Ken Duckworth, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer Senior Leadership Team
EmailKen Duckworth’s journey into psychiatry started when he was a boy growing up with a dad who experienced severe bipolar disorder. His father was loving, kind and periodically quite ill, hospitalized for months at a time. Ken became a psychiatrist in part to help his father. He is very fortunate to serve as the Chief Medical Officer for NAMI and to be part of
this remarkable community.
Ken recently authored NAMI’s first book, “You Are Not Alone: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental Health―With Advice from Experts and Wisdom from Real People and Families.” Written with authority and compassion, this is the essential resource for individuals and families seeking expert guidance on diagnosis, treatment and recovery, featuring inspiring, true stories from real people in their own words.
Ken is double-board certified in adult and child/adolescent psychiatry and has completed a forensic psychiatry fellowship.
What Do You Wish More People Knew About NAMI?
NAMI is a very special community with an amazingly important mission. Virtually any researcher or clinician I ask for an Ask the Doctor webinar or to present at our convention says yes to my request. What we want/need matters in the scientific community and I think that is important and hopeful for progress in our field.
Who Inspires You?
The NAMI members who teach our remarkable peer and family programs inspire me. I have heard many people say a NAMI program changed their relationships for the better, or even saved their lives. We need to be sure everyone knows about these essential resources.
NAMI can take a lot of credit for promoting the increased openness in discussions on mental health and living with a mental illness. This change in our society inspires me. Our work is not done, and I know we will stay true to this mission.
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