Dr. Bernie Arons, a nationally recognized mental health advocate, administrator and professor, recently was appointed the Director of Medical Affairs at Saint Elizabeths Hospital. In this position, Dr. Arons supervises all clinical programs and activity at the Hospital, including the psychiatry residency training program.

Dr. Arons has held executive management positions in government that help shape mental health public policy. Under his leadership, the Center for Mental Health Services at SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) became a leading voice on mental health issues—from studies on parity in mental health coverage to initiatives on school violence. As Senior Science Advisor to the Director at the National Institute of Health, he provided direction for the country on improving mental health services and mental health financing.

Dr. Arons worked closely with former Surgeon General David Satcher to publish the first-ever Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health. He also was mental health and substance abuse advisor to Mrs. Tipper Gore and co-chaired with her the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Working Group for the President's Task Force on National Health Reform.

Previously, Dr. Arons worked in a number of positions at Saint Elizabeths, including Chief Clinical Advisor. “We are honored to have Dr. Arons back at Saint Elizabeths. His knowledge, experience and familiarity with the Hospital bring critical leadership to reforms taking place,” said Stephen T. Baron, Director of the Department of Mental Health.

Dr. Arons received his bachelor degree with honors from Oberlin College and the Doctor of Medicine degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. He also is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Georgetown University School of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, and Howard University. He is an Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at the Dartmouth College Medical School.