Dr. Haviland was born in Spencertown, New York, the son of a physician. He attended local schools in Fulton, N.Y., and received his M.D. from Syracuse University Medical School in 1896. He interned and stayed on the staff of the Manhattan State Hospital (1899–1901) and then moved to Kings Park State Hospital (N.Y.) until 1915, when he became Superintendent of the Connecticut State Hospital in Middletown (1916–21). He returned to New York as Chairman of the State Hospital Commission (1921–26) and then served as Superintendent of the Manhattan State Hospital.
Dr. Haviland was appointed Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1927. He was an editor of the Journal of Modern Hospital (1923–30). During his tenure on the State Hospital Commission, he initiated many reforms and changes to improve the care of patients. Occupational therapy was standardized in all state hospitals. He instituted courses of instruction for nurses and attendants and diagnostic clinics for adults and children. He formulated a building proposal for state hospitals designed to prevent overcrowding and improve fire protection.
Dr. Haviland died in Egypt while on a cruise. He served as President of the American Psychiatric Association (1925–26).