Addiction Expert In As Deputy Assistant Secretary Of SAMHSA

New Leadership As SAMHSA Preps To Move Under Administration For A Healthy America

Last Thursday, it was announced that Art Kleinschmidt, Ph.D., was appointed principal deputy assistant secretary of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

This move is part of President Trump’s restructuring of the Department of Health and Human Services, which will see SAMHSA and other divisions placed under the new Administration for a Healthy America (AHA). SAMHSA announced that Dr. Kleinschmidt will have a broad role in providing leadership in “mental health and substance use disorder treatment, prevention, recovery services, intergovernmental and public affairs, agency operations, as well as budget and financial management” for the AHA.

Art Kleinschmidt’s Background

During the first Trump administration, Kleinschmidt served as the deputy director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and as a senior adviser for health and addiction on the Domestic Policy Council and SAMHSA. During this time, he co-authored Executive Order #13950 which addressed mental and behavioral health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Outside of his federal work, Dr. Kleinschmidt has over two decades of experience in both inpatient and outpatient services as a licensed mental health and addiction counselor, helping provide treatment for individuals facing substance use disorders and mental health issues.

At this time, President Trump has yet to nominate anyone to fill the role of assistant secretary, and it is unclear if SAMHSA will continue to operate as an independent entity after moving under the broader AHA heading. As of now, SAMHSA reiterates that its goal is to help all Americans affected by or at risk for mental health and substance use disorders to “receive care, achieve well-being, and thrive”.

Find Treatment For Substance Abuse

If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder, help is available today. Visit the SAMHSA website for online resources, or contact a treatment provider risk-free to explore your treatment options.