EXCOM Member

Linda Rosenberg joined Columbia University's Department of Psychiatry as director of external affairs in 2019. Prior to this role she spent 15 years as president and chief executive officer of the National Council for Behavioral Health, a not-for-profit advocacy and educational association of 1,950 organizations providing treatment and support services to eight million adults and children with mental illnesses and addictions. She has over 30 years of mental health policy and practice experience, focusing on the design, financing, and management of behavioral health services. Under her leadership, the National Council has more than doubled its membership; helped secure the passage of the federal mental health and addiction parity law; expanded financing for integrated behavioral health/primary care services; was instrumental in bringing behavioral health to the table in federal healthcare reform; and played a key role in introducing the Mental Health First Aid program in the U.S.

Rosenberg previously served as Senior Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Office of Mental Health, where she strengthened the voice of consumers and families in the policymaking process; promoted adoption of evidence-based practices, including tripling New York’s assertive community treatment capacity; expanded children’s services; developed housing options for people with mental illnesses and addictions; and implemented a network of jail diversion programs, including the state’s first mental health court.

A certified social worker, family therapist, and psychiatric rehabilitation practitioner, Rosenberg has held faculty appointments at several schools of social work and serves on many agency and editorial boards.