Gary J. Kennedy

Dr. Gary J. Kennedy is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Vice Chair for Education at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He serves as Director of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and Fellowship Training Program at Montefiore Medical Center. His expertise lies in geriatric psychiatry, late-life mental health, and mental health care delivery systems.

Education: Dr. Kennedy graduated from the University of Texas in Austin and the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He has held leadership roles in organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association and the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation. His research focuses on depression, dementia, and healthcare communication strategies for elderly populations.

Research Interests: Dr. Kennedy investigates late-life mental health challenges, including depression and dementia epidemiology, mental health care in nursing homes, and physician-patient communication. His work emphasizes innovative approaches to geriatric mental health care and public policy advocacy.

Key Contributions: He authored influential books like Geriatric Mental Health Care and Geriatric Depression: A Clinical Guide. His awards include the Forchheimer Lifetime Achievement Award and recognition in Best Doctors in America. Dr. Kennedy has received grants from the NIH, Resnick Gerontology Center, and multiple foundations.

Grants & Awards: Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; National Institute on Aging; and organizations like The Atlantic Philanthropies. He has been a consultant to state commissions and testified before the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry at Montefiore and collaborates with global initiatives, such as the Bermuda-specific mental health training program for older adults.