Patsy Dolan Bouressa

Patsy Dolan Bouressa is the Executive Director of the SIMS Foundation. She joined the SIMS Foundation in May, 2017 as the Director of Clinical Services and became Executive Director in December, 2019.

During her 14+ years in social work, Patsy has worked in a variety of settings with a diverse range of clients.  Her career began at a residential treatment facility for mentally ill children and teens and she then went to work with incarcerated individuals at Travis State Jail.  After 5 years working in that environment, Patsy joined a psychiatric hospital as the Outpatient Services Director where she and her team created the hospital’s first partial hospitalization program.

Patsy has always been a vocal advocate for those dealing with mental health and substance use issues and has served on many committees and working groups dedicated to improving the way in which behavioral healthcare services are delivered.  Currently, she works with the Austin Opioid Workgroup, the Planning Network Advisory Committee, and the Substance Use Disorder Workgroup in addition to partnering with several local non-profits who are focused on educating others about mental health and substance use issues and on destigmatizing these issues.

Prior to obtaining her Masters in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin, Patsy had a lengthy career in Human Resource Management.  The skills honed during her time in human resources continue to serve her well as she works to ensure that SIMS Foundation is stable and prepared to expand in both scope and reach.

The SIMS Foundation is the only non-profit of its kind.  SIMS provides musicians, music industry professionals, and their dependent family members access to mental health and substance use services and supports that allow them to thrive. SIMS has been at the forefront of making emotional well-being a priority, working to eliminate stigma, educate the public, and arm the music community with the resources needed to look out for themselves, and each other.