From Clinic to Community: Dr. Dahar’s Lifelong Commitment to Mental Health

Dr. Irfan Ahmed Dahar, M.D. is a compassionate and highly skilled psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience in mental health and addiction medicine. He brings deep expertise in treating anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across the lifespan, blending clinical excellence with a deeply personal commitment to care.

Dr. Dahar completed his psychiatry residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago and pursued a fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry at the University of Cincinnati. His robust training has empowered him to provide comprehensive, individualized care for patients facing a wide range of mental health conditions, including complex comorbidities and developmental challenges.

Throughout his multifaceted career, Dr. Dahar has held a variety of leadership roles. He has extensive experience in acute inpatient psychiatric care and has served as a psychiatric hospitalist, offering urgent, compassionate care during times of crisis. He also served as medical director of a rural hospital system, where he helped expand mental health services in underserved regions. In the Dayton and Cincinnati areas, Dr. Dahar has long been a respected figure in community mental health centers, providing accessible care to diverse populations and advocating for mental health equity.

Dr. Dahar’s work also includes forensic psychiatry and correctional mental health, including evaluating and treating individuals with NGRI (Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity) status. His experience in the legal and correctional systems underscores his belief that quality mental health care is a right, not a privilege.

In addition to his clinical expertise, Dr. Dahar is a devoted father to a young adult with autism—a personal experience that informs and deepens his approach to autism and neurodevelopmental care. He works closely with children, adolescents, and adults on the spectrum, as well as with their families, offering them insight, understanding, and tailored support.

He also specializes in the diagnosis and management of ADHD and anxiety disorders, using a holistic, evidence-based approach that empowers patients to thrive. Whether it's helping a child improve focus and confidence or guiding an adult through anxiety recovery, Dr. Dahar is committed to supporting mental wellness at every stage of life.

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Dahar is an avid traveler, outdoor sportsman, and amateur aviation enthusiast and pilot. Whether hiking remote trails or taking to the skies, he finds balance, inspiration, and a sense of adventure—values that he brings into his practice as he helps patients navigate their own journeys toward health and healing.

Dr. Irfan Dahar, the Medical Director at SOS Wellness