Mental Health America, formerly The National Mental Health Association, is dedicated to promoting mental health, preventing mental disorders and achieving victory over mental illness through advocacy, education, research and service.
Mental Health America is the country’s oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 320 affiliates nationwide. Mental Health America works to improve the mental health of all Americans, especially the 54 million individuals with mental disorders, through advocacy, education, research and service.
PIERLUIGI MANCINI, PHD, INTERIM PRESIDENT & CEO
Dr. Pierluigi Mancini is the interim president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Mental Health America (MHA). In this role, Dr. Mancini is responsible for leading MHA’s national strategy, supporting MHA’s staff and network of over 130 affiliates, strengthening key partnerships, and guiding the organization through a critical period of growth, advocacy, and leadership transition. Prior to this role, Dr. Mancini served as MHA board chair.
As a psychologist and respected voice in behavioral health for more than three decades, Dr. Mancini is recognized nationally and internationally for his pioneering work in cultural and linguistic responsiveness, immigrant behavioral health, and expanding access to care. His leadership at MHA is grounded in a lifelong commitment to ensuring that health care systems — and the policies that shape them — reflect the needs, languages, and experiences of people with mental health and substance use conditions.
Dr. Mancini is a sought-after media commentator and keynote speaker, and has served as an expert consultant to government, nonprofit, and academic institutions at the local, state, national, and international levels — including in Italy, Mexico, Colombia, Kuwait, Egypt, Argentina, Kosovo, Venezuela, and Cuba.
Dr. Mancini’s public service announcements and documentaries addressing suicide prevention, underage drinking, and prescription drug misuse in Latino communities have earned six Emmy Awards, and his contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous honors, including NAADAC’s 2024 William F. “Bill” Callahan Leadership Award, the National Latinx Psychological Association’s Star Vega Distinguished Service Award, the UnidosUS Helen Rodríguez-Trías Award for Health, Mental Health America’s “Heroes in the Fight” Award, and recognition as one of Georgia’s 50 Most Influential Latinos.
In this interim role, Dr. Mancini is working closely with the MHA board of directors to support and assist in the national search for the organization’s next permanent president and CEO, helping prepare MHA for its next chapter of impact.