Oryx Cohen, M.P.A., is a leader in the international mental health consumer/survivor/ex-patient (c/s/x) movement.  Currently Oryx is the Chief Operating Officer of the National Empowerment Center (NEC).  In addition to organizing the national Alternatives Conference every three years and other responsibilities, he assists states that have an underdeveloped consumer/survivor voice to find that voice and then work toward transforming the mental health systems in those states to become peer-driven and recovery-oriented.  Prior to joining NEC, Oryx was Co-Director of the Western Massachusetts Recovery Learning Community.  He helped to spearhead an innovative peer-run approach focusing on recovery, healing, and community.  Oryx is also the co-founder of Freedom Center, the Pioneer Valley’s only independent peer-run support/activist organization.  Freedom Center’s purpose is to empower and support people with psychiatric labels while challenging oppressive mental health policies and practices.  

Oryx is the Co-Producer and stars in a film called HEALING VOICES, which was released on April 29th in 130 communities in 8 different countries. Oryx serves on several boards and committees internationally, nationally and regionally, including the Hearing Voices Network USA.  He speaks and conducts trainings internationally on such topics as Emotional CPR, Hearing Voices, Trauma, and Recovery.  Oryx volunteered for several years with MindFreedom International, directing its Oral History Project.  This project involved collecting and documenting c/s/x stories of abuse, empowerment, and healing in the mental health system.  Oryx is also adjunct faculty in the Westfield State College Psychology Department.