Michael W. Cole, LCSW
Columbia County Director of Community Services
Mr. Cole's education includes both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work. He has worked for over thirty-four years in a variety of human services positions within the public and non-profit sectors. Twenty-two of those years included administrative experience.
In 2010, Mr. Cole came to work at Columbia County Mental Health Center. As the Director of Community Services (DCS), Mr. Cole is responsible for operation of the Columbia County Local Governmental Unit as per New York State Mental Hygiene Law Article 41. These responsibilities include the following functions related to individuals diagnosed with mental illness, addiction and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities: determine and address the quantitative and qualitative unmet need for treatment and support services, operate the Community Services Board and its subcommittees, advocate, contract with public and private providers to meet the service needs identified, operate Single Point of Access (SPOA) processes, and coordinate the Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program. The DCS is also responsible for oversight of county operated services including: an adult and children’s outpatient mental health clinic, an adult and children’s care coordination program, and a crisis warm-line service.
Columbia County Director of Community Services
Mr. Cole's education includes both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work. He has worked for over thirty-four years in a variety of human services positions within the public and non-profit sectors. Twenty-two of those years included administrative experience.
In 2010, Mr. Cole came to work at Columbia County Mental Health Center. As the Director of Community Services (DCS), Mr. Cole is responsible for operation of the Columbia County Local Governmental Unit as per New York State Mental Hygiene Law Article 41. These responsibilities include the following functions related to individuals diagnosed with mental illness, addiction and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities: determine and address the quantitative and qualitative unmet need for treatment and support services, operate the Community Services Board and its subcommittees, advocate, contract with public and private providers to meet the service needs identified, operate Single Point of Access (SPOA) processes, and coordinate the Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program. The DCS is also responsible for oversight of county operated services including: an adult and children’s outpatient mental health clinic, an adult and children’s care coordination program, and a crisis warm-line service.
