Michael Pollak, PCC-S, LICDC
A Professional Clinical Counselor and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor, Michael Pollak provides Intensive programming individual and family therapy to chemically dependent adolescents and adults. Additionally, he provides mental health therapy for young adults. Prior to forming The Behavioral Wellness Group, he worked with Psychological & Behavioral Consultants and Laurelwood Counseling Center for 17 years.
He earned his Master of Education degree from Cleveland State University, where he specialized in community agency counseling, and his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University. He pioneered a Dual Diagnosis Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for both Laurelwood Counseling Center and Psychological & Behavioral Consultants. This unique approach combines evidence-based Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) with a traditional 12-step treatment model. Therefore, clients learn to utilize both DBT and 12-step tools in a supportive environment while receiving ongoing feedback regarding their progress.
I take great pride in seeing my clients succeed on this journey. My focus is to encourage each client to find the desire and courage to get well. In my experience, I have found that when we combine our efforts, this challenging journey gets easier.
Testimonials/Reviews
"Michael Pollak (Diagnosis IOP) giving people a place where they do not feel judged and can openly talk about difficult situations they’re enduring. Allowing group feedback is also a beautiful way to hear different outlooks. Great program, great people!!"
"Michael Pollak (Diagnosis IOP) is understanding, kind and helpful with my situations. Gave me tools and knowledge to improve my life. Would recommend Michael & Saul to anyone that is in need of help."
"Michael Pollak (Diagnosis IOP) ...creating a safe space with caring group members and an awesome facilitator. Mike was beyond expectations. What I learned about myself and others will always be cherished and greatly appreciated."
"Michael Pollak (Dual Diagnosis IOP) great at making people feel safe, cared about, and welcome. Great at making people feel that their feelings are valid. Great at giving gentle, but honest feedback. Sincerity definitely felt. Therapists are highly knowledgeable! I’m really thankful for this group, you, Michael, you, Saul, and for how positively you have helped me influence my life. You are both really great guys, and I am just appreciative of this time in my life. I know that it happened during this exact time for a reason. Thanks for all you do. Keep up the excellent work!"
"Michael Pollak (Dual Diagnosis IOP) the ability to discuss my daily problems/obstacles/situations in detail has led me to substantially deal, accept and tackle anything that comes my way with a complete sober mind. This has led to vast improvements in every aspect of my life. ….I loved the program and think it could be useful to anyone. I can’t thank Mike and Saul enough on the services provided. I came in here on my own, out of pocket and wouldn’t have spent my money another other way!! I reached levels of confidence that I haven’t felt in years. I trust myself and enjoy sobriety to the fullest. I also learned that emotion pain and suffer will always be there BUT now I possess more than enough tools & wisdom to handle any negatives I face. This program is something special and can lead anyone who desires growth to fantastic results!!"
"Michael Pollak (Diagnosis IOP) Creating an environment of support and respect that encourages recovery. Thank you so much for helping me! I'm so glad I did the program."
"The best part of the program Michael Pollak (Diagnosis IOP) is the structure of the program, including the development of a safe environment to share thoughts, feelings, opinions, fears, discomfort, and the support of the staff. I considered extending my sessions, solely because how much I have thoroughly enjoyed this program, and truly sincerely believe I have grown in understanding of myself and how to better relate to the world, life, and myself."
"...always felt listened to and cared for. Skills that are taught have been life-changing for me… was very stubborn & opposed to this type of therapy, now I will recommend (Michael Pollak, Dual Diagnosis IOP) to others"
"Mike and Saul were excellent facilitators (Dual Diagnosis IOP), so for me it was the facilitation of the programs subjects. Whenever I struggled with a concept, Mike and/or Saul could help me understand. I’m very happy I chose to come here. I have a new way of dealing with life’s struggles because of the tools I’ve learned. I consider at least one concept or tool on a daily-basis. I’m also more aware when I’m slipping into negative mindset. I’ve built a foundation from which I can structure a happier life around."
"It was a pleasure to take part in this program. It helped me tremendously.""The structure of the sessions worked well to foster participation of everyone in the group (Dual Diagnosis IOP). Our group was very helpful & meaningful to me. It was tough to leave.""Thanks so much for opening my perspective and encouraging me to believe my situation will get better. I am starting to see a future for myself and feel much safer going back to school.""...always felt listened to and cared for. Skills that are taught have been life-changing for me… was very stubborn & opposed to this type of therapy, now I will recommend to others.""Mike is awesome and extremely knowledgeable. The program is well organized.""Entering treatment, my plan was to ‘Just get it over with’ and do the bare minimum. Glad that didn’t happen. Mike was/is fantastic and I felt the need to share and participate and actually learn a thing or two. Thank you!""I'm thankful for this program. I was going downhill real fast and now I have hope that I can beat this disease. Thank you Michael Pollak!""The atmosphere was comfortable and I was challenged an a respectful, firm way.""…Creating a safe/intimate environment and putting people at ease. I entered this program knowing I had a problem but confident that I could just resume drinking but less. You have successfully shown me (1), I don’t have to in order to be successful w/my job & life and (2), I don’t miss it as much as I had. I am not convinced (right now) that I will never drink again, but I am no longer planning on when I would have my first “occasional” drink either-which I think is great."
John Glovan, PsyD Michael Pollak, PCC, LICDC Sarah Amoroso, LPCC-S
Barbara Ballash, MA Tina W. Bulucea, MSSA, LISW Stephanie Cerula, LPCC
Karen Conkey, LPCC Jordon Distad, LPC Cathy Knezevich, M.Ed., PCC
Dr. Erin Kotkowski Joanna Koutros, MD Brianne Markley, LPC
Madeline McDowell, LPC Kim Mueller, Office Mgr Erika Nathan, MD
Dawn Ostrowski, LPCC Erin Pawlak, LPCC Sami Petty, MSN-PMHNP
Tassiana B. P. Pinheiro, LPC Lauren Plott, LISW Ashley E. Poklar, PhD
Michael J. Primc, M.D. John Spiesman, Ed.D., MSW, LISW Korinne Stanich, LPCC
Brahmaiah Tandra, MD Angela Tarantino, LPCC, MFT Kimberly A. Vitolo MS, IMFT