Work with Dr Kay

Work with

Dr. Kay

Dr. Kay De Simone, DSW, LCSW, is The Mental Health Engineer and expert on the stressors and wellness of high-achieving individuals. With over two decades of clinical experience, she specializes in mental wellness consulting, keynote speaking, and training for educational institutions and organizations in high-stakes industries like health, tech, and finance. Dr. De Simone helps employees, leaders, students, and parents develop practical tools for emotional resilience and peak performance. As a researcher on identity-based trauma and imposter syndrome, her approach is rooted in evidence-based strategies that foster long-term success. She is known for her warm, humorous, and results-driven methods, ensuring that the mental wellness of high achievers becomes a reliable predictor of both joy and sustainable success.

Why Work
With Dr.
Kay

Years of
clinical experience

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Keynotes
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Why Schools and Companies Need to Work With Dr. De Simone

The stakes are too high not to take action. Research shows that poor mental health reduces productivity by up to 35% (HelloAlma), increases absenteeism, and leads to higher healthcare costs. Additionally, high achievers in competitive programs face heightened stress, burnout, and anxiety, making it even more challenging for them to stay centered, healthy, and productive. Mental wellness directly influences an individual’s ability to achieve goals, maintain physical health, and thrive professionally. Schools and companies that invest in mental wellness see improved performance and a boost in morale and retention. Dr. De Simone offers organizations and schools the tools to create an environment where mental wellness drives success—transforming it from a “woo-woo” concept into a powerful, results-oriented strategy.

Kay is a smart and skilled psychotherapist and facilitator who cares about everyone she works with. She works hard to really understand her client’s needs and how to help them. She always keeps it real and delivers great results!

Pauline Walfisch, LCSWR

Program Director- Adult & Child Outpatient Psychiatry Departments Zucker Hillside Hospital | Helping Hands Psychotherapy- Founder/Director

Kay De Simone’s talk has lived on through me. I can’t help but spread her message of empowerment with our mental health and speaking up to our providers. The notion of firing our therapists or invoicing them when we are training them how to work with our special kind of uniqueness was eye-opening. My friend who saw her speak took control of her therapy and moved on from her provider within the week after watching Kay! I love her sassy, direct attitude toward her industry.

Marcey Rader CSP

Kay is an absolutely amazing woman that I hope so many others get the opportunity to work with. She brings a fun and vibrant energy to any space and brings something special to any group of people. Having her as a speaker at TEDxNCState 2024 was a seamless experience and privilege. Her insight into group dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and the younger mindset as a whole were attributes that would compliment any group and adventure! TEDxNCState loves Kay!

Sachi Marshall

TEDx NC State Curator

I’d like to give a big #Villanova thanks to Kay De Simone, MSW,LCSW, SIFI for helping #CASA kick off our series Courageous Conversations this week. Our topic “Surviving Imposter Syndrome at a PWI”. Kay offered great insight into the root cause of Imposter syndrome for students, especially students of color, and how to create a mindset that empower students to advocate for themselves. Thank you again Kay for your time, energy, and wisdom. #empoweringstudents #greatjob

Kevin Covington, M.S.M.

Assistant Director of Rentention and Outreach Villanova University

The Stakes Are Too High Not to Act

In today’s high-pressure academic and professional environments, the stakes are too high to ignore mental wellness. Dr. De Simone brings clinical credentials, extensive experience, and a unique perspective as a prep school mother with over 20 years of involvement in some of the country’s most selective schools and colleges. This personal experience provides her with direct insight into the pain points and needs of students, parents, and administrators. She understands the immense pressure that comes with these environments, giving her a unique vantage point to address the well-being of all stakeholders.
Dr. Kay De Simone began her career as a young professional in high-paced, results-oriented environments such as Skadden Arps, American Airlines, and Northwell Health Systems. These roles gave her firsthand experience with the pressures of delivering under tight deadlines, managing complex teams, and navigating the demands of top-performing organizations. Before transitioning to her clinical career, Dr. Kay developed a deep understanding of corporate dynamics and the unique stressors professionals face. This foundation allows her to offer culturally competent and practical mental wellness strategies tailored to the fast-paced demands of industries like law, healthcare, tech, and business, strengthening her clients’ personal and organizational success.
Schools and companies cannot afford to overlook the mental health of their students and employees—partnering with Dr. De Simone is an investment in a thriving, resilient community.

The Mental Health Engineer Approach

Deliverables, humor, results, warmth, and efficiency define Dr. De Simone’s work. As The Mental Health Engineer, she believes that mental wellness should be treated as a key asset in personal and organizational success. Through skill-building, tool development, and evidence-based strategies, Dr. De Simone ensures that mental wellness is approached with the same emphasis and investment as any other performance metric. Her services are designed to equip individuals and organizations with the strategies, emotional intelligence, and stress management skills they need to excel personally and professionally—ensuring success, health, and joy not just for today but for the long haul.

Work with

Dr. Kay

Why Work
With Dr.
Kay