Larke Nahme Huang, PhD is presented this Presidential Citation in recognition of her dedication and lifelong commitment to expanding mental health and behavioral health services to children, adults and families, particularly those in underserved and marginalized communities.
Larke Nahme Huang, PhD, has carved out a stellar career by working at the intersection of policy, research and practice in behavioral health for over 30 years. As a former senior advisor in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, Dr. Huang provided leadership in implementing innovative efforts to improve health outcomes based on metrics of access, quality and outcomes of care that focus on health delivery efficiencies, elevating a focus on strengthening community-level efforts and the consideration of social drivers of health. As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Huang represents SAMHSA’s commitment to strengthen its bench of psychologists and advance psychological science.
As director of the Office of Behavioral Health Equity (OBHE), Dr. Huang led numerous outreach efforts to address healthcare disparities and increase awareness of resources among national and state organizations. OBHE maintains a diverse and highly complex national network (the National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health), with organizations, agencies, and local community organizations.
At SAMHSA, Dr, Huang’s broad portfolio of work can be seen through a population health lens that included her national leadership and guidance on mental health and substance use policy and program issues for children and families; developed grant programs at state and local levels to advance prevention, treatment and resiliency in communities; identified strategic opportunities and developed interagency collaborations to advance behavioral health in program and funding plans within other federal departments. As SAMHSA celebrates the 50th anniversary of its Minority Fellowship Program (MFP), Dr. Huang was among the first cohort of fellows in the APA Minority Fellowship Program where she later would come aboard as a member of the Minority Fellowship Program Advisory Committee. She is also the cofounder of the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association and the National Alliance of Multi-Ethnic Behavioral Health Associations where she has brought researchers and practitioners together.
Huang’s innovative work has not gone unrecognized with the awards for 2022 Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice - Blanche Ittleson Award for Outstanding Achievement in Children’s Mental Health, 2019 Dr. Howard K. Koh Award for Excellence in Leadership at HHS; 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award, Asian American Psychological Association, and the 2009 American Psychological Association’s Nicholas Hobbs Award for Policy and Advocacy in Children’s Mental Health.
For her innovative, persistent, and impactful leadership and contributions, this Presidential Citation is awarded to Dr. Huang. Thank you, Dr. Huang, for your continued commitment and leadership in benefiting society and improving the lives of others.