Lynda Gargan MED, PhD

Dr. Lynda Gargan serves as the Executive Director for the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. Throughout her career, she has worked across the nation providing technical assistance and training to ensure that all individuals are afforded the opportunity to live in the community of their choice. Dr. Gargan served as the Project Manager and Project Director, respectively, for two Federal Supported Employment Technical Assistance Centers.

She more recently served as CEO of an agency specializing in Intensive In-Home Family Therapy services. Dr. Gargan has a wealth of experience in community-based behavioral health at the local, state, and national levels. She has a rich background in field research, including longitudinal studies in multiple class-action lawsuits. Dr. Gargan currently serves as a partner in the national evaluation of System of Care grantees. She also serves as a principal collaborator with the NASMHPD Technical Assistance Coalition.

Dr. Gargan serves as a tireless champion for the mission and vision of the Federation. Under her guidance, the National Federation has fully operationalized the Parent Support Provider Certification Initiative, an innovative peer support workforce initiative that utilizes the lived experience and specialized training of parents to assist and empower families who are raising children and youth with behavioral health challenges.