How ageism shapes mental health at 80, from Evita’s “Rights of Old Age” to today’s push for an age-just society.
H. Steven Moffic, MD
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Dr Moffic is an award-winning psychiatrist who specializes in the social, cultural, ethical, spiritual, and religious aspects of psychiatry, and since 2012 is in retirement as a private pro bono community psychiatrist. A prolific writer and speaker, he has done a weekdays column titled “Psychiatric Views on the Daily News” and a weekly video, “Psychiatry & Society,” since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged. Among his diverse and rare combination of major awards for psychiatrists, he was selected to receive the international Oskar Pfister Award for his contributions to religion, spirituality, and psychiatry at the American Psychiatric Association (APA) annual meeting in May 2026. Previously, he was chosen to receive the 2024 Abraham Halpern Humanitarian Award from the American Association for Social Psychiatry; the 2016 Administrative Psychiatrist Award from the American Psychiatric Association; in 2002, the one-time designation of being a Hero of Public Psychiatry from the Speaker of the Assembly of the APA; at the turn of the new millennium, an APA Art Association award at the annual meeting for his displayed collage “Any Point of View (of Rusti) is Pure Delight”; and in 1991 the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. He also presented the third Rabbi Jeffrey B. Stiffman lecture at Congregation Shaare Emeth in St. Louis on Sunday, May 19, 2024. He has been an advocate and activist for mental health issues related to climate instability, physical burnout, and xenophobia, among other social justice causes, serving on many related local and national community and professional Boards. He has edited the requested 5-volume series on religions and psychiatry for Springer: Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, Christianity, The Eastern Religions and Spirituality, and in 2026, the Second Edition of Islamophobia and Psychiatry. He serves on the Editorial Board of Psychiatric Times.
Articles by H. Steven Moffic, MD
Psychiatry confronts Epstein’s legacy, urging ethical accountability, prevention, and resources to address power abuse, sex trafficking, and women’s trauma worldwide.
Olympic stories of joy, injury, and grit reveal lessons for psychiatry—burnout, secondary trauma, and knowing when to step back or retire.
Explore how World Day of Social Justice links poverty, war trauma, inequality, and social determinants to psychiatry—urging action beyond the clinic.
Climate instability is a mental health issue and it is time to broaden care to the whole environment.
This Presidents Day, H. Steven Moffic, MD, links ICE raids to trauma and fear, urges ethical action and creative protest to protect immigrants and public mental health.
Collaboration between psychiatric and religious leaders: could it help global relations?
A rare psychiatrist-publisher dies at 97; explore Jason Aronson’s publishing legacy, Jewish studies ties, and free classic psychotherapy downloads.
This tribute to Rose Childs explores pioneering community mental health teamwork, cultural psychiatry innovation, shared leadership, and her lasting legacy in patient-centered care.
Remembering Elise Snyder, MD, 91, who pioneered CAPA and video-based psychoanalytic training that bridged US-China mental health stigma and culture.
H. Steven Moffic, MD, urges the field to act as “upstanders” on war trauma, anti-Semitism, elections, and climate change—moving beyond bystanding to public mental health impact.
Exploring the intersection of death, dying, and mental health, this article highlights the importance of discussing mortality for a fulfilling life.
Explore the psychological impacts of the Doomsday Clock, highlighting its correlation with mental health and societal threats in today's world.
It's been a year since the inauguration... where are we now?
Reflecting on Holocaust Remembrance Day, H. Steven Moffic, MD, connects past traumas to present challenges, emphasizing the importance of memory and healing.
Explore the complexities of aging, mental health challenges, and the unique opportunities that come with turning 80 in today's society.
Explore the gradual dangers of societal issues like climate change and mental health, and learn how early intervention can make a difference.
Explore the concept of interdependence in politics and psychiatry, emphasizing connection and cooperation to enhance mental health and societal well-being.
H. Steven Moffic, MD, reflects on Martin Luther King Jr's legacy, addressing mental health challenges and envisioning a future of hope and unity.
Explore the evolving landscape of psychiatry as it reflects on past events, current challenges, and future predictions for mental health.
Reflecting on Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, the article explores his insights on mental health, social justice, and the need for unity today.
Psychiatrists explore the mental health impacts of protests, emphasizing the need for community support and ethical responsibility in turbulent times.
How does time affect patients with mental health disorders?
Exploring the complex legacy of Oliver Sacks, this article examines the blurred lines between truth and fiction in his case studies.
Explore the diverse legacies of influential psychiatrists who shaped mental health, from poetry to cooking, highlighting their profound impact on society.
Explore the evolving language of mental health as it intersects with societal issues, highlighting the importance of the term "upstander" in psychiatry.
Explore the intersection of cultural trauma and mental health, emphasizing the importance of awareness and education in preventing future conflicts.
How can we mourn our losses and move on in the New Year?
These are the 2 winners of the Hanusol Contest!
Explore the intersection of light and darkness through the lens of Hanukkah and the Winter Solstice, revealing insights on peace and human experience.
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