SC Connecticut News

Michael J. Sernyak, MD, a professor of psychiatry and deputy chair for State Affairs and Clinical Affairs at Yale School of Medicine, as well as CEO of the Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC) of the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024. He was 62.

Sernyak dedicated his career to treating chronically ill patients and advocating for their overall health and wellness. He aimed to improve access to healthy food and lifestyles through community collaborations.

Sernyak began his psychiatry residency at Yale in 1987 after graduating from Amherst College and Jefferson Medical College. Joining the faculty in 1991, he achieved professorship by 2003. His career started at CMHC where he served as chief of the Psychosis Studies and Treatment Unit, among other roles.

In 1996, Sernyak moved to the VA Connecticut Healthcare System (VACHS), eventually leading Psychiatry and the Mental Health Service Line there. He also became associate director of the VISN1 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center.

Sernyak assumed significant roles at Yale in 2009 as deputy chair for State Affairs and CEO of CMHC. There he supported innovative programs like “Street Psychiatry” and COMPASS Program. Alongside Jeanne Steiner, DO, he established a public psychiatry fellowship program that grew into one of the nation's leading initiatives.

A proponent of holistic mental health care, Sernyak advanced healthy diets by converting the CMHC parking lot into a farmers market due to limited access to healthy food for many clients. An avid bicyclist himself, he promoted cycling by advocating for bicycle lanes in New Haven and providing bicycles to individuals in need.

His contributions were recognized with several honors including the Chairman’s Award and Fleck Award from Yale's Department of Psychiatry for his clinical innovation leadership.

Within Yale's Department of Psychiatry, Sernyak served on both the steering committee and community subcommittee of its Anti-Racism Task Force. He was also an active member of the Medical School Admissions Committee where Dr. Veronica Chiang described him as a "pillar."

Beyond his professional life, Sernyak had diverse interests including history, University of Michigan football, sports cars racing (especially Formula 1), and Philadelphia pretzels.

After being diagnosed with cancer, Sernyak faced his treatment courageously with support from his family while continuing to enjoy activities such as driving his sports car.

He is survived by his wife Ismene Petrakis MD; son Alexander; daughter Zoe; brother Patrick Mattson (Ann).