Practicing Broadly: An Interview with Dr. Arthur C. Evans (PN1-10)

Policymaker, clinical and community psychologist, healthcare innovator, Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, is the new CEO of the American Psychological Association (APA) and just completed twelve years as Commissioner of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Service (DBHIDS). The transformation of the Philadelphia service system has improved outcomes for people and saved millions of dollars that the city has reinvested in other community-based services. Dr. Evans brought a new approach to his agency’s system of serving a wide range of individuals with complex needs. The transformation of the $1 billion Philadelphia system into a recovery-oriented, outcomes-focused system of care has leaned heavily on public health strategies that contribute to better population health. In addition, he has emphasized data-driven approaches to improve system performance. Dr. Evans has been recognized nationally for his work in behavioral healthcare policy and the transformation of service delivery systems. In 2015 he was recognized by the White House as an "Advocate for Action" by the Office of National Drug Control Policy. In 2013 he received the American Medical Association’s top government service award in health care, the Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service. Dr. Evans is also regarded as a strong mental health advocate and was recognized by Faces and Voices of Recovery with the Lisa Mojer-Torres Award. His future at the APA will continue his lifelong commitment to serving people who are underserved and ensuring that effective, high-quality healthcare is accessible to all.