Renowned psychiatrist Matthew Josafat dies

Matthew Josafat, the renowned psychiatrist credited with smashing Greek taboos about mental health and becoming a household name by making the science of psychiatry more approachable, has died at the age of 85, it was announced on Wednesday. He had reportedly suffered from poor health for several years.

Born in Katerini in northern Greece in 1937, Josafat graduated from Athens Medical School in 1963 and became a neurologist-psychologist in 1967. He continued his studies in London where he lived for 15 years. He taught at London University and helped manage the Tavistock Center, one of the world’s top psychoanalysis clinics.

After returning to Greece, he became director of the Children’s Psychiatric Hospital of Attica. He was founder and president of the Hellenic Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and is the author of numerous books and articles. 

“Matthew Josafat is no longer with us. However, his spirit and his words and his impact on thousands of people will always remain,” said a post on his social media page.

“He dedicated his life to understanding others and was always motivated by a desire to help as many people as he could,” it said.