Clay P. David, MA, MFA, AMFT
Therapist
Clay is a dedicated mental health professional, educator, and advocate with over 25 years of experience in recovery, counseling, and arts education. Grounded in his own recovery journey, Clay fosters authentic connections with clients, guiding them through transformative growth with empathy and creativity.
Clay’s career spans diverse settings, including clinical therapy, arts-based education, and recovery support. At the Liberation Institute, he provided evidence-based counseling for clients managing substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. As a Senior Life Enrichment Leader with the Senior Resource Group, he designed innovative recovery programs promoting connection and well-being for older adults. His work with the Los Angeles County Probation Department empowered justice-involved youth through arts and poetry, creating pathways for personal growth and rehabilitation.
As a professor, Clay has inspired creativity and cultural appreciation at institutions such as Loyola Marymount University, and the University of Connecticut. A sought-after keynote speaker and leadership trainer, he has addressed topics including cultural humility, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, and disability rights, empowering organizations to foster inclusivity and thriving communities.
Clay’s achievements have earned him numerous awards, including the AARP Wish of a Lifetime Award of Excellence, the National Council on Aging Program of Excellence, Los Angeles Bravo Award for Outstanding Innovation and Excellence, and numerous accolades in theater arts, such as the Kennedy Center Irene Ryan Award, National Victor Borge Legacy Award, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Awards and the TITAN Award for Theatre Excellence. These achievements underscore his lifelong commitment to creativity and advocacy.
Through partnerships with organizations like The Trevor Project, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Faces & Voices of Recovery, Clay’s passion for service and ability to build meaningful community connections reflect his profound understanding of recovery.
Driven by a belief in the resilience of the human spirit, Clay’s work—whether as a clinician, educator, or advocate—reflects an unwavering dedication to helping individuals and communities heal, grow, and thrive.
