Michael Groat, PhD

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As President & CEO of the Lindner Center of Hope, Dr. Groat provides strategic leadership to fulfill the organization’s mission of transforming lives through expert mental health care, cutting-edge research, and the education of future clinicians. He works closely with a dedicated team, community partners, and supporters to advance innovative treatments, expand access to care, and sustain the Center’s financial health for long-term impact. In addition, he actively engages in strategic outreach across the United States and frequently lectures on topics such as mental health recovery, therapeutic engagement, and suicide prevention.

Dr. Groat believes that relationships are at the heart of recovery. "Feeling safe and not judged is essential to any healing relationship. At the Lindner Center, we are committed to creating that experience for our patients. We see the whole person, recognizing each individual’s unique strengths, and avoid categorizing people as a diagnosis or a symptom." He emphasizes that the combination of highly trained professionals with genuine warmth, compassion, and skill makes treatment effective. "One size does not fit all. Helping each person requires time, understanding, and a willingness to embrace the complexity of their lives. I am privileged to lead a team that really listens, so we can most effectively support recovery from depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, and more."

Dr. Groat sees his role as President & CEO as advancing the success of his team and improving the lives of the patients and families the Center serves. "The best mental health care comes from excellent teams, and I am fully committed to ensuring our staff has the support they need to excel. I am proud of our interdisciplinary teams—nurses, physicians, psychologists, social workers, expressive therapists, chaplains, and more—all dedicated to seeing the whole person and embracing the richness and complexity of each individual. It is an honor to support their work and help those who turn to the Lindner Center of Hope rediscover hope, purpose, and connection."

Education

• Miami University
• University at Albany, State University of New York
• Rice University, Non-Profit Executive Management Program

Postdoctoral Training

• Austen Riggs Center, Four-Year Clinical Psychology Fellowship

Professional Experience

• Former President & CEO, CooperRiis, Asheville, NC
• Former Chief Clinical Officer, Silver Hill Hospital, New Canaan, CT
• Former Director of Adult Services, The Menninger Clinic, Houston, TX

Academic Affiliations

• Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
• Former Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine
• Former Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine

Professional Memberships

• American Association of Suicidology, American Psychoanalytic Association, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology

Board Memberships

• Board Member, Mentalizing Initiative
• Board Member, American Psychoanalytic Association