McLean Hospital Names Ipsit Vahia, MD, as Chief of Geriatric Psychiatry
February 10, 2025
McLean Hospital has named Ipsit Vahia, MD, chief of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry. Vahia, a leader in the field of geriatric psychiatry, will hold the prestigious Corrigan-Minehan Endowed Chair in Psychiatry, established in 2023 by McLean Trustee Cathy Minehan.
Widely recognized for its pioneering work in mental health care for older adults, McLean’s Division of Geriatric Psychiatry has long been at the forefront of innovative treatment and multidisciplinary care.
Since stepping into the role of interim chief over a year ago, Vahia has further solidified McLean’s reputation as a global leader in geriatric mental health by championing advancements in care, research, and education for an aging population.
“Dr. Vahia’s expertise and vision have been instrumental in elevating our approach to geriatric psychiatry,” said Scott L. Rauch, MD, president and psychiatrist in chief at McLean. “His contributions as interim chief have set a new standard, and I am confident his leadership will drive even greater achievements in the years ahead.”
A Distinguished Career at the Intersection of Aging and Innovation
Since joining McLean in 2016, Vahia has served as the medical director of Geriatric Psychiatry Outpatient Services and director of the Technology and Aging Laboratory. During this time, he has expanded access to care and integrated state-of-the-art approaches to meet the complex mental health needs of older adults.
His research has focused on leveraging technology to enhance diagnosis and treatment, particularly for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Vahia is widely regarded as an authority on geriatric psychiatry, contributing significantly to the field through his work on aging, mental health, and the innovative use of technology in care delivery.
He is an active member of the geriatric psychiatry committee of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and frequently engages in national discussions aimed at improving mental health outcomes for older populations.
Looking Ahead
As the new division chief, Vahia plans to build on the division’s strong legacy while exploring new opportunities to advance care, research, and education. His leadership will also be pivotal in shaping McLean’s broader initiatives in older adult mental health, ensuring the hospital continues to lead in innovation and impact.
“I am deeply honored to lead this division and to contribute to McLean’s mission of transforming mental health care for older adults,” said Vahia. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to expand access, improve outcomes, and explore new frontiers in geriatric mental health.”
