About Dr. Philippe Rey
Dr. Philippe Rey’s life and work have been shaped by empathy, resilience, and a commitment to breaking the silence surrounding mental health. Growing up in Switzerland, he witnessed his family’s struggles as his sister battled substance use during her teenage years. The experience of living in a household governed by what he calls a “code of silence” - where pain went unspoken - left a lasting impression. By age twelve, as Philippe began questioning his sexuality, he faced that same silence when he most needed support. These early experiences would inspire his lifelong mission: to ensure that young people and families never have to face emotional or mental health challenges alone.
In 1984, Philippe came to the United States to attend the University of California, San Diego, later earning a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in child and family therapy from Alliant International University in 1997. A year later, he joined Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS) as Program Director of Caravan House. His leadership and compassion quickly stood out, and by 2004, he became the agency’s Executive Director - a role he has held for over two decades.
Under Dr. Rey’s guidance, ACS has grown from a small, dedicated team into a respected regional agency serving thousands of youth and families across Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. He expanded ACS’s reach with the creation of the Community Counseling Program and the addition of the Outlet Program in 2013, which provides vital support to LGBTQ+ youth. His innovative leadership has earned ACS numerous accolades, including the 49ers Foundation’s Perry/Yonamine Unity Award (2016) and recognition as the 2017 Assembly District 24 Nonprofit of the Year. Personally, Dr. Rey has been honored by the U.S. Congress House of Representatives and the Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Board for his contributions to youth mental health and the LGBTQ+ community.
After 27 years with ACS - 21 of those as Executive Director - Dr. Rey has announced his heartfelt decision to step down at the end of 2025. “This is not a decision made in haste,” he shared, “but rather one that reflects a natural and healthy evolution—for myself and for ACS.” Working closely with the Board of Directors since early 2024, he has helped develop a thoughtful succession plan to ensure a strong and stable transition as ACS celebrates its 50th anniversary. Following this milestone, Dr. Rey plans to return home to Switzerland with his husband, Byron, while remaining a proud and steadfast supporter of ACS.
Reflecting on his time with the agency, Dr. Rey says, “It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to lead this work and to do so alongside such an extraordinary community. We’ve grown not just in size, but in impact, courage, and reach. Every recognition we’ve received reflects the strength of our community and the transformative power of what we do together.”
Dr. Rey continues to embody the spirit of connection and compassion that has defined his life’s work: empowering youth, building community, and ensuring that every young person knows their life is worth it.