Featured Health Services Research Experts

I am a seasoned mental health and addiction specialist, dedicated to the field of treatment and recovery since 2015. I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in clinical mental health counseling from South University in Royal Palm Beach, FL, and I am credentialed as both a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS). Over the years, I've gained hands-on experience in various areas, including psychiatric acute stabilization, psychiatric partial hospitalization, and both in-patient and out-patient substance use treatment. My journey has taken me through clinical counseling, program development, and organizational leadership. Before joining New Waters, I served as the Clinical Director at Gupta Psychiatry and Wellness in Raleigh, NC, where I helped shape a respected substance abuse partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient program. I am a firm believer in the transformative power of quality clinical programming and its impact on long-term sobriety. With a compassionate approach, I am committed to helping individuals and families overcome substance use disorders, guiding them toward a life free from addiction.

Jonathan JK Stoltman, PhD is Director of the Opioid Policy Institute, a research think tank that uses multipronged approaches to better understand gaps in treatment and recovery services. In 2019, he completed his PhD in Lifespan Developmental Psychology from West Virginia University and has worked as a researcher focusing on opioid addiction treatment and recovery for more than a decade. During this time, Jonathan’s academic work has appeared in leading journals, conferences, and media outlets.

Howard Friedman, MD Cleveland, OH 44124 Email: drfriedman@hhomllc.com | Phone: 332-268-1006 Professional Summary Board-certified Internal Medicine physician and U.S. Army veteran with over 30 years of clinical experience, now leading a national telehealth consulting practice. Formerly a senior VA physician and medical manager, I bring a deep understanding of disability medicine, chronic disease management, and veteran healthcare. As founder of HHOM LLC, I provide personalized medical opinions, Nexus Letters, and preventative health education to veterans, attorneys, and consulting agencies. Licensed in Ohio and Pennsylvania, I remain committed to evidence-based care, integrity in medical evaluation, and expanding access through virtual platforms. Work Experience • Founder & Medical Consultant, Howard’s House of Medicine (HHOM LLC) – Cleveland, OH (Jan 2024 – Present): Founded a national telehealth-based consulting practice focused on veteran advocacy, Nexus Letters, and preventative health education. Provides evidence-based opinions and teleconsultations to veterans and legal professionals. • Independent Physician Consultant – Cleveland, OH (Oct 2021 – Dec 2023): Transitioned from clinical practice to consultative telemedicine and legal medical review. • Medical Manager / Lead Physician, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Willoughby, OH (Jan 2002 – Oct 2021): Directed outpatient services, led telemedicine programs, supervised interdisciplinary care teams, and earned multiple performance awards. • Staff Physician, University Hospitals of Cleveland – Cleveland, OH (Jun 2000 – Sep 2002): Managed practice integration and clinical continuity. • Staff Physician, Mount Sinai Health Care System – Cleveland, OH (Aug 1995 – Jun 2000): Delivered outpatient care and participated in practice transitions. • Staff Physician, Center for Internal Medicine – Beachwood, OH (Aug 1993 – Jul 1995): Developed outpatient services, conducted inpatient rounds, and taught medical residents. Certifications and Licenses • Board Certified, Internal Medicine, National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (NBPAS), 2025–2027 • Medical License – Ohio, Active through Jan 2027 • Medical License – Pennsylvania, Active • DEA License, Schedule 2, 2N, 3 – Valid through 2027

Dr. Ida Salusky is a Research Associate Professor at Northwestern University School of Medicine. She is a licensed clinical-community psychologist, educator, and scholar focused on increasing equity within higher education and healthcare settings. Dr. Salusky has 15 years of experience leading research related to immigrant mental health, improving services for minoritized students in higher ed and creating equitable community-academic partnerships. She has conducted bilingual therapy (Spanish/English) with children, families and adults in a range of settings including community mental health centers, university health centers and hospital outpatient clinics. In addition, Dr. Salusky is a trained forensic evaluator and trains clinicians to conduct pro-bono forensic psychological assessments for asylum seekers. She received her PhD in clinical-community psychology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and completed her clinical internship at Yale University. Dr. Salusky also holds a Masters in Public Health from Columbia University with a concentration in forced migration and a BA from Smith College.