Dr. Mark Olfson is a preeminent scholar in psychiatric epidemiology and mental health services research, recognized internationally for his contributions to improving behavioral healthcare systems. He currently holds the distinguished Elizabeth K. Dollard Professorship of Psychiatry, Medicine, and Law at Columbia University Medical Center while also serving as Professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University. After earning his MD from Northwestern University Medical School, he completed his psychiatry residency at Yale University School of Medicine and subsequently pursued a fellowship in Mental Health Services Research through Rutgers University and Princeton University. His career trajectory has established him as a leading authority on mental health service delivery and population-level behavioral health interventions.
Dr. Olfson's seminal research has focused on identifying critical gaps between clinical science and practice in behavioral healthcare, with particular emphasis on suicide prevention and enhancing treatment for adults with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders. His work has significantly advanced understanding of unmet needs in mental health services, patient pathways into care, and evolving national practice patterns in psychiatric assessment and management across diverse populations. With an extensive publication record exceeding 500 academic papers, his scholarship has brought essential attention to quality issues in behavioral health assessment and treatment, especially for neglected and underserved populations. His rigorous methodological approaches have provided foundational evidence for improving mental healthcare systems and informing policy decisions at multiple levels.
Beyond his scholarly contributions, Dr. Olfson serves as a Research Psychiatrist at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, where he maintains an active research program addressing pressing challenges in mental healthcare delivery. His work has been consistently supported by numerous federal and private foundation grants, reflecting the significance and impact of his contributions to the field. As an influential figure in psychiatric epidemiology, he has shaped research directions that address critical gaps in mental healthcare for vulnerable populations across the United States. Dr. Olfson continues to advance the science of mental health services through innovative research that promises to further strengthen evidence-based practices and improve outcomes for individuals with behavioral health disorders.
