
CENTER FOR DISCOVERY
4421 Carmel Valley Road
San Diego, CA 92130
PH 866.482.3876
Hours 24/7
PROGRAM FEATURES
Residential Treatment
Female Identifying
Non-Binary
Ages 18+

Center for Discovery Del Mar is a higher level of care eating disorder treatment center located in San Diego, California that treats adult female and non-binary (regardless of sex assigned at birth) patients in the Southern California area, including greater San Diego as well as south Orange County. Since opening, Center for Discovery Del Mar has been a leader in the community by partnering with local schools on various educational awareness initiatives and having a presence in the local community. Treatment modalities we offer include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure & response prevention (ERP) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
In addition to receiving evidence-based therapies, patients all have the opportunity to put “joyful” back into movement through yoga and other activities.
Insurances we accept include but are not limited to Anthem BC, HMC, HealthNet, Cigna and UNICARE. Please remember that the insurances we accept change frequently. Our insurance team will verify your coverage.
Other therapy approaches include yoga therapy, mindfulness, art therapy and experiential groups.
MEET THE TEAM

Courtney Valero
ASSOCIATE THERAPIST
Susan Zelenak, MDA, RD
Registered Dietitian
Juliana Violich
DietitianHere’s What Patients Say After Completing Treatment*
- 97% can identify their triggers*
- 97% believe they can help themselves get better*
- 96% understand when to ask for help*
“Center for Discovery has been amazing and completely life-changing. I can’t thank everyone enough.” – Bennisha J., former patient at CFD Del Mar
“By far, this facility has the most human-to-human approach. They don’t see me as a patient with an eating disorder, but as a human who wants to heal. They build you through it with compassion and empathy.” – Megan S., former patient at CFD Del Mar
“The Center for Discovery saved my life, my marriage and my family. I have a second chance at life because of CFD.” – Shea W., former patient at CFD Del Mar
*Percentage includes adult and adolescent patients who admitted to the Center for Discovery program in 2021 (between 1/1/2021 and 12/31/2021) and completed the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS, N=2,644). Average treatment range 41.3 days for those who completed treatment (did not discharge to higher level of care, due to insurance, against treatment advice transfer or administratively).
Support Group
Center for Discovery is proud to offer free online support groups for anyone who has been impacted by an eating disorder. Find out more about how to join our free support groups.
MEET THE TEAM

Elizabeth Bochtler, M.D.
Psychiatrist
Rachel Hoffman, LCSW, CCTP
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Paige Bess, RDN (She/Her)
Registered Dietitian
Christine Brennan
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Cherry Irving, MPA
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Summer Iwerks
LEAD REGISTERED DIETITIAN NUTRITIONIST
Dr. Michele Connor
Medical DirectorHere’s What Patients Say After Completing Treatment*
- 97% can identify their triggers*
- 97% believe they can help themselves get better*
- 96% understand when to ask for help*
“Our experience at Center for Discovery was top notch. We are incredibly grateful to them for not only their professionalism, but their knowledge as well as compassion for our daughter and family.” – Sarah S., parent of CFD alumni
“Mesa opened just when we were losing hope on other wait lists. The team there took care of our daughter and got us on the right path towards healing.” – Parent of former patient
“This experience was life-changing.” – Mave C., former patient at CFD
*Percentage includes adult and adolescent patients who admitted to the Center for Discovery program in 2021 (between 1/1/2021 and 12/31/2021) and completed the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS, N=2,644). Average treatment range 41.3 days for those who completed treatment (did not discharge to higher level of care, due to insurance, against treatment advice transfer or administratively).
Support Group
This location provides free online eating disorder support groups. Our online support groups vary. Find out more about how to join our free support groups.