After a comprehensive national search, Smita Majumdar Das has been appointed executive director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Behavioral Health. As executive director, she will be responsible for the planning, management, and oversight of student behavioral health services on the West, East, and Southampton campuses, and will establish and direct strategic priorities for behavioral health that align with the university’s strategic plan.
“Smita is a dynamic and strategic leader who will help us continue to provide quality care to our students as well as create opportunities for innovation in mental health services and strong partnerships with campus departments and external partners” said Marisa Bisiani, assistant vice president of Student Health, Wellness and Prevention Services.
Majumdar Das is a New York State licensed clinical psychologist and holds an MBA in healthcare management, an MPH in evaluative science, and a master’s in applied psychology. She first joined Stony Brook in 2006, and since then, she has been a valued member of the Student Affairs leadership team, having held progressively responsible roles at the Wo/Men’s and Gender Resource Center and the Center for Prevention and Outreach (CPO), and serving as director for CPO since 2018.
In addition to her two decades of clinical experience in the mental health field and expertise in serving culturally diverse populations, Majumdar Das’ efforts have resulted in grants for more than $2.1 million awarded to implement cutting-edge programs at Stony Brook in the realm of prevention and early intervention in the areas of sexual violence, alcohol and other drugs, and suicide prevention.
“I am eager to be joining the CAPS team as we look for additional ways to support our current student community and proactively plan for future Seawolves’ behavioral health demands given the increasing mental health needs in college-age students,” said Majumdar Das. “To meet this unprecedented and formidable challenge, we must re-envision behavioral healthcare by strategically leveraging and building on our resources and partnerships.”
Heartfelt congratulations Smita! You’re achievements and aspirations are truly inspiring ❤️And I am sincerely excited for all the good you will do in your new role at SBU! -with love and highest respect! -Dawn Manganello