Katarzyna Litak, MD, FASAM

I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School and the Service Line Chief for Mental Health and Addiction at M Health Fairview. A key leader in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, I serve as co-Chair of the Clinical Council and I am an active member of the Executive Team and Clinical Council of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science. I oversee the strategic and clinical operations of the ServiceLine and inpatient Child and Adolescent Mental Health services, ensuring high-quality, academic-standard care for diverse young populations.

I have a career-long dedication to medical education and mentorship. I have mentored generations of physicians, supervising residents and fellows from the University of Minnesota, Mayo Clinic, and Hennepin County Medical Center. My commitment to organizational growth is reflected in my extensive service on recruitment committees for key academic and leadership positions.

As a leader in Quality Improvement, I serve on the M Health MOC4 Board and I serve as a specialist reviewer for translational research in co-occurring disorders. I have spearheaded critical initiatives focused on patient safety, suicide risk assessment, workplace violence and length-of-stay optimization. An internationally recognized speaker, I have presented on the intersection of psychiatry, addiction, and public policy at international conferences.

Outside of my clinical practice I am interested in intersections of the use of documentary photography to promote resilience and gratitude. I have led documentary photography and oral history projects with grant support from the Minnesota State Arts Board, Metro Regional Arts Council and the Minnesota Historical Society.

Administrative Assistant

(for academic support only)
Shelly Slominski
[email protected]

In the Media

• 2023: Quoted in this StarTribune article titled, “Polish immigrant, 88, recalls astonishing journey to northeast Minneapolis.
• 2023: Quoted in this Minneapolis Star Tribune article titled, “A Minnesota family’s desperate search for care reveals state’s mental health crisis”.
• 2022: Dr. Litak is the focus of this article titled, "New child & adolescent inpatient medical director values the teamwork involved in the treatment process".