Mark Townsend, MD, MS

Mark H. Townsend, MD is an accomplished psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist with a distinguished career in clinical care, research, education, and leadership. His scholarly work focuses on the psychopharmacology of mood and anxiety disorders, psychiatric and medical comorbidities, and the social and historical factors affecting mental illness in marginalized populations. Dr. Townsend has authored numerous publications examining complex intersections such as OCD and depression, anxiety and psychosis, and cardiovascular disease and mental health.

A nationally recognized educator, Dr. Townsend has been deeply involved in curriculum development for undergraduate and graduate medical education and is widely respected for his mentorship. He is also a pioneer in LGBTQ health education, having developed early LGBTQ-focused medical curricula and support services for students. His extensive leadership experience includes directing psychiatric services during the post–Hurricane Katrina recovery period and serving in senior roles within academic health systems. Dr. Townsend’s career reflects a sustained commitment to excellence in psychiatry, addiction medicine, medical education, and advocacy.