About AAGP
Since 1978 AAGP has been working to improve the lives of our members’ patients, their families, train the next generation of geriatric mental health clinicians, and advance the research agenda for the mental health of older people. The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry is a membership association of more than 1,000 geriatric psychiatrists and other health care professionals in the United States, Canada, and abroad, dedicated to the mental well-being of older adults.
Our Mission & Vision
We are the community of geriatric psychiatrists, health professionals, scientists, and advocates committed to improving mental health care and wellness in aging adults.
Vision: Optimal mental health and wellness for all aging adults.
Our History
In 1978,
as interest in mental health and the process of aging grew, and older adults were increasing in number and as a percentage of the U.S. population, a small group of visionaries met to discuss late-life mental health needs and the field of geriatric psychiatry. From this meeting, the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) was born. Learn about the history of the organization and the change agents who made history.
Watch to learn more about AAGP’s roots from Dr. Sanford Finkel.
AAGP Past Presidents
Sanford Finkel, MD (1978-1981)
Eric Pfeiffer, MD (1981-1982)
Alvin Levinson, MD (1982-1984)
Lissy Jarvik, MD (1984-1985)
Elliott M. Stein, MD (1985-1987)
Charles A. Shamoian, MD (1987-1988)
Lawrence Lazarus, MD (1988-1989)
George Grossberg, MD (1989-1990)
Jonathan Lieff, MD (1990-1991)
Barnett Meyers, MD (1991-1992)
Alan Siegal, MD (1992-1994)
Gary Gottlieb, MD (1994-1995)
Ira Katz, MD (1995-1996)
Hugh Hendrie, MB, ChB (1996-1997)
Jeffrey R. Foster, MD (1997-1998)
Dilip V. Jeste, MD (1998-1999)
Soo Borson, MD (1999-2000)
William E. Reichman, MD (2000-2001)
Stephen Bartels, MD, MS (2001-2002)
Gary Kennedy, MD (2002-2003)
Joel E. Streim, MD (2003-2004)
Anand Kumar, MD (2004-2005)
Dan Blazer, MD, MPH, PhD (2005-2006)
Christopher C. Colenda, MD, MPH (2006-2007)
Gary S. Moak, MD (2007-2008)
Bruce G. Pollock, MD, PhD, FRCPC (2008-2009)
Charles F. Reynolds, III, MD (2009-2010)
Jeffrey M. Lyness, MD (2010-2011)
Allan A. Anderson, MD (2011-2012)
Paul D.S. Kirwin, MD (2012-2013)
David C. Steffens, MD, MHS (2013-2014)
Susan K. Schultz, MD (2014-2015)
Gary W. Small, MD (2015-2016)
Daniel D. Sewell, MD (2016-2017)
Iqbal Ahmed, MD (2017-2018)
Melinda Lantz, MD (2018-2019)
Rajesh R. Tampi, MD, MS (2019-2021)
Brent P. Forester, MD, MSc (2020-2022)
Marc E. Agronin, MD (2022-2023)
Helen Lavretsky, MD, MS (2023-2024)
Sandra Swantek, MD (2024-2025)
Elizabeth J. Santos, MD, MPH (2025-2026)
History
What began as the vision of 11 leaders in the field of psychiatry grew to a society of several hundred by the end of its first year. Today, the AAGP is an established membership association of nearly 2,000 geriatric psychiatrists and other health care professionals in the United States, Canada, and abroad, dedicated to the mental well-being of older adults.
Our People
Leadership
Meet our team of
dedicated professionals.
Committees, Caucuses, and Special Interest Groups
Become a Member
Become a member today!
Corporate Advisory Council
The AAGP Corporate Advisory Council provides a unique forum for leaders of the Association, Foundation, and industry to discuss the issues impacting older adults with mental illnesses and health care professionals in the field of geriatric psychiatry.
Advertise With Us
The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) offers diverse advertising options. Opportunities include exhibition and sponsorship at the Annual Meeting, placements in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and bi-weekly eNews, and display ads on the AAGP website. Organizations may also utilize one-time mailing list rentals or purchase 30-day job postings on the association’s career page.
Become a Member
Connect with a highly engaged community of clinicians, researchers, and professionals dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of older adults. The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) offers a variety of advertising and sponsorship opportunities designed to help organizations showcase their products, services, and resources to leaders in geriatric mental health. From digital promotions to meeting-based visibility, our advertising options provide meaningful ways to reach and engage this specialized audience.Â
AAGP Annual Meeting
The AAGP Annual Meeting brings together clinicians, researchers, educators, and trainees from across the country who are dedicated to advancing the mental health care of aging adults. Through cutting-edge educational sessions, research presentations, and meaningful networking opportunities, the meeting provides a forum to learn about the latest developments in geriatric psychiatry and connect with colleagues who share a commitment to improving care for older adults.