STAT+: Trump administration quietly picks Timothy Westlake to lead mental health agency

STAT PlusHealth Trump administration quietly picks Timothy Westlake to lead mental health agency Emergency physician is nominated for SAMHSA, which has lacked permanent leader Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Lev FacherJuly 23, 2026 Addiction Reporter Lev Facher[email protected]Lev’s reporting has explored Americans’ deadly hostility to addiction medications, subpar treatment offered in jails and prisons, shifts in the illicit drug supply and consumption behavior, controversies surrounding harm reduction, and recent innovations in addiction medicine. You can reach him on Signal at levfacher.51. Nearly 18 months after taking office, President Trump has nominated a leader for the federal agency that oversees mental health and addiction policy. If confirmed by the Senate, Timothy Westlake, a Wisconsin-based physician with decades of experience in both clinical and policy roles, would serve as assistant secretary of mental health and substance use. The position would also make him head of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which has operated without a long-term leader since Trump was inaugurated in January 2025. Advertisement Notably, the White House did not formally announce its pick for a key role overseeing an agency that controls billions of dollars in funding and regulates the practice of psychiatry and addiction medicine. Instead, it quietly included his name in a list of nominees sent to the Senate on July 14. By contrast, Trump announced former Fox News correspondent Sara Carter as his nominee for a related agency, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, in a post on Truth Social in March 2025. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In addiction, HHS, Mental Health, public health, RFK Jr., STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Lev Facher Addiction Reporter Lev’s reporting has explored Americans’ deadly hostility to addiction medications, subpar treatment offered in jails and prisons, shifts in the illicit drug supply and consumption behavior, controversies surrounding harm reduction, and recent innovations in addiction medicine. You can reach him on Signal at levfacher.51. Newsletter Understand how science, health policy, and medicine shape the world every day Recommended Breaking News July 23, 2026 Vote on key federal health nominee delayed amid questions over vaccine views Politics July 23, 2026 STAT Plus: Trump promised redemption for troops who refused Covid shots. A year later, many are still waiting Advertisement Politics July 23, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA staff and peptide enthusiasts set to clash at advisory panel Politics July 22, 2026 STAT Plus: Federal health quality research grants worth $109 million ended early Insurance July 22, 2026 STAT Plus: More workers hate their jobs, but keep them for the health insurance Subscriber Picks