James Comfort
Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services
San Jose,CA
Summary
Senior Behavioral Health leader with 20+ years of progressively responsible leadership directing publicly funded behavioral health programs across Santa Clara and Alameda Counties. Proven success managing a $6M operating budget, supervising 35 licensed and unlicensed clinicians and family specialists, leading county-funded initiatives, implementing enterprise EHR systems, and advancing trauma-informed systems of care. Expertise includes Medi-Cal, CalAIM, EPSDT, quality improvement, workforce development, grant/RFP development, and cross-sector partnerships.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director of Behavioral Health
Kidango
Fremont, CA
11.2010 - 08.2025
- Led the design and launch of a $2M trauma-informed parent-child therapy pilot serving 43 classrooms across two counties.
- Built program structure and staffing, collaborating with executive leadership to align budget and service delivery.
- Supervised clinicians and family specialists using tools such as CANS, KIPS and PSC to drive evidence-based interventions.
- Presented findings and advocated for policy and structural changes addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and systemic inequities at Kidango.
- Familiar in developing, executing and maintaining large scale program budgets with CFO and Finance Director with fiscal responsibility.
Birth–5 Mental Health Program Manager
Kidango
San Jose & Fremont, CA
11.2012 - 11.2018
- Managed clinical and administrative oversight for Santa Clara and Alameda county First 5 and county funded programs.
- Led a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, home visitors, and developmental specialists.
- Conducted hiring, supervision, and performance reviews, ensuring clinical and fiscal compliance.
- Coordinated everything from referral assignment, serve delivery with EPSDT standards and documentation ensuring ethical and proficient practices.
- Familiar with BBS licensing requirements and standards for practicum, pre-licensed and licensed clinicians.
Transition Age Youth (TAY) Program Manager
Bill Wilson Center
San Jose, CA
01.2009 - 11.2010
- Directed outpatient services for homeless and underserved youth (16–24), integrating clinical care with outreach and crisis support.
- Supervised peer mentors and clinicians; developed engagement events to reduce stigma and increase youth access.
Clinical Services Specialist (Adult Outpatient)
Momentum for Mental Health
San Jose, CA
09.2007 - 12.2008
Clinical Services Specialist / Benefits & Discharge Coordinator
Momentum for Mental Health
San Jose, CA
05.2005 - 09.2007
Behavioral Specialist II – TBS Services
EMQ Children & Family Services
Los Gatos, CA
11.2002 - 04.2005
Research Associate – ADHD Program
Child Development Center, UC Irvine
06.2002 - 09.2002
Education
B.A. - Psychology
University of California, Irvine
M.A. - Counseling
Santa Clara University
Skills
- Program Leadership: Behavioral Health, EPSDT, TAY, Early Childhood Mental Health
- Clinical Practice: CPP, TF-CBT, Circle of Security, Triple P Parenting, Reflective Supervision and multiple Trauma informed modalities
- Compliance & Quality: Medi-Cal, MHSA, CANS Certified Trainer, Designed internal peer audit tools and oversight of QI and QA for compliance and program improvement, Policy & Audit Readiness
- Technology: MS Office, Google Suite, Welligent, Foothold AWARDS, Citrix, EPIC
- Cultural & Language Competency: Fluent in Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu; DEI & LGBTQ inclusion
- Training & Capacity Building: Clinical Supervision, Staff Development, Community Engagement
Certification
- CANS Certified Trainer | MHRS Certified
- Advanced training in CPP, TF-CBT, Circle of Security, Triple P Parenting
Languages
Hindi
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Birth–5 Mental Health Program Manager
Kidango
11.2012 - 11.2018
Senior Director of Behavioral Health
Kidango
11.2010 - 08.2025
Transition Age Youth (TAY) Program Manager
Bill Wilson Center
01.2009 - 11.2010
Clinical Services Specialist (Adult Outpatient)
Momentum for Mental Health
09.2007 - 12.2008
Clinical Services Specialist / Benefits & Discharge Coordinator
Momentum for Mental Health
05.2005 - 09.2007
Behavioral Specialist II – TBS Services
EMQ Children & Family Services
11.2002 - 04.2005
Research Associate – ADHD Program
Child Development Center, UC Irvine
06.2002 - 09.2002
M.A. - Counseling
Santa Clara University
B.A. - Psychology
University of California, Irvine
Professional Highlights
- Successfully launched a $2M early childhood behavioral health intensive services pilot initiative in 2025.
- Managed multimillion-dollar county contracts, improving access to care for thousands of children and families.
- Championed trauma-informed, culturally responsive programming across three Bay Area counties.
- Promoted into progressively senior roles, consistently recognized for leadership and innovation.
- Collaborated with senior leadership in education and mental health in driving effective services for children, families and individuals.
- Instrumental in launching TAY mental health services for homeless youth at Bill Wilson Drop in center and outpatient services