Who We Are
WFMH Board Candidates for Election
2025-2027
Tony Szu-Hsien Lee
Country: Taiwan
Region: Asia Pacific
Nominator: Mental Health Association in Taiwan
Candidate 1000 word statement
Executive Board, Mental Health Association in Taiwan (Organization member of the WFMH)
President, Taiwan Harm Reduction Association (Organization member of the WFMH)
Distinguished Professor, Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, National Taiwan Normal University
Director, Center for Addiction Prevention and Policy Research, National Taiwan Normal University
Founder & CEO, Continuing Education Master's Program of Addiction Prevention and Treatment, National Taiwan Normal University
Editor-in-Chief, Formosa Journal of Mental Health Fellow, Chinese Indigenous Social Science Association Licensed Psychotherapist (2004~)
As a distinguished professor, researcher, psychologist, and policy advocate for mental health promotion, education, and human rights, I have devoted my expertise to both clinical and non-clinical aspects of mental health promotion, substance abuse/dependence, HIV/AIDS, and crime prevention in Chinese society. I can contribute to both the activities and academic research with my work that has involved integrating mental health promotion, HIV prevention, and substance use treatment after I gained my Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania since 1996.
I would like to be on the Board of the WFMH because I believe that I can be of great help in promoting mental health, especially for minorities. I am currently served as the editor-in- chief for the Formosa Journal of Mental Health which is one of the top journals in Chinese society publishing great quality articles in relation to mental health. I am also the president of Taiwan Harm Reduction Association and many other positions in relation to fields of mental health. For instance, drug use is legally regulated as the criminal act but I have regarded addiction as a treatable relapsing brain disease. I use psychological theories to assist patients to build personal strength and resilience in communities. Besides designing and assessing harm reduction programs in Taiwan, my colleagues and I develop education curricula with content of life skills and cognitive-behavioral therapy under the philosophy of treatment as prevention for patients with substance use disorder in both prisons and clinics. I evaluate the outcome effectiveness of methadone maintenance treatment launched in Taiwan in 2006 to stem the endemic of HIV/AIDS among injection drug users. Additionally, behavior meaning is embedded in culture and social context. I explore and examine the cultural aspects of addiction and propose working model of treating addiction.
For the past 20 years, I have conducted many studies and published more than 140 peer- reviewed journal articles which puts me as one of the leading researcher in mental health in the world. With my performance in academic publication, I am invited to be the editor-in- chief of several esteemed journals, including the best journal in the field of mental health in Taiwan, Formosan Journal of Mental Health. I have also served as the chair of steering
committee of serval international conferences in the past 10 years, including conferences of health promotion and health education, addiction treatment and prevention, as well as social recovery of patients with psychiatric symptoms. I am also confident in assisting working committee of academic journal on the basis of my prior profound experience as editor-in- chief of journals.
I am willingness to participate in Board Meetings held at specific meeting sites, on conference calls and/or with email communication. There are no issues that would prevent me from being available for any of these meetings.
Candidate additional statement if provided
Professional Honor or Recognition:
2025 Ethel and Allen “Buddy” Carruth Sustained Leadership in Education Award, University of Pennsylvania
2023 President Award for National Anti-Drug Contribution
2025 Best Social Services and Impact Award, College of Education, National Taiwan Normal University
2016~2028 Distinguished Professor, National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan, R.O.C. 2021~ Fellow, Chinese Indigenous Social Science Association
2000-2025 Emeritus Researcher, Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan, R.O.C. 2014 Excellent Teacher Award, National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan, R.O.C.
2010, 2014 Two times Awardee, National Outstanding Impact of Education and Policy Award.
United Associations of Education and Academic Societies, R.O.C.
2014 Merit Teaching Award, National Taiwan Normal University
2013 Distinguished International Scientist Collaboration Award, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health, USA
2011 Best Social Services and Impact Award, National Taiwan Normal University