Connection, Courage, and Compassion with Cole Hooley

In a recent BYU Devotional, President Dallin H. Oaks said, "We are grateful to know that there are two methods of gaining needed knowledge: (1) the evolving disclosures of man discovered by the scientific method and (2) the truths disclosed by the spiritual method, which begins with faith in God and relies on scriptures, inspired teaching, and personal revelation. There is no ultimate conflict between knowledge gained by these different methods because God, our omnipotent Eternal Father, knows all truth and beckons us to learn by both methods." As a professor of Social Work, Dr. Cole Hooley expertly teaches us how to apply both methods in our everyday lives as covenant keepers. He envisions a world where no one is left behind. Researchers are developing powerful tools to alleviate suffering, and his mission is to get them to everyone who needs them. Cole pursues this mission through a unique blend of clinical practice, teaching, research, and civic leadership. As a psychotherapist, Dr. Hooley provides direct care that grounds him in clients' real-world needs. As a professor of social work, he trains the next generation of clinicians to deliver compassionate, evidence-based services. As a researcher, he studies mental health services and implementation science—focusing on how proven interventions can be scaled and sustained within behavioral health care systems. His experience as a city council member and as a consultant to state agencies helps him translate research into actionable policy. At the systems level, Cole is interested in bridging the gap between academia and policy. His goal is to produce rigorous research that is also practical and actionable for policymakers, system leaders, and community stakeholders. By integrating research and practice, he aims to help build innovative, equitable, and sustainable behavioral health systems. Cole's research interests were born from his experiences in New York City, St. Louis, Utah, Uganda, Rwanda, and the UK.