RAMS Inc. Selected as a 2026 Psychiatric Service Achievement Award Recipient by the American Psychiatric Association
April 10, 2026
San Francisco – RAMS, Inc. is proud to receive the 2026 Psychiatric Service Achievement – Bronze Award by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). The Psychiatric Services Achievement Awards recognize “creative models of service delivery and innovative programs” for people facing mental health challenges or disabilities. RAMS will be recognized alongside East Carolina University in partnership with United Health Group (Gold Award) and Nulton Diagnostic and Treatment Center (Silver Award) for their outstanding contributions to improving access to care for diverse populations at the APA Annual Meeting in San Francisco on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Founded in San Francisco’s Richmond District in 1974, RAMS is a non-profit mental health organization offering comprehensive services that aim to meet the behavioral health, social, vocational, and educational needs of the diverse communities of the San Francisco Bay Area, with expertise in serving Asian & Pacific Island Americans and Russian-speaking populations. RAMS received the Bronze Award for its community-centered mental health and wellness services across San Francisco and Alameda counties.
Programs including the RAMS’ Street Crisis Response Team (SCRT) reflect this work in practice. Since 2020, RAMS SCRT has partnered with San Francisco city departments to provide citywide, 24-hour, peer-based crisis intervention and community-focused care for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises and substance use challenges. Through January 2026, SCRT has responded to more than 71,454 calls, helping de-escalate crises and connect individuals to medical care, treatment services, and emergency shelter.
This work is further strengthened by RAMS’ Peer Specialist Mental Health Certificate Program, which provides a State of California-certified training program. To date over 500 students completed the program and thousands of participants enriched their skills as counselors, case managers, outreach workers, advocates, and in other peer provider roles.
RAMS CEO Angela Tang shared, ”Being recognized by the APA affirms what we see every day in our communities, that accessible, person-centered care changes outcomes. This work is about meeting people where they are and building trust so support is truly meaningful. We are honored to stand alongside partners and communities who make this possible.”
Additional Award Background:
For over 75 years, the Psychiatric Services Achievement Awards have recognized programs that make significant contributions to the field of mental health. Nominees are evaluated based on innovation, effective use of resources, commitment to quality improvement and measurable outcomes, as well as their ability to overcome obstacles, engage multidisciplinary teams, and involve consumers and families in care. Recipients are selected through a structured review process, with final approval by the Joint Reference Committee and the APA Board of Trustees
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For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Domenica Giovannini, RAMS Director of Development & Communications
DomenicaGiovannini@ramsinc.org
