Wayne J Katon

Dr. Katon is a University of Washington professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and an affiliate investigator at Group Health Research Institute in Seattle. He works with Group Health researchers on TEAMcare for people with depression and either diabetes, heart disease, or both. Wayne J. Katon, MD, professor of psychiatry, director of the division of health services and epidemiology, and vice chair of the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington Medical School, says that the type of patient a primary care physician sees can vary depending on the type of insurance the person has. In particular, he notes that 20% of commercially-insured consumers cope with some form of mental illness, and half of those insured under Medicaid have a mental illness or substance abuse problem. The Wayne Katon Research Award honors an individual currently studying psychopathology in the medically ill and is intended to recognize a currently active researcher in the field. The recipient will be asked to give a lecture in person at the Academy’s fall scientific meeting. The award will cover the recipient’s costs to attend the meeting and an additional unrestricted monetary award. Dr. Wayne J. Katon was a highly respected and influential figure in the fields of psychiatry, behavioral sciences, and health services research. As a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington Medical School, Dr. Katon’s groundbreaking work focused on integrating mental health care into primary and chronic disease care. He served as Director of the Division of Health Services and Epidemiology and was Vice Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, further solidifying his role as a leader in academic medicine and public health. Throughout his career, Dr. Katon was a pioneer in recognizing the intricate connections between physical and mental health, particularly in primary care settings. He worked extensively with Group Health Research Institute (now Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute) as an affiliate investigator, co-developing the highly regarded TEAMcare model. This innovative program integrated behavioral health treatment into primary care for individuals suffering from both chronic medical conditions—such as diabetes and heart disease—and co-occurring depression. The approach demonstrated significantly improved outcomes in mental and physical health, and served as a national model for collaborative care. A major aspect of Dr. Katon’s research involved understanding how socioeconomic factors and insurance status influenced access to and quality of mental health services. He noted that patients' experiences in the healthcare system often varied based on their insurance coverage. His findings highlighted stark disparities—such as the prevalence of mental illness among Medicaid recipients being significantly higher compared to those with commercial insurance—prompting a broader discussion about equitable access to integrated mental health care. Dr. Katon’s body of work helped to shift the paradigm in healthcare toward a more holistic view, where behavioral health is seen as inseparable from overall health. His leadership led to large-scale adoption of collaborative care models across various health systems. In recognition of his contributions to the field, the Wayne Katon Research Award was established to honor individuals currently studying psychopathology in medically ill populations. This award continues to inspire researchers focused on understanding and improving the psychological care of patients with chronic physical illnesses. An exemplary educator, Dr. Katon mentored generations of clinicians and researchers. His commitment to bridging academic psychiatry with community health practice made him a respected authority across disciplines. His work remains influential in shaping mental health policies and best practices in the U.S. and globally. Dr. Katon’s legacy is one of compassion, innovation, and a profound commitment to improving the quality of care for people suffering from both mental and physical health challenges. His research, teaching, and leadership continue to impact integrated care models and inspire a new generation of mental health professionals.