This is a profile image of Kana Enomoto

Kana Enomoto

Leader in mental-health and substance-use policy, data, programs, and practice improvement; brain health expert at the McKinsey Health Institute

Kana is the director of brain health for the McKinsey Health Institute, where she specializes in behavioral health, public health, and delivery-system reform. Kana has more than 20 years of experience as a federal executive in mental-health and substance-use policy, data, programs, and practice improvement. Kana is a global thought leader and accomplished executive with a strong record of achieving public-policy goals, delivering programmatic impact, and inspiring organizational and social change.

Since joining McKinsey in 2019, Kana cofounded the Center for Societal Benefit through Healthcare to address underinvested areas of health with a focus on behavioral health. In addition, Kana has supported a wide range of clients, including government entities, payers, providers, investors, employers, and not-for-profit organizations to better serve people with, or at risk for, mental and substance-use disorders.

Prior to joining McKinsey, Kana was acting administrator for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, where she provided executive direction and policy leadership. She also served as senior advisor in the US health and human services agency, where she provided strategic guidance on efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.

Prior to entering government, Kana did health research and clinical services with a focus on mental health and trauma for minority patients. She has received awards in recognition of her work, including the Arthur S. Flemming Award, the American College of Mental Health Administration King Davis Award, and the Secretary’s Award for Distinguished Service.

Published work

Mental and physical health equity: A ‘medical civil right’,” McKinsey Health Institute, May 2024

In search of self and something bigger: A spiritual health exploration,” McKinsey Health Institute, May 2024

A ‘universal human right’: Quality mental healthcare for children,” McKinsey Health Institute, April 2024

Harnessing mindful philanthropy to improve population health,” McKinsey Health Institute, October 2023

Gen Z mental health: The impact of tech and social media,” McKinsey Health Institute, April 2023

The power of caring adults: Nicole Carroll on overcoming childhood trauma,” McKinsey Health Institute, April 2023

Prioritizing brain health: Scaling what works to add years to life and life to years,” McKinsey Health Institute, November 2022

Heat waves, the war in Ukraine, and stigma: Gen Z’s perspectives on mental health,” McKinsey Health Institute, September 2022

Addressing employee burnout: Are you solving the right problem?,” McKinsey & Company, May 2022

Addressing the unprecedented behavioral-health challenges facing Generation Z,” McKinsey & Company, January 2022

COVID-19 and burnout are straining the mental health of employed parents,” McKinsey & Company, December 2021

How affordable is mental healthcare? The long-term impact on financial health,” McKinsey & Company, October 2021

How employers can improve their approach to mental health at work,” McKinsey & Company, September 2021

Improving mental health: An interview with One Mind’s Garen Staglin,” McKinsey & Company, August 2021

Overcoming stigma: Three strategies toward better mental health in the workplace,” McKinsey Quarterly, July 2021

Returning to work: Keys to a psychologically safer workplace,” McKinsey & Company, July 2021

National surveys reveal disconnect between employees and employers around mental health need,” McKinsey & Company, April 2021

COVID-19 and rural communities: Protecting rural lives and health,” McKinsey & Company, March 2021

Insights on utilization of behavioral health services in the context of COVID-19,” McKinsey & Company, March 2021

Unlocking whole person care through behavioral health,” McKinsey & Company, February 2021

COVID-19 and behavioral health: Consequences for companies and employees,” McKinsey & Company, December 2020

Strong minds, strong futures: Behavioral health for the next generation,” McKinsey & Company, November 2020

Understanding the hidden costs of COVID-19’s potential impact on US healthcare,” McKinsey & Company, September 2020

A holistic approach for the US behavioral health crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic,” McKinsey & Company, August 2020

Insights on racial and ethnic health inequity in the context of COVID-19,” McKinsey & Company, July 2020

National employer survey reveals behavioral health in a COVID-19 era as a major concern,” McKinsey & Company, June 2020

The implications of COVID-19 for vulnerable populations,” McKinsey & Company, May 2020

Returning to resilience: The impact of COVID-19 on mental health and substance use,” McKinsey & Company, April 2020

Insights on mental health from a 2019 McKinsey Consumer survey,” McKinsey & Company, February 2020

What is Behavioral Health Worth?, Public Health Reports, January 2015

Past experience

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Senior advisor

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Acting administrator, principal deputy

Education

UCLA
MA, clinical psychology
BA, psychology