About Our Rehab Centers In Los Angeles, CA

I have been in the mental health field since 1996. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise and training in the treatment of a multitude of mental health issues including substance abuse, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, and relationship issues. I have worked as a psychologist in a detox unit and as the clinical supervisor of an adolescent substance abuse program. I have been in private practice since 2003, and since 2005 I have served as the director of mental health at a non-public school serving developmentally delayed and emotionally disturbed students. I enjoy supervising and training new therapists, which I have done throughout my career. I have taught undergraduate psychology and lectured on a variety of topics including the treatment of substance abuse in adolescents, motivational interviewing, basic counseling skills, supervision, ethics, and personality assessment. I am trained in several evidence-based practices including Aggression Replacement Training, Seeking Safety, Trauma Focused CBT, and Crisis Oriented Recovery Services.

Sara has been with Harmony Place since 2017. She began her experience in nursing as a CNA working with adolescents and adults with eating disorders. Once Sara got her LVN, she transitioned into working with adolescents with dual diagnosis, as well as working in home health care. Once Sara was offered a chance to work with adults challenged with substance use disorders, she welcomed the opportunity. Sara continued to work in the treatment industry while she completed her RN degree. Sara is an RN and is pursuing her NP in Psychology.

Sara has been working in the treatment industry for over 13 years. Her passion for working with clients involves treating them with kindness, compassion and empathy. Sara loves being able to see the success stories of clients and being a part of their journey to sobriety.

Building a collaborative and respectful relationship are vital ingredients for meaningful therapy. I am confident in my ability in creating and maintaining an authentic and trusting environment, working at a pace that feels appropriate and safe for the client. Striving to reach one’s potential and vanquish sabotaging influences are what make therapy a potentially transformative experience. I believe a self-examination is an act that requires courage and merits considerable admiration.

Uncovering roots of anxiety/depression, ADD, PTSD, and relational difficulties with significant others and business associates. Client-centered, cognitive behavioral, and existential philosophy are brief examples of therapeutic strategies that are sometimes used to facilitate relief or strengthen a client’s ability to respond to life’s challenges and opportunities.

I believe strongly in the importance and necessity of a respectful and confidential environment where trust can be established. Changes that client’s make, are at the pace that is right for her or him. Beginning therapy requires considerable courage and is an admirable and rare trait.

Andrew D. Greif is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Interventionist in private practice in Burbank and Valencia, California. He serves Children, Adolescents and Adults through individual, couple and family sessions. He utilizes his extensive training in eating disorders, chemical dependency and relationship tactics to serve a diverse population with variable needs and presenting problems. Andrew also sub-specializes in CEO / Business Coaching to serve executives and corporations in management of organizational structure, efficiency and personnel dynamics.

Andrew’s experience includes past clinical staff positions in residential and day treatment facilities where he worked with individuals and groups, and developed a Music Therapy program that he now directs at Harmony Place. He is passionate about being of service to those in need, and feels strongly about the great deal of courage that it takes for a person to report for therapy, and start to better their lives.

Andrew is a graduate of Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts and received his Masters Degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute in Chatsworth, California. At Phillips, he was awarded membership in the Alpha Epsilon Lambda National Honor Society. Prior to embarking on his career as a Psychotherapist, Andrew worked in the entertainment business for many years, and brings a wealth of knowledge to Harmony Place in this arena. He is able to assist Clients with varied professional demands and high pressure careers, in finding sobriety, healthy lifestyle and relationship choices, to positively affect their own lives as well as that of their employees.

Outside of his Private Practice and Harmony Place, Andrew enjoys reading, playing music, woodworking and trying to analyze the thoughts of his daughter, a true work in progress. Andrew also admits to being obsessed by the game of golf and is in the process of a deep “intrapsychic examination” of his swing…. also known as taking lessons.

Michelle Howard, MA, MFTI is a Marriage and Family Therapist Registered Intern and serves as a primary therapist and group facilitator at Valley Restoration Center. Michelle specializes in family and woman issues associated with addiction and depression. Michelle has her Masters Degree in Psychology from Phillips Graduate University.

I’m native to California and ​I’ve been working at Harmony Place since 2015. As an addict myself, I understand and enjoy helping other addicts in treatment. I have an understanding of what it feels like to go into treatment, live in a sober environment and work a program, which I think gives me insight in working with our clients. Working in the program has helped me tremendously throughout my journey in recovery. It brings me happiness to watch others grow to live their best selves.

Haleh is a compassionate and skilled mental health therapist dedicated to providing high-quality care and support to clients from diverse backgrounds. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practices and a genuine passion for helping others, Haleh has made a significant impact on the lives of many individuals seeking emotional healing and personal growth.

Haleh holds a BS degree in Psychology from the University of Santa Barbara, a MA degree with an emphasis on MFT from Phillips Graduate Institute and a PsyD in Applied Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. 

Throughout her career, Haleh has worked in various settings, including community mental health centers, an IMD (Institute for mental disease), private practice, residential eating disorder facilities, and substance abuse treatment facilities. This diverse experience has provided her with a well-rounded perspective on mental health challenges and the complexities of the human experience.

Haleh’s therapeutic approach is client-centered and holistic, focusing on the individual’s overall well-being. She integrates a range of evidence-based modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based interventions. By tailoring her approach to each client’s unique situation, Haleh fosters a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Haleh specializes in trauma recovery, addiction treatment, anxiety and depression, as well as family therapy. Her expertise in these areas allows her to guide clients through complex challenges and support them in achieving their therapeutic goals.

Haleh believes in empowering clients to take an active role in their healing process. She emphasizes the importance of building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust, empathy, and respect.

Overall, Haleh is a dedicated and skilled mental health therapist who strives to make a positive difference in the lives of those she works with. Through her compassionate approach and commitment to excellence, she continues to support individuals on their journey toward healing and self-discovery.

Brenna Chiarenza, ACSW is an Associate Clinical Social Worker who earned her Master of Social Work at California State University, Northridge in 2018. Brenna has worked in a variety of settings in the behavioral health care field including residential treatment, community mental health, and utilization review. Brenna is committed to helping individuals overcome substance use disorders and reclaim their lives. Brenna brings a compassionate and personalized approach to therapy, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Through empathic listening, support and guidance, individuals are empowered to explore underlying issues contributing to their addiction and develop effective coping strategies for long term sobriety.

Anna Heta Tehranzadeh is a licensed Psychotherapist with an extensive background in addiction medicine and PhD education in Industrial Organization Psychology. As a licensed professional in Marriage and Family Therapy, Anna uses a dedicated approach to perform individual and group therapy at the Valley Restoration Center. Anna specializes in addiction treatment and has performed psychotherapy in several outpatient organizations across Southern California. In addition, Anna has a multifaceted approach that uses several evidence-based practices that tie into her certification as a Hatha yoga teacher. It is her honor and privilege to work with a dedicated staff that is filled with empathy, dedication, and client centered care. Anna is determined to help shape, develop, and support each client into starting fresh new beginning and cherish each day that is part of recovery.

Hi Everyone! My name is Colten Holmes. In the journey of life, I have embraced the path of recovery with open arms and an open mind! I currently have 5 years sober, and have been working for Harmony Place since July of 2021.

On my professional journey, I have dedicated myself to working in Substance Abuse, being driven by a passion to make a positive impact on the lives of others. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to empathize and work with addicts alongside such a wonderful team here at Harmony Place and Valley Restoration Center. Currently, I am pursuing an education to become a certified drug and alcohol counselor, furthering my commitment to support individuals on their journey to sobriety and wellness.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I find happiness and joy in attending concerts, going to comedy shows, playing video games, and exploring my musical creativity. I enjoy taking my dog to the dog park and of course spending time with my significant other. God has blessed me so much since first getting sober and continues to do so daily.

Dr. Julio Meza is a Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine Specialist at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA also certified by UC Irvine/Davis in Psychiatry in Primary Care. Dr. Meza was born and raised in El Salvador. He graduated Cum Laude from Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador. After graduating from medical school, he was accepted into a surgical residency and completed an internship at the Hospital Militar Central in El Salvador. He left El Salvador to pursue his dream of becoming a U.S. licensed family physician; during his training in primary care saw first hand the need of patients with diagnoses of Substance Use Disorders and decided to pursue a specialty is Addiction Medicine which he completed at UCLA.

He also has worked with a Community Clinic in Downtown Los Angeles as Medical director for their Substance Use Department. He participated in ASAM COVID19 task force to provide recommendations for management of Substance Use Disorders for Hospital Inpatient Services during the 2020 COVID19 pandemic. Dr. Meza enjoys working with patients from all backgrounds and provides non judgmental compassionate care.

Education

• Medical Residency: Hospital Militar Central, El Salvador
• Doctor of Medicine: Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador
• Addiction Medicine: David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles

Shaza is a board certified nurse practitioner with broad experience as an addiction treatment provider. Her previous experience includes work as a critical care registered nurse throughout Southern California and an as a provider treatment programs. She is a graduate of UC San Diego, the University of Oklahoma, and Azusa Pacific University. She is particularly interested in the study of addiction as a maladaptive response to universal human suffering.

Amos Van Landingham brings their talent for empathic client care, passion for service to others, and diverse professional background in the Behavioral Healthcare field to their work at Harmony Place. Since 2007, Amos has fulfilled roles such as National Director of Operations, Director of Admissions, Student Care Manager, Marketing Coordinator, Residential Technician, and Sober Living House Manager. Having gotten sober in 2006 as a UCLA undergrad, Amos understands the challenges and concerns one experiences when making the difficult decision to put life on hold to get much needed help. “It is a pleasure and a privilege to facilitate the transition to a better way of life for those seeking recovery.” In their free time, Amos loves to spend quality time with their wife and rambunctious dog Henry, enjoy live music shows and festivals, and to serve their community through mutual aid projects.​

Nelson has worked in the treatment field since 2017, after getting sober in 2016. He is actively involved in Alcoholics Anonymous and enjoys participating in his recovery. He has been happily working with Harmony Place for 6 plus years. Nelson has cherished working with clients as a lead Residential Advisor and is now in the role of Admissions Coordinator. He is grateful to be a part of clients’ recovery journey. “I love giving back what has been given to me and treatment centers like Harmony Place gave me the foundation to succeed in recovery.”

I am a certified hypnotherapist and heavily involved in spirituality and energy work. I have worked in treatment for the last 3 years. I enjoy helping other addicts along their sobriety journey, having struggled with substance abuse myself I understand how powerful community and connection is. I am a group facilitator and the Aftercare coordinator at Harmony place. I help the client’s transition smoothly into their next level of care after they complete their stay in residential treatment, whether they decide to continue with sober living and outpatient or finding local meetings and other care in their area. I assist with client care from beginning to end and absolutely love what I do!​

Before working in the field of addiction, I worked with people with aging challenges and disabilities. I have always enjoyed helping others in the community. I have worked in treatment centers since 2015. I appreciate working with clients. It is rewarding to be of service to those afflicted by the disease of addiction, as well as a challenge to deal with the many intricacies that clients face. Addiction has affected one of the most important people in my life. Working in treatment gives me a greater sense of the struggles of addiction and the beauty of recovery.

Dante began working in the field of Drug and Alcohol Treatment in 2010 as a Residential Chef. Looking to further hone his skills, Dante graduated from the Academy of Culinary Education and soon after, became an Executive Sous Chef. Presently, Dante works as a chef at Harmony Place, where he shares his love for cooking and sense of compassion to provide clients with the best treatment possible. Laus Deo Semper.