-Being in People with Serious Mental Illness, honors a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, business, legislator or other citizen dedicated to the overall wellness of people with severe mental illness. Read More Please include as much information as possible about your nominee. Names of previous awardees are listed below.
Service to CPSIn memory of Cornelis Boelhouwer, M.D., the “Service To CPS” award is presented to a CPS member who has made significant contributions to CPS that brings credit and honor to the organization and whose actions best exemplify the ideals of CPS.
Service to PatientsIn memory of the late Roger Coleman, M.D., who was known for his advocacy for patients in many settings. This award is presented to a member who has demonstrated exemplary devotion to patient care and a commitment to quality.
Distinguished CitizenDesignated for legislators and other public officials, advocates for people with mental illness, and others who have contributed to activities that benefit patients.
Rising Leader AwardMichael J. Sernyak Award for Advancing Well-Being in People with Serious Mental IllnessDr. Michael Sernyak was a devoted husband and father first but he was also a leader, friend, and mentor to many. He was an avid cyclist, who saw the connection between physical and mental health before many paid attention and strove to address both through his work. He successfully advocated for bike lanes in the city of New Haven and founded the CMHC farmers market as CEO of the Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) of the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. He was also Professor of psychiatry, deputy chair for State Affairs, and deputy chair for Clinical Affairs for the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. He leaves a powerful legacy in the field of psychiatry that cannot be ignored. New in 2025: The Michael J. Sernyak award is an honor bestowed on a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, business, legislator or other citizen who is dedicated to the overall wellness of people with severe mental illness. The winner uses a holistic approach to address the mental health of people with SMI, creating opportunities to improve their physical Health as well. Their contributions to the health and wellbeing of people with SMI demonstrate the power of one to impact the lives of many! Created in collaboration with Dr. Ismene Petrakis, Alexander and Zoe Sernyak.
Sponsored by the Armah Family Donor Advised Fund 2025 - Aniyizhai (Ani) Annamalai, MBBS, M.D.
APA AwardsAPA Awards recognize psychiatrists and other mental health advocates for their contributions to the APA and the field of psychiatry, for career recognition, lifetime service, outstanding research, and other categories that improve the lives of people with mental illness. Search APA full list of awards below. Use the key word bar to search for terms like "Research," "Teaching," "DEIB," "APA Assembly Awards," "Child & Adolescent Psychiatry," and more. View All APA AwardsBruno Lima Award
Ron Shellow Award
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