Venus Vacharakitja

Venus Vacharakitja, PhD, MBA

Dr. Venus Vacharakitja is a behavioral health leader, educator, and advocate with more than 20 years of experience serving immigrant, LGBTQ+, HIV, and underserved communities. She currently serves in a senior leadership role at a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in New York City, where she oversees integrated behavioral health services, care coordination programs, support services, and interdisciplinary healthcare initiatives.

Dr. Vacharakitja began her career as a behavioral health case manager and counselor and has since dedicated her work to expanding access to care, improving health outcomes, and advancing health equity. Her professional experience spans behavioral health integration, healthcare operations, program development, workforce development, and the implementation of innovative models of care within community health settings.

She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology and a Master of Business Administration (MBA). As an Adjunct Faculty member at Columbia University School of Social Work, Dr. Vacharakitja has taught courses in Healthcare Systems and Psychoeducation. Her teaching focuses on helping future social workers understand the intersection of healthcare delivery, behavioral health, public policy, healthcare financing, and social determinants of health.

Dr. Vacharakitja's professional interests include integrated behavioral health, healthcare leadership, health equity, workforce development, and improving access to quality care for historically marginalized populations.