In 1970 The Neuropsychiatric Institute (NPI) was founded as the private practice entity of The University of South Florida College of Medicines Psychiatry Department. This College of Medicine was one of seven new medical schools simultaneously being built in the United States. Psychiatry was the first clinical Department in the School. In 1974, when the School graduated its first class, The Neuropsychiatric Institute became Floridas first private interdisciplinary mental health practice consisting of neuropsychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses and mental health counselors.