Dr. Xavier Amador: Renowned Clinical Psychologist and Advocate for Mental Health Awareness
Dr. Xavier Amador
Dr. Xavier Amador: A Leader in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Xavier Amador is an internationally renowned clinical psychologist whose groundbreaking work in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other serious mental illnesses has been translated into 30 languages. As the CEO of the Henry Amador Center on Anosognosia, Dr. Amador combines decades of research and advocacy with his personal experience as a family caregiver to two close relatives with severe mental illness.
Bestselling Author and Trusted Advisor
Dr. Amador is the author of several widely acclaimed books, including:
- I Am Right, You’re Wrong, Now What?
- I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help!
- When Someone You Love is Depressed: How to Help Without Losing Yourself
Drawing from over 30 years of clinical and personal experience, his writing offers practical advice and science-backed strategies to support individuals, families, and caregivers navigating mental health challenges.
Academic and Clinical Excellence
Dr. Amador served as a tenured faculty member at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and as Director of Psychology at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. His academic and professional highlights include:
- Co-chairing the Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders section of the DSM-IV-TR.
- Founding the LEAP Institute, which focuses on teaching evidence-based communication strategies for engaging individuals with serious mental illness.
Advocate and Innovator in Mental Health Education
Committed to bridging the gap between research and practice, Dr. Amador founded and directed numerous national initiatives during his time with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), including:
- Family-to-Family, Peer-to-Peer, and In Our Own Voice programs.
- A national initiative on Assertive Community Treatment.
His efforts have educated countless families, practitioners, and policymakers on the challenges of anosognosia and effective interventions for mental health care.
A Recognized Voice in Media
Dr. Amador’s work has been featured extensively across media platforms, including:
- PBS NOVA, ABC Prime Time Live, and NBC Bravo, showcasing his expertise in individual and couples therapy.
- Frequent expert appearances on CNN, ABC News, Fox News Channel, CBS 60 Minutes, and publications like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post.