About
The McLean Institute for Technology in Psychiatry (ITP)
The McLean Institute for Technology in Psychiatry (ITP) was founded in 2016 to advance psychiatric research and practice through innovations in digital health technology and informatics.
To accomplish these goals, we work with global leaders in academia, industry, and healthcare to:
- Innovate new technology-based methods for diagnosing, monitoring, and treating psychiatric disorders
- Support technology-based solutions in research and clinical care
- Optimize new and existing technology to meet the needs of clinicians, patients, and the scientific community
For more information, contact the ITP Program Director Rachel Sava at rsava@mgb.org.
Meet Our Leadership
Justin T. Baker, MD, PhD, Scientific Director
Dr. Baker is also the director of the Laboratory for Functional Neuroimaging and Bioinformatics at McLean Hospital. His research uses both large scale studies and deep phenotyping approaches to understand the nature and underlying biology of mental illnesses, particularly lifelong conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Laura Germine, PhD, Technical Director
Dr. Germine is also the director of the Laboratory for Brain and Cognitive Health Technology at McLean Hospital and founder of TestMyBrain.org. Her research is oriented around understanding the relationship between cognitive health and psychopathology, aided by the development of web-based tools for measuring cognition that are accessible, scalable, and meet the goals and needs of patients.
Benjamin C. Silverman, MD, Director of Ethics
Dr. Silverman is also the senior IRB chair at Mass General Brigham and chair of the Mass General Brigham Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight (ESCRO) Committee. At Harvard Medical School, he is an assistant professor of psychiatry and a faculty member in the Center for Bioethics. His academic interests center on research ethics, in particular pertaining to research conducted with vulnerable populations.
Ipsit Vahia, MD, Medical Director
Dr. Vahia is also the medical director of McLean’s Geriatric Psychiatry Outpatient Services. His research focuses on the use of technology and informatics in the assessment and management of older adults.
Rachel Sava, PhD, Program Director
Dr. Sava utilizes her experiences in academia, industry, and business to help propel the initiatives of the McLean Institute for Technology in Psychiatry and drive its mission to identify, innovate, and implement technologies that can significantly impact patient lives. She conducted her PhD studying the mechanisms underlying ketamine’s fast-acting antidepressant effects funded by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.