DAVID COHEN
Summary
Transformational behavioral health executive with 20+ years of experience leading clinical operations, scaling addiction and co-occurring disorder programs, and driving organizational growth across premier treatment organizations. Proven track record of aligning clinical excellence with business performance, optimizing P&L, and building high-performing multidisciplinary teams.
Expert in program development, regulatory compliance, and evidence-based care delivery across the full continuum (Residential, PHP, IOP, Outpatient). Recognized for leading organizational turnarounds, enhancing patient outcomes, and implementing data-driven strategies that improve both clinical quality and financial performance.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Director / Chief Operating Officer
Harmony Place Treatment Center
Woodland Hills
02.2022 - Current
- Lead end-to-end clinical operations, integrating strategic planning with daily execution to enhance program effectiveness and patient outcomes
- Designed and implemented comprehensive clinical programming and utilization review processes, improving care quality and operational efficiency
- Oversee multidisciplinary leadership team, including Program and Wellness Directors, ensuring coordinated, whole-person care delivery
- Ensure full compliance with Joint Commission and DHCS standards while maintaining high service integrity
- Drive performance through data-informed decision-making and continuous program refinement
Clinical Consultant
The Dawn Wellness Centre
Chiang Mai
06.2021 - Current
- Analyze service delivery models and implement improvements to increase patient engagement and retention
- Partner with ownership and leadership team to review performance data and guide strategic decisions
- Provide clinical supervision and case review to ensure high standards of care
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Private Practice
CA
10.2004 - Current
- Provide individualized and family-based treatment for substance use and mental health disorders
- Develop workshops and educational programs on addiction, mental health, and recovery strategies
- Advocate for patient access to care and community-based resources
Chief Clinical Officer
CLARE|MATRIX
Santa Monica
04.2020 - 04.2022
- Developed and implemented clinical policies aligned with organizational mission and regulatory requirements
- Established performance metrics and reporting systems to track clinical outcomes and program effectiveness
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and accreditation standards (CARF and others)
- Leveraged data analytics to drive program design, operational improvements, and patient outcomes
Clinical Manager, Outpatient Program & Primary The
Cliffside Malibu
Malibu
01.2018 - 09.2019
- Developed and managed outpatient treatment programs across multiple levels of care (PHP, IOP)
- Maintained patient census through collaboration with marketing and business development teams
- Managed caseload and treatment planning, improving patient engagement and satisfaction
- Supported continuity of care across residential and outpatient services
Consulting Executive Director
Clinical Consulting (Multiple Organizations)
01.2016 - 12.2018
- Led program development and operational strategy for treatment centers including Ocean Recovery and Beach House Treatment Center
- Advised on ethical standards, compliance, and implementation of innovative treatment solutions, including AI-enabled platforms
- Supported organizational growth and sustainability through strategic leadership
Vice President, Addiction & Co-Occurring Disorders
Insight Behavioral Health
Chicago
01.2015 - 12.2018
- Designed and implemented dual-diagnosis programs grounded in evidence-based practices
- Built and led high-performing clinical teams through recruitment, training, and leadership development
- Improved program effectiveness and service delivery through strategic planning
Clinical Director
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
Chicago
01.2013 - 05.2015
- Led a team of 15 clinicians, improving staff performance, morale, and operational outcomes
- Redesigned IOP/PHP programming to better address complex patient needs
- Enhanced clinical and financial performance through operational improvements
Lead Chemical Dependency Professional
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
Chicago
05.2006 - 09.2013
- Delivered comprehensive addiction treatment services, contributing to reduced relapse rates
- Conducted assessments and developed individualized treatment plans
Education
Master of Social Work (MSW)
University of Michigan
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
University of Illinois
Skills
- Clinical & Executive Leadership
- Behavioral Health Program Development
- Substance Use & Co-Occurring Disorders
- P&L Management & Operational Strategy
- Regulatory Compliance (Joint Commission, CARF, DHCS)
- Performance Metrics & Outcomes Improvement
- Team Building & Staff Development
- Utilization Review & Quality Assurance
- Community Partnerships & Growth Strategy
Accomplishments
2014 Spirit Award for Hope
Certification
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Chief Clinical Officer – InRecovery (Addiction Recovery Platform)
- Adjunct Professor – Antioch University
- Adjunct Professor – Loyola University Chicago
PUBLICATIONS & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
- Contributor – Huffington Post (Addiction & Recovery Topics)
Timeline
Clinical Director / Chief Operating Officer
Harmony Place Treatment Center
02.2022 - Current
Clinical Consultant
The Dawn Wellness Centre
06.2021 - Current
Chief Clinical Officer
CLARE|MATRIX
04.2020 - 04.2022
Clinical Manager, Outpatient Program & Primary The
Cliffside Malibu
01.2018 - 09.2019
Consulting Executive Director
Clinical Consulting (Multiple Organizations)
01.2016 - 12.2018
Vice President, Addiction & Co-Occurring Disorders
Insight Behavioral Health
01.2015 - 12.2018
Clinical Director
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
01.2013 - 05.2015
Lead Chemical Dependency Professional
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
05.2006 - 09.2013
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Private Practice
10.2004 - Current
Master of Social Work (MSW)
University of Michigan
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
University of Illinois