Michael Reading earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Memphis in 1996 in Community Agency Counseling. He is a National Certified Counselor and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State. Michael has worked in the King County Public Mental Health System for more than 25 years serving individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness and is currently the Executive Director for the International Council for Helplines. Michael is well versed in crisis services through previous positions that include Chief of Crisis Systems and Services for the King County Behavioral Health & Recovery Division where he oversaw crisis services provided within the King County regional service area. Prior to this, Michael was the Director of Crisis Services at Crisis Clinic in Seattle, WA where he oversaw various services that included: 24/7 Crisis Line; participation with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline; Crisis Chat services; 24/7 WA State Recovery Help Line; WA Warm Line; Teen Link peer to peer support line; and support for Survivors of Suicide. Michael is currently an Accreditation Examiner for the International Council for Helplines.