Mental Health America announces Dr. Tia Dole as new president and CEO

Bringing nationally-renowned leadership and expertise in the mental health field, Dr. Dole will continue to strengthen and advance MHA into its next chapter

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mental Health America (MHA), the nation's leading nonprofit dedicated to promoting the mental health and well-being of all people living in the U.S., today announced the appointment of Tia Dole, Ph.D., as its new president and CEO, beginning October 1, 2026.

Dr. Dole joins MHA with over 25 years of leadership in the mental health field, most recently as the chief 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline officer at MHA affiliate, Vibrant Emotional Health, where she leads the strategic direction of the national 988 Lifeline. Prior, she served as executive director of the Steve Fund and chief clinical operations officer at The Trevor Project.

“On behalf of the Mental Health America Board of Directors, I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Tia Dole as MHA’s new president and CEO,” said Kana Enomoto, chair of the Mental Health America Board of Directors. “She is a once-in-a-generation leader who can propel MHA into an era of flourishing and unprecedented impact to advance mental health in America.”

As president and CEO, Dr. Dole will provide strategic oversight for Mental Health America’s national office, advancing its established programs and championing innovative new initiatives to promote mental health and well-being across the nation. Dr. Dole will work closely with Mental Health America’s affiliates, staff, board, partners, advocates, and supporters to elevate MHA’s collective influence. Together they will advance the organization’s core commitments to lived experience, prevention, access, and well-being for all.

“For over 100 years, Mental Health America has been leading the mental health movement in the U.S., promoting and expanding access to quality care, and advancing upstream prevention,” said Dr. Dole. “Our work continues to be urgent and necessary. I am honored to join this incredible organization, build on MHA’s legacy, and work together to shape the future of mental health.”

Throughout her career, Dr. Dole has transformed ambitious ideas into real-world solutions to reach millions, expanding crisis services, advancing access, and building stronger pathways to mental health support nationwide. She is a published author, holds a master’s in developmental psychology from Columbia University (Teacher’s College), received a Fulbright Fellowship to study forensic psychology, and completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at Fordham University.

MHA is excited to introduce Dr. Dole to our national community as part of this year’s Mental Health America Conference, taking place October 8-9 in Washington, D.C. There, Dr. Dole will take the main stage, providing one of the first opportunities to hear directly from MHA’s new president and CEO. Learn more about the conference, explore the full agenda, and register to attend.

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About Mental Health America

Mental Health America (MHA) is the nation's leading nonprofit dedicated to promoting the mental health and well-being of all people living in the U.S. With a network of MHA affiliates across the country, we work at both the national and local levels to advance this mission through public education, research, advocacy and public policy, and direct service. Our work is informed, designed, and led by the lived experience of those most affected. Learn more at MHAnational.org.

Contact: Rachel Evans, revans@mhanational.org 

Rachel Evans
Mental Health America
703-517-7124
revans@mhanational.org