Michael J. Pollak
Summary
Experienced behavioral health clinician with nearly three decades of specialized practice in co-occurring disorders, chemical dependency treatment, and intensive outpatient programming. Skilled in diagnostic assessment, crisis intervention, evidence-based psychotherapy, and interdisciplinary care coordination. Proven leader in clinical program development, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement within outpatient and IOP settings. Advanced proficiency in 12-Step facilitation, DBT-informed interventions, psychoeducation, and clinical supervision.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Co-Founder & Senior Clinician
The Behavioral Wellness Group
Mentor, OH
06.2014 - Current
- Provide individual therapy and Dual Diagnosis IOP services using evidence-based modalities including DBT and 12-Step facilitation.
- Conduct diagnostic assessments, evaluations, and individualized treatment planning.
- Coordinate care with psychiatric providers, medical professionals, and community agencies.
- Lead discharge planning and aftercare coordination to support long-term recovery.
- Oversee organizational operations, including financial management and preparation for CARF accreditation.
- Contribute to clinical policy development and quality-assurance initiatives.
Intensive Outpatient Program Coordinator
Psychological & Behavioral Consultants
09.2012 - 06.2014
- Oversaw clinical operations for multiple IOP tracks serving underserved populations.
- Developed new programs and clinical documentation aligned with AOA/JCAHO standards.
- Managed compliance, recordkeeping, and billing/collections coordination.
- Served as liaison between clinical programs and organizational leadership.
Director, Dual Diagnosis Intensive Outpatient Program
Psychological & Behavioral Consultants
06.2006 - 06.2014
- Designed and launched a comprehensive Dual Diagnosis IOP integrating DBT skills and 12-Step principles.
- Facilitated group therapy, psychoeducation, and family programming.
- Conducted assessments, crisis interventions, and individual therapy for adults and adolescents.
- Built referral networks and developed aftercare programming.
Director, Dual Diagnosis Intensive Outpatient Program
Laurelwood Counseling Center of Mentor / Horizon Health Care
02.2003 - 01.2007
- Developed and facilitated psychoeducational and therapeutic groups for co-occurring disorders.
- Conducted diagnostic assessments, crisis intervention, and family engagement.
- Strengthened referral pathways and contributed to quality-improvement initiatives.
Director, Chemical Dependency Intensive Outpatient Program
UHHS / Laurelwood Counseling Center of Mentor
09.2001 - 02.2003
- Revitalized a struggling IOP into one of Lake County’s top-performing programs.
- Delivered 12-Step-focused group therapy, psychoeducation, and family programming.
- Conducted assessments, crisis interventions, and individual therapy.
- Implemented marketing strategies and strengthened referral relationships.
Co-Facilitator, Chemical Dependency IOP
UHHS / Laurelwood Counseling Center of Mentor
02.1998 - 09.2001
Co-Facilitator, Chemical Dependency IOP
UHHS / Laurelwood Counseling Center of Beachwood
07.1997 - 02.1998
Education
Masters in Education - Clinical Counseling
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH05-1997
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH03-1991
Skills
- Diagnostic Evaluations & Biopsychosocial Assessments
- Individual & Group Psychotherapy
- Dual Diagnosis & Substance Use Treatment
- Crisis Intervention & Risk Management
- Treatment Planning & Care Coordination
- Psychoeducational Curriculum Development
- Clinical Supervision & Intern Training
- Program Development & Facilitation
- Insurance, Billing & Regulatory Compliance (CARF, JCAHO/AOA)
- Technology Integration in Clinical Practice
Certification
LICDC - Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor
LPCC-S - Clinical Counselor with a Supervision Diagnosis
ICDC - International Chemical Dependency Counselor
Timeline
Co-Founder & Senior Clinician
The Behavioral Wellness Group
06.2014 - Current
Intensive Outpatient Program Coordinator
Psychological & Behavioral Consultants
09.2012 - 06.2014
Director, Dual Diagnosis Intensive Outpatient Program
Psychological & Behavioral Consultants
06.2006 - 06.2014
Director, Dual Diagnosis Intensive Outpatient Program
Laurelwood Counseling Center of Mentor / Horizon Health Care
02.2003 - 01.2007
Director, Chemical Dependency Intensive Outpatient Program
UHHS / Laurelwood Counseling Center of Mentor
09.2001 - 02.2003
Co-Facilitator, Chemical Dependency IOP
UHHS / Laurelwood Counseling Center of Mentor
02.1998 - 09.2001
Co-Facilitator, Chemical Dependency IOP
UHHS / Laurelwood Counseling Center of Beachwood
07.1997 - 02.1998
Masters in Education - Clinical Counseling
Cleveland State University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
The Ohio State University