Patrick J. Kennedy

During his time in Congress, Patrick J. Kennedy co-authored the landmark Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (Federal Parity Law), which requires insurers to cover treatment for mental health and substance use disorders no more restrictively than treatment for illnesses of the body, such as diabetes and cancer. In 2013, he founded The Kennedy Forum, a nonprofit that unites advocates, business leaders, and government agencies to advance evidence-based practices, policies, and programming in mental health and addiction. In 2015, Kennedy co-authored the New York Times Bestseller, “A Common Struggle: A Personal Journey Through the Past and Future of Mental Illness and Addiction,” which details a bold plan for the future of mental health care in America. In 2023, Kennedy called for leaders to achieve the 90-90-90 goals by 2033: 90% of all individuals will be screened for mental health and substance use disorders; 90% of those needing care will be able to receive evidence-based treatment; 90% of those receiving treatment will be able to manage their symptoms in recovery. Kennedy’s second co-authored book “Profiles in Mental Health Courage” was released in April 2024, delving into compelling stories of a diverse group of Americans who have struggled with their mental health – many of whom are sharing their stories for the first time.

Kennedy is also the co-founder of One Mind, an organization that pushes for greater global investment in brain research, and co-founder of Psych Hub, the most comprehensive online learning platform on mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention topics in the world. In 2024, as a further evolution of his mental health and addiction advocacy, Patrick joined the nationally recognized Washington DC health care policy consulting firm focused on federal and state regulatory and legislative policy, Healthsperien.