John A. Naslund, PhD

Dr. Naslund is Instructor of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He holds expertise in psychiatric epidemiology, implementation science, social disparities research and digital mental health. Dr. Naslund's scholarship seeks to advance efforts aimed at improving the lives of individuals facing the challenges of mental illness worldwide. Specifically, his work explores the intersection between emerging digital technologies, such as smartphones, social media, and mobile applications, and implementation science, towards improving the reach, quality and effectiveness of mental health services and addressing gaps in equity and sustainability.

Dr. Naslund has led numerous projects, with emphasis in India and the United States, covering the following major thematic areas: 1) digital technology for training and building capacity of non-specialist health workers for task-sharing and scaling up evidence-based mental health care; 2) digital technology for the prevention and treatment of mental disorders; and 3) digital technology as a platform for peer-to-peer support, challenging stigma, and empowering individuals living with mental illness and their families.

Dr. Naslund’s work is supported by grants from the National Institute of Mental Health, the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, the Harvard Global Health Institute Burke Fellowship, Grand Challenges Canada, and the Wellcome Trust. Dr. Naslund is an Honorary Research Fellow with Sangath, a world leading NGO and research organization based in India, and he is also co-director of the Mental Health for All Lab at Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Naslund has a longstanding track record advocating for the rights, dignity, and quality of healthcare for those living with mental illness.