Shawn Coughlin is the President and CEO of the National Association for Behavioral Heath (NABH). In this role, he serves as the association’s principal lobbyist, oversees the association’s advocacy work on Capitol Hill, and helps to set and implement strategic policy goals that support high-quality, evidence-based behavioral healthcare for Americans living with mental and substance use disorders. 

“As a result of my role with NABH, I have become more educated and aware of the critical needs of at-risk youths regardless of their country or location, and the benefits of providing them with an alternative to the many negative forces they experience daily on the streets,” Shawn says. “In my view, the goals of BBBP align perfectly with the mission of NABH and I believe we can identify additional resources and services we can bring to bear in addressing the pressing needs of the children and communities the BBBP serves.” 

Prior to joining NABH, Shawn served as the association’s advocacy consultant on behavioral health policy during his almost 16 years with Capitol Health Group as the firm’s principal and chief operating officer. He is a leading healthcare advocate and policy expert who works with patient and provider groups, regulators, public and private payers and trade associations. Shawn began his health policy career working on Capitol Hill, handling various healthcare policy needs for the House Ways and Means Committee. Shawn earned his bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College in Easton, Pa. and a master’s degree in public management from the University of Maryland.