Michael Pollak, PCC-S, LICDC

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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

"...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."

"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."