John Draper, Ph.D. Email & Phone Number

New York, United States

New York, United States

Provides executive and clinical oversight of all national programs and operations under the auspices of the Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC). These national programs are designed to utilize remote communications technologies towards: enhancing access to quality services for persons with a behavioral health crisis or other behavioral health needs; promoting resilience and positive coping strategies; psychoeducation and mental health awareness; follow-up assistance for persons at risk; and/or limited case management services for persons with behavioral health issues requiring special assistance. Currently, Dr. Draper's program oversight responsibilities include strategic guidance and support of: the SAMHSA funded National Suicide Prevention Lifeline project (since 2004), including all related veterans, military and disaster mental health efforts (Veterans Crisis Line and Disaster Distress Helpline). Dr. Draper and his team also oversee the NFL Life Line, a program funded by the NFL to provide independent, free, confidential 24/7 support for current and former players, league staff and their families. Dr. Draper and his team also provided the network administration for the Crisis Text Line, developing and launching the program in 2012. Oversaw the launch of 988 in July 2022, the federally-assigned 3-digit number for suicide and behavioral health crisis Lifeline.

Oversees administration of federally-funded (SAMHSA) program that networks over 160 certified suicide prevention call centers across the country and links them to a 24-7 toll-free number for callers in crisis. Also oversees all Lifeline contract work with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in support of their national Veterans Crisis Line, which is accessed through (and backed-up by) the Lifeline network. Ensures that project builds network to enhance capacity, consults with experts and project evaluators to identify and implement best practices in crisis services across the network, engages with media and stakeholders to promote awareness of of service, and identifies and supports innovations (online chat, text, apps, etc.) that help us more effectively reach and serve persons at risk throughout the U.S.

As a consultant for the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for over 10 years, I trained City-funded mobile outreach personnel in risk assessment. As past VP of the MHA-NYC CBHT Division, I provided Lifeline oversight, oversaw the management of MHA-NYC's crisis contact center (then called LifeNet, now called H2H Connect), and assisted in developing new business opportunities for L2HS and MHA-NYC.

Ph.D., Counseling Psychology

B.A., Plan Ii Liberal Arts Honors Program; Psychology = Major

Education record