Makihiko Hirabayashi, MD, PhD, is a psychiatrist based in Montreal, Canada, and an Affiliate Assistant Professor at Concordia University. He specializes in Morita therapy, with a particular focus on its application to chronic pain and cross-cultural mental health.

​

His research integrates Morita therapy with cultural psychiatry, exploring how individuals navigate distress, behaviour, and belonging in intercultural contexts. His recent work has focused on Japanese immigrants, examining how action-oriented approaches may facilitate connection and adaptation beyond symptom reduction.

​

In addition to his academic work, Dr. Hirabayashi is actively involved in Kokoro no Kenko no Kai, a community-based initiative that provides mental health support for Japanese-speaking individuals living abroad. Through this work, he conducts group-based psychoeducation and contributes to community-oriented research and outreach.

​

Dr. Hirabayashi has extensive clinical experience in psychiatry and pain medicine, having previously served as Director of a Pain Center in Japan. His work bridges clinical practice, cultural understanding, and everyday life, emphasizing action, adaptation, and meaningful engagement.