Vancouver, Oct. 25, 2025—Tonight the Canadian Psychiatric Association, the national voice of Canada’s psychiatrists and psychiatrists-in-training, installed Dr. Vijay Seethapathy as its new president.

“As I step into this role, far too many Canadians are still waiting, months, even years, for access to mental health care. Access isn’t just about appointments or wait times, it’s about connection, dignity and the chance for a better tomorrow,” says Dr. Seethapathy.

Born in Chennai, India, Dr. Seethapathy’s journey to psychiatry was initially unplanned, but his early training experiences reshaped his perspective. Witnessing the power of empathetic patient care, his clinical work focuses on treating vulnerable populations and concurrent disorders.

“I knew I had found my calling, through the stories of my patients, by listening to them, learning from them, and witnessing how profoundly care can change a single life,” says Dr. Seethapathy.

His work spans several continents, including Kenya and the UK, where he honed his expertise in health care systems and developed a strong vision for early intervention and equitable access to mental health care. He believes that timely access to care is critical for improving patient outcomes, especially in severe mental illnesses like psychosis, where early intervention can prevent long-term disability.

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Seethapathy is passionate about leadership and education. He holds an executive MBA and has spearheaded initiatives aimed at addressing system gaps in mental health care, such as Vancouver’s 24/7 access and assessment centre, which breaks down barriers to timely psychiatric care. Dr. Seethapathy has been instrumental in implementing a triage model designed to streamline access to mental health services, ensuring that individuals in crisis receive the appropriate level of care swiftly.

In addition to his leadership role at CPA, Dr. Seethapathy is the chief medical officer at BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services, where he provides strategic and operational oversight for specialized programs, including the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, Red Fish Healing Centre and Correctional Health Services.