Arash Javanbakht, MD
Associate Professor (Clinical Scholar), Wayne State University
Contact Information
Professional Background
Arash Javanbakht, M.D., is a psychiatrist and serves as the director of the Stress, Trauma, and Anxiety Research Clinic (STARC). His clinical work is mainly focused on anxiety and trauma related disorders, and PTSD in civilians, first responders, law enforcement, and refugees and victims of torture and human trafficking. His clinic utilizes pharmacotherapy (medication), psychotherapy, exercise, and lifestyle modification to help patients achieve their full capacity for a fulfilling life.
His research is also focused on anxiety disorders and trauma. Several research studies at the STARC examine the impact of exposure to war trauma in adults and children Syrian and Iraqi refugees in the US, and biological and psychological factors of risk and resilience. This research examines genetic, environmental, and inflammation correlates of trauma as well. Also, use of art, dance and movement, and yoga and mindfulness in helping refugee families overcome stress.
STARC also researches neurobiology of psychotherapy, and utilization of augmented reality and telemedicine technologies for providing in vivo treatment for anxiety disorders and PTSD. Dr Javanbakht has a special interest in the "personal meaning" of trauma: how does personal interpretation of a traumatic experience affect the way an individual is affected by it.
Dr Javanbakht's work has been frequently featured on the CNN, Aljazeera, NPR, Washington Post, Smithsonian, PBS, American Psychiatric Association Press Briefing, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and tens of other media outlets.