Episode #134 High Truths on Drugs and Addiction with Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon on SAMHSA

SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is charged with  public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of our nation. This includes drug prevention and treatment programs.

Mental health and Addiction health very much overlap. Of the 20 million people who have a SUD about 50% also have mental illness. Of the 47.6 million adults with a mental illness about 20% also have an addiction.

Dr. Lev sits with Dr. Delphin-Rittmon on Zoom in a conversation. Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D.  is currently Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. She previously served as Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and served in this role for six years. Prior positions held at DMHAS include Deputy Commissioner, Senior Policy Advisor and Director of the department’s O!ice of Multicultural Healthcare Equity. In her role as Commissioner, Dr. Delphin-Rittmon was committed to promoting recovery oriented, integrated, and culturally responsive services and systems that foster dignity, respect, and meaningful community inclusion. Prior to her current appointment, Dr. Delphin-Rittmon was an Adjunct Associate Professor at Yale University where she served on faculty for the past 20 years. While at Yale Dr. Delphin-Rittmon served as the Director of Cultural Competence and Research Consultation with the Yale University Program for Recovery and Community Health. In May 2014, Dr. Delphin-Rittmon completed a two-year White House appointment working as a Senior Advisor to the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. While at SAMHSA, she worked on a range of policy initiatives addressing behavioral health equity, workforce development, and healthcare reform. Through her 20 year career in the behavioral health field Dr. Delphin- Rittmon has extensive experience in the design, evaluation, and administration of mental health, substance use and prevention services and systems and has received several awards for advancing policy in these areas. Most recently, she received the 2019 State Service Award from the National Association of State Drug and Alcohol Directors and the 2016 Mental Health Award for Excellence from the United Nations Committee on Mental Health. She received her B.A. in Social Science from Hofstra University in 1989, her M.S. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Purdue University 1992 and 2001, respectively, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical community psychology at Yale University in 2002

RESOURCES

Talk. They Hear You: https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you

Screen4Success: https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you/screen4success

FindTreatment.gov – Millions of Americans have mental and substance use disorders. Find treatment near you

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988

Disaster Distress Helpline – 24/7 crisis counseling for emotional distress related to a disaster. 1-800-985-5990

National Helpline – Free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service.

FindSupport.gov – Get the best ways to search for a health care professional or program.

Please let me know if I’ve overlooked any resource.