Riverdalian, Dr. Alpert, honored by Montefiore Einstein

Dr. Jonathan Alpert, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Montefiore Medical Center was recognized as a Montefiore Einstein Leader late last month. He has led the department since 2017 and has made a significant impact both in his role as a physician and a mentor, shaping the future of psychiatry while addressing critical mental health challenges in the Bronx and beyond.

A native of Brooklyn and Long Island, Dr. Alpert moved to central Riverdale in 2017 when he assumed his new role at Montefiore. Although he had spent many years outside of New York, including time in Boston, he said his return to the city felt like a homecoming.

As of July 2025, I will have reached a milestone of 33 years of continuous practice as a psychiatrist and hope I can serve in the field for a good many more years,” Dr. Alpert told The Press. “I’m thrilled to be part of the Bronx community and have the chance to contribute to the health and well-being of its residents.”

Before taking on the chairmanship at Montefiore, Dr. Alpert spent much of his career in Boston, working at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. His transition to Montefiore Medical Center marked the next chapter in his distinguished career, which began in 1992 when he completed his psychiatry residency at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts.

Dr. Alpert’s tenure at Montefiore has been marked by his unwavering dedication to improving mental health care and advancing psychiatric research. As Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, his leadership has led to a broader vision of providing the highest standard of care to patients, conducting groundbreaking research on mental illness and addiction, and training the next generation of mental health professionals.

“Working with the most talented, compassionate, and effective colleagues one could imagine is the favorite part of my job,” Dr. Alpert said. “Together we share the goal of expanding our capacity to provide the best possible mental health care for patients in the Bronx, the region and beyond.”

Despite his demanding administrative and academic responsibilities, Dr. Alpert continues to see patients when possible, maintaining a direct connection with the practice of psychiatry. He also supervises the care provided by the residents in training, ensuring that the next generation of psychiatrists has the guidance and mentorship they need to excel.

“Being a psychiatrist for patients during challenging times in their lives keeps me grounded and also reminds me every day of how far the field of psychiatry has come and how far we have to go,” he added.

While the field of psychiatry has made significant strides, Dr. Alpert acknowledges that one of the most pressing challenges remains meeting the growing demand for high-quality mental health services. With the expansion of effective, evidence-based treatments and a continued decline in the stigma surrounding mental illness, Dr. Alpert and his team work tirelessly to ensure that all individuals have access to the care they need.

“Our most important challenge is meeting the growing demand for access to high quality mental health services,” he said.

Dr. Alpert’s leadership and vision have been integral to the success of Montefiore’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. As a clinician, educator and administrator, he has made a profound impact on the community and the field of psychiatry.

His recognition as a Montefiore Einstein Leader is a testament to his dedication to improving the lives of those affected by mental illness and his tireless work to elevate the standards of psychiatric care.