SAMHSA Appoints Dr. Naomi Tomoyasu as the Director of the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality
SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, continues to rebuild the core division. Hence, SAMHSA chooses Dr. Naomi Tomoyasu, Ph.D., as the new Director of the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (CBHSQ). The efforts of Dr. Tomoyasu and CBHSQ are essential for SAMHSA grant and services distribution. Indeed, the federal government agency needs quality behavioral health data and research to make informed decisions.
As a division of SAMHSA, CBHSQ maintains several data collection systems and surveys on critical topics in behavioral health. Therefore, every year the data they collect informs the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the Behavioral Health Services Information System, and the Drug Abuse Warning Network. As a proven researcher and data specialist, Dr. Tomoyasu is perfect for the position.
Integrated Healthcare Services Supported by SAMHSA
As a nonprofit organization supported by SAMHSA, the data and information that SAMHSA compiles benefit Tarzana Treatment Centers. Backed by such information, we provide integrated healthcare services combined with evidence-based treatment practices. Indeed, the quality of CBHSQ’s work helps us do better work and focus on efforts on more specific populations in need.
Moreover, before joining SAMHSA, Dr. Tomoyasu was the Veteran Administration’s Health Services Research & Development Service Deputy Director. At the Veteran Administration, she oversaw high-priority portfolios, including mental health and substance use. Like TTC, her efforts help improve the quality of care for veterans in crisis. As providers of treatment services for veterans, we know the importance of this work.
An Impressive Career at SAMSA and Beyond
In various management roles at other HHS agencies, including at SAMHSA in the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), Dr. Tomoyasu’s career is impressive. Still helping veterans, in April of 2022, she gave a presentation at the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. In Partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, her presentation was entitled Science in Action: Research Career Opportunities in the Veterans.
Also, in line with TTC’s portfolio of service offerings, Dr. Tomoyasu served in state government at the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in the AIDS Administration. Moreover, by managing clinical and prevention programs, she helps to expand the AIDS Drug Assistance and Insurance Assistance programs. Since earning her undergraduate degree in biological sciences at UC Berkeley and her Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Washington in Seattle, her skills and focus have evolved. Indeed, SAMHSA makes an intelligent choice by appointing Dr. Tomoyasu as the head of CBHSQ.