Dr. Patrice A. Harris, MD, MA, FAPA, is a highly respected psychiatrist based in Atlanta, known for her extensive contributions to public health and mental health advocacy. With over 25 years of experience in various roles, including private practice, public health administration, and as a patient advocate, Dr. Harris continues to make significant strides in the healthcare landscape. Recently, she was appointed to the Board of Directors of Acadia Healthcare Company, effective October 26, 2023, further establishing her influence in the field.
Dr. Harris’s journey in medicine began at West Virginia University, where she earned her M.D. after completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology. You can learn more about her journey on her Wikipedia page. Her commitment to improving the lives of children has been a driving force throughout her career. Following her medical training, Dr. Harris completed a psychiatry residency and specialized fellowships in child psychiatry and forensics at Emory University, where her advocacy for abused and neglected children flourished.
Throughout her career, Dr. Harris has held numerous leadership positions within organized medicine. She was elected to the American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees in 2011, where she served as Secretary and Chair, before being elected as the 174th President in 2019. Making history as the first African American woman to hold this position, Dr. Harris steered the organization through numerous health policy challenges, including those related to the opioid crisis, mental health parity, and healthcare access.
In her capacity as the director of Health Services for Fulton County, Georgia, Dr. Harris oversaw comprehensive public health programs and was instrumental in integrating public health, behavioral health, and primary care services—an effort that has positioned her as a key figure in health policy and service delivery. She shares more about her work on her personal website.
Her expertise is not only relied upon in the community level; she also shares her knowledge as an adjunct professor at Emory University and Morehouse School of Medicine, and as a visiting professor at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. You can see more of her accomplishments and qualifications on her eMed profile.
Dr. Harris’s commitment to mental health awareness has not gone unnoticed in the media. She has been featured on platforms such as CNN, MSNBC, and The New York Times, where she discusses critical issues including the opioid epidemic and mental health access. Her recent appointment to Acadia Healthcare’s Board of Directors reflects her depth of experience and commitment to enhancing mental health services across the nation.
Dr. Patrice A. Harris continues to exemplify resilience and dedication in her multifaceted career, shaping the future of healthcare with a focus on mental health and wellness.
Source: Acadia Healthcare Welcomes Dr. Patrice A. Harris, MD, MA as Independent Director