Jennie Simpson

Jennie M. Simpson, Ph.D. is the Senior Staff Lead for Criminal Justice at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In this role she manages and coordinates the agency’s criminal justice policy initiatives and activities. Throughout her career, Dr. Simpson has focused on the intersections of behavioral health and criminal justice, with an emphasis on early diversion programs for individuals with mental and substance use disorders. Prior to joining SAMHSA, Dr. Simpson worked at the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center and Pathways to Housing DC, a nationally recognized community mental health organization. At the CSG Justice Center, she provided technical assistance to law enforcement agencies through the Bureau of Justice Assistance Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program. During her tenure at Pathways to Housing DC, Dr. Simpson managed the operations of a multi-disciplinary team of behavioral health practitioners serving justice-involved individuals and veterans and expanded the organization’s partnerships across the criminal justice system, including law enforcement departments, pre-trial services, specialized treatment courts, and community supervision agencies. She has also consulted to law enforcement leadership on behavioral health, homelessness, and practices to effectively respond to individuals with mental and substance use disorders.  Dr. Simpson previously conducted research on behavioral health and law enforcement collaborations and has published and presented on her research in both national and international forums. Dr. Simpson received a Ph.D. in medical anthropology from American University.