NEW YORK– The Jed Foundation (JED) has appointed a Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Laura Erickson-Schroth, MD, MA, effective May 1. Reporting to President and Chief Operating Officer Rebecca Benghiat, Dr. Erickson-Schroth will be responsible for ensuring that the information promulgated by JED is of the highest quality and in keeping with the most current evidence, based on effective clinical and public health practices.
The CMO will lead the JED Knowledge and Advising Department, which houses clinicians and public health experts, and provides guidance on how individuals, families, schools, communities, media, and other youth-serving organizations can take actions to protect the mental health of teens and young adults and reduce risks for suicide, including ensuring that all young people are being served in data-informed and culturally responsive ways.
“We are thrilled that Laura accepted this critical role,” said Benghiat. “Her experience and skills as a proven leader, expert clinician, and dedicated advocate will be invaluable as we scale our programs to prevent suicide and improve the mental health of millions of teens and young adults.”
Dr. Erickson-Schroth comes to JED having provided thousands of patients with crisis intervention and mental health support in over 10 emergency rooms in New York City, including as an attending psychiatrist and assistant professor at the Columbia University Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program. Much of her career has focused on LGBTQ mental health, and she will continue to see clients at Hetrick-Martin Institute for LGBTQIA+ Youth.
Dr. Erickson-Schroth is the editor of “Trans Bodies, Trans Selves” (Oxford, 2014, second edition 2022), a resource guide written by and for trans communities. She has appeared on NPR’s “Fresh Air” and “On Point.” She is a former board member of the Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists and of GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality. Dr. Erickson-Schroth obtained her medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School. She completed a psychiatry residency at New York University, public psychiatry fellowship at Columbia University, and consultation-liaison psychiatry fellowship at Mount Sinai.
“The Jed Foundation is at the forefront of youth mental health and suicide prevention, with comprehensive and evidence-based interventions that strengthen schools, equip individuals, and shape culture,” said Dr. Erickson-Schroth. “I’m honored to be a part of JED’s work to meet the urgent needs of teens and young adults at a time when so many are struggling.”
