Terri Tanielian, MA, is presented with this Presidential Citation in recognition of her dedicated public service, extraordinary contributions to research, and unwavering leadership focused on the advancement of mental and behavioral health policy, particularly on behalf of veterans, servicemembers, their families, and caregivers.
As a behavioral scientist, Tanielian is a leading expert on suicide prevention and veteran mental health. In her 20 years with the Rand Corporation, she produced impactful research on military suicide, military sexual assault, the psychological effects of combat, and the needs of veteran caregivers and military families.
She most recently served as special assistant to the president for Veterans Affairs and Behavioral Health in the Biden administration, a role that enabled her to use her vast knowledge to improve the delivery of high-quality veteran care. During her tenure with Rand and the White House, Tanielian met each year with VA psychologists and presented to the VA Psychology Leadership Conference, elevating the science and profession of psychology in both policy and research arenas.
Tanielian has also brought her graduate training and expertise in psychology to national policy that advances population health. As part of the Biden administration’s Unity Agenda to address the nation’s mental health and addiction crises, Tanielian helped launch the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline in 2022. She was instrumental in improving the function and delivery of 988, including the addition of dedicated lines for veterans, Spanish speakers, and the LGBTQ community.
Tanielian’s perseverance was also instrumental in the release of a long-awaited final rule of the 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. The new rule is an important step towards realizing the promise of the mental health parity law and ensuring access to life-saving behavioral health services.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to our nation’s veterans and servicemembers, the field of behavioral health, and society at-large, APA honors Terri Tanielian with this Presidential Citation. Thank you, Terri, for your continued dedication to producing psychological science and using it to shape federal policy that improves the nation’s mental health and well-being.