About Us
Our Mission
The SIMS Foundation provides mental health and substance use recovery services and supports
For musicians, music industry professionals, and their dependent family members.
Through education, community partnerships, and accessible managed care, SIMS seeks to destigmatize and reduce mental health and substance use issues, while supporting and enhancing the wellbeing of the music community at large.
Our Values
At SIMS Foundation, our work is rooted in values that reflect the heart of the music community we serve: VIBES
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Values-Driven
We lead with compassion, equity, and integrity—grounding every decision in purpose and our commitment to mental health and recovery.
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Inclusion
We honor the diversity of the music industry, ensuring care reflects every identity and experience with dignity and respect.
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Belonging
We create spaces where music professionals feel seen, heard, and supported—because healing begins with connection.
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Empowerment
We help individuals reclaim agency in their recovery through advocacy, education, and personalized care.
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Support
We offer accessible, trauma-informed care through a network of providers and peers who walk alongside every journey.
Need Support?
We're here for the music community.
Music impacts and inspires nearly everyone
but the people who work in the music industry often face unique and difficult challenges.
Musicians and music professionals are at higher risk for mental illness and substance abuse, working under the stress of an unstable income, a skyrocketing cost of living, erratic tour schedules, distance from family and support, and constant proximity to drugs and alcohol.
30+ Years of SIMS Impact
SIMS Foundation ensures that members of our music community have access to a full array of mental health and substance use recovery treatments, delivered with no barriers and at low or no cost.
To succeed in our work, we have built a community of health care providers, volunteers, local business leaders, music industry professionals, and music fans to amplify our efforts. Austin prides itself on being the Live Music Capital of the World, and it's a big reason why so many people and companies love calling Austin home. If we want to sustain our live music culture, we must all come together to ensure the people behind it can thrive.
Our Story
Sims Ellison
Sims Ellison was a prodigious songwriter and bassist for the band Pariah, one of Austin's most popular hard rock bands in the early 90s. He was loved throughout the Austin music community because of his big heart, laid-back nature and outgoing personality. Sims was known for wearing funky hats and lederhosen while performing. After receiving positive reviews for their two self-produced EPs, Pariah and Rattle Your Skull, Pariah gained a following of nearly 25,000 fans.
In 1992 the band self-produced their first full-length record, Make Believe, which they released on their label Sick Kid Productions.
In 1993, their second record, To Mock a Killingbird, was released by Geffen Records.
In 1995, Sims lost his battle with depression, and the Austin music community was gripped with shock and sadness. Born out of tragedy to help thousands, SIMS Foundation was founded by Sims' grieving father Don Ellison, Austin Rehearsal Complex (ARC) co-owners Don Harvey & Wayne Nagel, recording artist Alejandro Escovedo and attorney Walter Taylor. Together, they galvanized Austin's close-knit music community to create a unique organization offering mental health services to local musicians.
SIMS Foundation continues to provide lifesaving services to those in the music community and their families when they need them most.
Voices from our community
SIMS understands musicians and our families in a way that few organizations, if any, truly do.
Managing logistics of large-scale production can be extremely stressful. My weekly therapy sessions have directly helped me navigate through these difficult times.
SIMS is a unique and invaluable resource to Austin. Whenever I hear that a friend in the music community is struggling with their mental health, I always direct them to SIMS.
Our Team
Meet the people behind SIMS
Meet the dedicated people who help SIMS Foundation support and strengthen Austin's music community.
of our team
