MICHAEL B. FRIEDMAN, LMSW

In a career that spanned over 40 years, Michael Friedman was a direct service provider, an administrator, and a social advocate, working in community and public service positions.  In 2010 he retired from his position as Director of The Center for Policy, Advocacy, and Education of The Mental Health Association of New York City, which he founded in 2003.  At the time he also retired as Chair of the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance of New York, which he co-founded in 2004, and as the Facilitator of the Veterans’ Mental Health Coalition in NYC, which he co-founded in 2009.  He continues teaching courses on health policy and mental health policy at Columbia University’s schools of Social Work and of Public Health.  He also continues to write frequently about mental health and about aging.  

Previously Mr. Friedman had served as Regional Director (Deputy Commissioner) of the New York State Office of Mental Health, Director of Network Development for The Department of Psychiatry of New York Presbyterian Hospital, Executive Director of The Mental Health Association of Westchester, Director of Operations of The Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services; and Program Director, The Bridge, Inc.  In the late 60’s and early 70’s, he taught philosophy at a number of colleges in the NYC area.

Mr. Friedman has been extremely active in the community over the years, working with numerous advisory and advocacy groups at the local, state, and federal levels. He is a Past President of the Coalition of Voluntary Mental Health Agencies, was Chairman of the Hudson River Planning Advisory Committee of the Office of Mental Health, was Vice-Chairman of the New York City Public Child Fatality Review Committee, served on The National Institute of Mental Health Services Research Planning Panel, served on the Health Care Policy Advisory Committee for the NYS Governor’s Transition Team in 2006, and was a member of the NYS Geriatric Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Planning Council to mention just a few of his community service activities. Currently, he is honorary chairman of The Geriatric Mental Health Alliance and is a member of The Advisory Committee to the NYC Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Mr. Friedman has spoken at many professional conferences and published numerous articles and opinion essays.  His topics have included geriatric mental health, integration of health and mental health services, mental health policy and finance, health care reform, child mental health, social advocacy, family support, managed care, psychiatric rehabilitation, child welfare, family violence, stigma, creativity, and political philosophy.

Mr. Friedman received his Bachelor's degree from Columbia College, a Master's degree in philosophy from Columbia University, and a Master's in Social Work from the Hunter College School of Social Work.

He is also a semi-professional jazz pianist and a photographer, who has had numerous exhibits in the NYC area.  Some of his work can be seen at http://photography.michaelbfriedman.com.