Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, PhD, is presented with this presidential citation in recognition of her expertise and leadership in transforming the nation’s approach to behavioral health. Dr. Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon’s work has enhanced service delivery, promoted integrated, culturally responsive care, and supported recovery-oriented approaches, impacting millions of lives.
In June 2021, Dr. Delphin-Rittmon was unanimously confirmed by the Senate as assistant secretary for mental health and substance use and administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Drawing from her experience as commissioner of the Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, she led SAMHSA with a population health perspective, addressing behavioral health equity, workforce development, and healthcare reform. Notably, she played a pivotal role in implementing the national 988 initiative during a period of heightened behavioral health needs caused by the pandemic, overdose crises, and rising suicide rates.
Throughout her career, Dr. Delphin-Rittmon has advanced policies fostering dignity, respect, and inclusion for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. Her contributions have earned her accolades, including the 2023 Human Values Award from the Art of Living Foundation and the 2016 Mental Health Award for Excellence from the United Nations Committee on Mental Health.
As a clinical psychologist and APA Minority Fellowship Program alumna, she infused psychology into SAMHSA’s principles, re-establishing it as a leading health agency. Her efforts emphasized prevention, early intervention, behavioral health integration, trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, and evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders. She oversaw a 33% funding increase for SAMHSA programs, expanded the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model to diverse settings, and raised contingency management incentives for stimulant use disorder treatment.
Dr. Delphin-Rittmon’s work has left a lasting impact on behavioral health and society. APA recognizes her outstanding contributions with this Presidential Citation, celebrating her dedication to using psychological knowledge to improve lives.