Combining experiences from mental health and substance abuse direct treatment, systemic and contextual coordination, and teaching with research-driven data, Mike works with demonstrated practices to assist professionals and communities decrease risk to individuals and help families.
He provides educational training and consultation to professionals working with youth and families with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues, including the model developed by the Center for Innovative Practices.
Previously, Mike worked in the addictions field of counseling with adults and later provided treatment to co-occurring youth in home-based settings. Mike also teaches college courses in psychology, addictions and human development.
Q: Why is your work at the Begun Center important to you, to our community, and to the world? I strive to disseminate best-practice, clinical knowledge and skills working with a long-un(der)-recognized group: adolescents with co-occurring mental health and substance use issues.
Q: What is a cause about which you are particularly passionate? Violence reduction.