Los Angeles County Interim Mental Health Director Dr. Lisa H. Wong has been given the permanent title. The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to remove her interim designation last week.  

“As a student in Skid Row, I never envisioned that I would one day become the director of the Department of Mental Health,” Wong said. “My focus was always on providing care to those who needed it most, which has been a source of great joy, fulfillment and growth in my life. I am honored and humbled to now have the opportunity to lead this amazing organization of dedicated, passionate, mission-driven people in caring for the residents of Los Angeles County.”

Wong has served as Interim Director since July and has been responsible for hiring or promoting over 500 employees during that time — an impressive feat, given the shortage of mental health care workers in the country. She oversaw the launch of the Alternative Crisis Response efforts and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Under her leadership, Los Angeles is among the first cohort of counties implementing the new CARE Court system. She is also credited with her work on the Hollywood 2.0 project and ensuring completion of the master plan for new crisis treatment facilities.

Wong has more than 33 years of experience in the Department of Mental Health. She holds a doctorate from the Pacifica Graduate Institute and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from California State University, Los Angeles.

Read more about the county’s new permanent mental health director here.