Susan Matorin, MS, LCSW, ACSW, has worked for nearly six decades in social work, long establishing herself as a proven professional and highly respected mentor. She thrives as the senior lecturer of social work in psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. Her expertise and commitment to helping patients recover from serious illnesses have been central to her career.
Ms. Matorin’s social work journey began with her fascination with the psychological makeup of people and her concern for social justice, which she has seamlessly integrated throughout her professional life. Her career is marked by significant roles that have shaped her contributions to the field. As examples, she was both the treatment coordinator and program director for the Affective Disorder Team at the Cornell Psychiatry Intensive Outpatient Program. Prior to this, she was the director of social work at Payne Whitney Psychiatric Clinic, New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center from 1981 to 1997. Her earlier roles included chief of ambulatory social work in psychiatry at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center and chief of social work at Washington Heights Community Service, New York State Psychiatric Institute.
Alongside her primary professional roles, Ms. Matorin has been active with Columbia School of Social Work since 1966 and holds positions including chair of the Lucille Austin Lectureship Committee and member of the Alumni Past Presidents Advisory Council for the current dean. Most recently, the dean appointed her to represent the Columbia School of Social Work to the nominating committee for the Board of Trustees at Columbia University. Her dedication extends beyond academia, as she has participated in panel presentations such as “Getting Better Health Care for Your Mind and Body” at Fountain House in New York and served on various advisory boards and committees. Also notably, Ms. Matorin represented Weill Cornell Medicine in the community, teaching about anxiety at the Brooklyn Public Library as part of its Adult Learning program.
Ms. Matorin’s own formidable academic background laid a strong foundation for her career achievements. She completed postgraduate coursework at Columbia School of Social Work in 1966 after earning a Bachelor of Arts from Vassar College in 1964 and a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University in New York City. Her added critical credentials include being a certified social worker in the state of New York since 1966, a licensed clinical social worker, and a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) since 1978. Further, she is a life fellow of the American Orthopsychiatric Association.
Moreover, as an author, Ms. Matorin’s literary contributions through decades have been extensive, addressing contemporary issues by writing “A Letter on Televised Therapy,” “A.I. Companions and the Mental Health Risks for the Young,” “What Holds a Marriage Together, or Doesn’t,” published in The New York Times, as well as other “Letters to the Editor” in The New York Times – among many more titles. Her commentary on “Finding Joy in Social Work,” published in The Social Work Journal also stands out as a career highlight, even amid some criticism for her candid views related to the field.
Ms. Matorin’s influence reaches even farther through her passionate civic engagement and donations to educational institutions, including, but not limited to, Kingswood-Oxford High School, Vassar College, and Columbia School of Social Work. Her involvement with organizations, such as the Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care, and her role on various committees mirror her commitment to advancing social work practices. Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades such as the Ellen Perlman Simon Mentor Award from the Society for Social Work Leaders in Health Care in 2021 and the Centennial Award from Columbia School of Social Work in 1998. Her dedication to fostering strong alliances across disciplines has been pivotal in her success, supported by her “brilliant” mentors, including Dr. Alvin Mesnikoff, Elizabeth R. Prichard, Winnie Winikus, Dr. Jody Schachnow, and Dr. Richard C. Friedman.
Looking ahead, Ms. Matorin, a widow, mother, and grandmother, remains devoted to her vital work with patients and writing about the field that has given her – and that she has given – so much. Away from work, she enjoys time with family and close friends, playing piano, reading, walking, ballet, opera, and various forms of art.