Bridge Over Troubled Waters (Bridge) is proud to announce the admission of Dr. Kevin M. Simon, to our Board of Directors. Dr. Simon is the inaugural Chief Behavioral Health Officer for the City of Boston (Boston Public Health Commission). In this role, Dr. Simon will guide a public health strategy to support Bostonians’ growing mental and behavioral health needs through the Boston Public Health Commission.

Dr. Simon is an Attending Psychiatrist in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Boston Children’s Hospital, an Instructor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, a Commonwealth Fund Fellow in Health Policy at Harvard University, and the Medical Director of Wayside Youth & Family Support Network.

Clinically, he practices as a Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist & Addiction Medicine specialist caring for youth, young adults, and families through the Adolescent Substance Use & Addiction Program (ASAP) at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Simon’s research focuses on the intersections of mental health, substance use, justice involvement, and healthcare equity. His writings and manuscripts are published in leading journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine, the American Journal of Public Health, and Health Affairs.

He completed clinical fellowships in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital / Harvard Medical School and a residency in Adult Psychiatry at Grady Hospital and the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, both affiliated with Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA. He received his medical degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, IL, after attending Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD, for college.

“We are excited to add Dr. Simon to our Board,” said Bridge President and CEO, Elisabeth Jackson. “He brings a wealth of experience not only in behavioral health treatment but also particularly in youth mental health and mental health disparities due to racial inequity. His experience and knowledge will be invaluable in guiding Bridge’s work with young people.”

Dr. Simon also expressed his enthusiasm, saying “I am honored to join the Board of Bridge Over Troubled Waters. Bridge addresses the social determinants of life at the most vulnerable period in Boston’s most at-risk youth & emerging adults. The comprehensive services Bridge provides are of the utmost importance to youth development, mental health, and overall wellness.”