Treatment Team
Psychologist / Therapists / Counselors
THERAPIST
Dr. Cathy Thielen, PsyD #PSB35834
Dr. Thielen holds both a Masters and a Doctorate degree in clinical psychology. She specializes in trauma recovery, substance abuse treatment, anxiety disorders, art/music therapy and meditation and relaxation techniques. Dr. Thielen has worked with those suffering with addiction and trauma issues for over 10 years. She works under the supervision of Dr. Francisco.
PSYCHOLOGIST
Dr. Jocelyn Francisco, PsyD #PSY22249
Dr. Francisco is a licensed Clinical Psychologist who has is experienced in treating Dual Diagnosis issues, mood disorders - including depression and bipolar episodes, thought disturbances - including schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders, as well as behavioral disturbances that impair social functioning.Her expertise lies in providing an integrated treatment approach to not only addiction, but also co-occuring disorders such as Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder and Eating Disorders.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR / CASE MANAGER
Edward “Ted” Bryans
Ted Bryans is a certified chemical dependency counselor and a registered addiction specialist with over 25 years of experience as an addiction counselor. He is also in recovery and has been sober for more than 28 years. His experience in counseling as well as his personal recovery allows him to be empathetic, kind and understanding.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR / CASE MANAGER
Tina Williams, CAS
Tina has vast experience working with clients with co-occurring disorders in addiction and eating disorder treatment. As a case manager, she helps clients to develop the skills and tools needed to live in recovery. Tina has extensive experience in leading groups such as anger management, relapse prevention, and 12-step groups. Tina is currently working toward her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services..
Independent Physicians
ADDICTION PSYCHIATRIST
Dr. Valeh Karimkhani, DO
Dr. Valeh Karimkhani is a psychiatrist, who specializes in Addiction Psychiatry. She is equally expert in the treatment of substance abuse Co-Occurring Disorders, including PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, among others. After completing her medical/psychiatric education in Texas, Dr. Karimkhani became a professor of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado. She is a member of the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
Adjunct Professionals
REGISTERED DIETITIAN
Rachel Liger, MS, RD
Rachel is a Registered Dietician and has extensive experience in nutrition therapy associated with eating disorders and weight management. She has worked in a variety of eating disorder treatment settings including inpatient, outpatient and residential. Rachel utilizes innovative approaches and paradoxical methods for the education and re-feeding of malnourished individuals. In addition, she lectures professionally in the community and serves as an adjunct professor at California State University, Long Beach. At CSLB, Rachel designed and implemented an original clinical trial study on the effectiveness of the dietician for weight loss management when medications are used. Her skills were recently highlighted in her appearance on the E! Network’s television series, What’s Eating You.
LIFE COACH / SPIRITUAL THERAPIST
Mack Harris
Mack is a certified professional life coach, specializing in life transitions, marriage coaching, pre-marriage education, personal and spiritual growth, and vision development. He is also certificated by the state of California as an advocate for victims of domestic violence and abuse. Mack is an ordained minister with over 17 years of experience in pastoral counseling and care. He is the current director of pastoral care and counseling in a large local church and congregation. Mack is passionate about helping people to integrate successful spiritual principles with their real life issues.
FOUNDER
Derik Brian
Derik Brian is the founder and owner of Miramar Recovery. Miramar Health, his behavioral health care company, comprises Miramar Recovery and the Eating Disorder Center of Newport Beach, as well. Derik's in depth understanding of addiction, both through personal and familial experience, lead him to create an addiction and dual diagnosis treatment program that is among the finest in the field, today.