Dr. Meera Narasimhan, an Indian American psychiatrist, has been awarded South Carolina’s Order of the Palmetto for her groundbreaking work in telepsychiatry and mental health access over nearly three decades.
Dr. Meera Narasimhan, an esteemed Indian American psychiatrist and academic leader, has been honored with the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian award. This recognition is a testament to her nearly three decades of pioneering efforts in telepsychiatry, which have significantly improved mental health services for rural and underserved communities across the state.
The award was presented by Governor Henry McMaster during a ceremony at the State House, where he acknowledged Narasimhan’s transformative contributions to psychiatric and behavioral health services. “Dr. Meera Narasimhan has helped change the course of mental health care in South Carolina,” McMaster stated. “For more than 25 years, she has brought new ideas, built programs, and brought people together to expand access to care across our state.”
During the ceremony, a particularly poignant moment arose as Narasimhan, accompanied by her parents, reflected on the values that have guided her throughout her life. She shared that her parents taught her, “While you make a living by what you earn, you make a life by what you give.” These words resonated deeply as she accepted the honor, which encapsulates her dedication to improving the lives of others.
Narasimhan’s journey in medicine began at Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal, India, before she completed her psychiatry residency and a neuroscience fellowship at Yale University. Today, she serves as the professor and chair of the Department of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of South Carolina’s Floyd School of Medicine, in addition to her role as senior medical director for Behavioral Health at Prisma Health Midlands.
Central to Narasimhan’s work has been the challenge of delivering specialized psychiatric services to patients who may reside hours away from a psychiatrist. Long before telehealth became a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was instrumental in establishing telepsychiatry, collaborating with health systems, universities, policymakers, and community organizations to reach underserved populations.
South Carolina House Speaker Murrell Smith, who spoke at the ceremony, recalled his initial skepticism regarding telehealth. However, he noted that Narasimhan’s national recognition for her expertise in telepsychiatry helped him understand the technology’s potential to serve rural communities. “That right there convinced me that telehealth was a possibility in this state,” Smith remarked, describing Narasimhan as a pioneer in the field.
Narasimhan’s efforts also led to the creation of ICARE—Integrated Care to Improve Access in Rural Counties to Eliminate Health Disparities—a University of South Carolina initiative that utilizes telehealth to address health disparities in rural areas. Since 2015, she has spearheaded efforts to integrate telemental health into rural primary care through ICARE, laying the groundwork for the university’s Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare. This initiative connects patients in remote locations with medical expertise through technology.
Beyond her clinical work, Narasimhan has made significant contributions at the intersection of research and health policy. She has secured funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and various federal, foundation, and industry sources for clinical, translational, and technology-driven initiatives. Her involvement extends to the South Carolina Telehealth Alliance, the Palmetto Care Connection board, and the American Psychiatric Association’s Telehealth Steering Committee, as well as participation in statewide suicide-prevention initiatives.
The Order of the Palmetto adds to a long list of accolades Narasimhan has received from medical, academic, and community organizations. Her achievements have been recognized by numerous entities, including the American Psychiatric Association, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, among others. Programs she has championed have received the American Psychiatric Association’s Psychiatric Services Achievement Award and recognition from Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center Bright Ideas program.
In 2014, Narasimhan was honored with the Hind Rattan, or ‘Jewel of India,’ an award recognizing outstanding global contributions from the Indian diaspora. That same year, she was named among the recipients of the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. More recently, in 2024, the University of South Carolina School of Medicine presented her with its Career Achievement Award, acknowledging her extensive contributions to clinical care, research, education, and health policy.
For Narasimhan, the Order of the Palmetto represents not just personal achievement but also a collective effort. “I’m deeply honored to receive the Order of the Palmetto,” she expressed. “This recognition reflects decades of advocacy on behalf of individuals and families seeking access to compassionate, high-quality mental health care.”
She emphasized the importance of collaboration, crediting her colleagues, community partners, and policymakers who share her commitment to improving mental health access. Narasimhan views the award as motivation to continue her mission, stating, “Our work is far from complete.”
As she celebrated this significant milestone, Narasimhan reiterated her dedication to advocating for greater access to care, health equity, and innovative solutions to enhance mental health and well-being. “What is truly meaningful to me is the legacy we create and the lives we touch,” she concluded.
According to The American Bazaar, Narasimhan’s work continues to inspire and impact the lives of many in South Carolina and beyond.