WOODLAND, CA (MPG) - After conducting a nationwide search, the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) proudly welcomes Dr. Raja Dutta as its new Medical Director of Psychiatry. In this new role, Dr. Dutta assumes overarching authority and responsibility for Yolo County’s psychiatric services. His leadership will encompass crucial oversight of mental health providers and pivotal responsibilities that support the well-being of our community’s most vulnerable members.

Dr. Dutta studied at the University of Malaya, where he was also a lecturer, and at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, where he is a member. He completed his psychiatric residency at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Most recently, Dr. Dutta served as a Senior Supervising Psychiatrist for the California Department of State Hospitals. Prior to this, he was the Chief of Inpatient Psychiatry at Sempervirens Psychiatric Health Facility in Eureka and a staff psychiatrist with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

“Our team was impressed with Dr. Dutta’s passion for his work, his robust experience as a psychiatrist and in leadership positions in the psychiatry field, and his approachability and sense of humor,” stated Deputy Director of the Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency Karleen Jakowski. “We look forward to working alongside Dr. Dutta to lead behavioral health services at Health and Human Services Agency."

The Medical Director of Psychiatry ensures that prescribers, including internal and external psychiatrists and nurse practitioners, receive full support in their efforts to serve the public. Additionally, the Medical Director provides oversight for the development of new and current Health and Human Services Agency programs and services.

“Being appointed to this role in Yolo County fills me with a profound sense of honor and responsibility,” stated Dr. Dutta. “I am deeply committed to leveraging this opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by mental health issues. My vision is to create a more accessible, inclusive, and effective mental health care system that addresses the diverse needs of Yolo County’s residents. I am excited to collaborate with a team of passionate professionals and community partners to innovate, improve, and inspire positive change in mental health care practices and policies. This opportunity is a milestone in my career, and I am motivated to contribute my best towards fostering a community where mental health is prioritized, and everyone has access to the support they need.”

Yolo County holds a special place in Dr. Dutta’s journey as it was his initial home in California upon arriving from the East Coast. He is honored to return and serve this community, which he considers his “home.” Dr. Dutta has family and friends residing in Yolo County, and during his leisure time, he enjoys exploring the Delta region.