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DUNWOODY EATING DISORDER PROGRAM

Dunwoody, GA

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Center for Discovery Dunwoody, Georgia is a residential eating disorder treatment center that serves patients of all genders ages 11-18. This center opened in January 2017. Dunwoody is a northern suburb 30 minutes from Atlanta located in DeKalb County, Georgia. Center for Discovery Dunwoody serves patients from Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, southeast Tennessee and Alabama. 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 BCBS – GA, Cigna / Great West, HMC, Multi-Plan and TriCare East – Humana. Please remember that the insurances we accept change frequently. Our insurance team will verify your coverage.

This adolescent, gender-inclusive program provides six beds in a residential home setting and offers individualized care and practices a Health at Every Size® (HAES®) philosophy.

Residential treatment at Center for Discovery Dunwoody, Georgia, is a high level of care that provides 24-hour care to patients where they engage in group therapy, structured and monitored mealtimes, group social events, family therapy and individual therapy. Weight restoration is the primary goal of eating disorder residential treatment. Additionally, scheduled mealtimes occur with other patients under staff supervision and patients have personal meal plans where in which they meet with their dietitian to discuss the specific requirements of each meal as part of weight restoration therapy in residential treatment.

*Health At Every Size® and HAES® are registered trademarks of the Association for Size Diversity and Health and used with permission.

MEET THE TEAM

Psychiatrist

Dr. Dion Metzger

Pediatrician

Dr. Shayna Smith, MD

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Taylor Hunter, LMSW

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Emma McLeod, RDN

NURSE ADMINISTRATOR

Tracey Brown, RN, BSN

Education Liason

Ashley Morgan

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Amber Thomas, APC

Psychiatrist

Dr. Dion Metzger

Dr. Dion Metzger is a board-certified psychiatrist. She earned her doctorate from Morehouse School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at Emory University School of Medicine. She completed medical research at Stanford University School of Medicine and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Metzger is currently on faculty as a professor of psychiatry at Emory University School of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia and Morehouse School of Medicine. She is a member of the inaugural class of Emory University’s 40 under Forty and Morehouse School of Medicine’s inaugural Top 10 under 40.

Pediatrician

Dr. Shayna Smith, MD

Dr. Shayna Smith received a Bachelor of Science from Xavier University of Louisiana. She attended medical school in her home state of Arkansas at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences College of Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency and then pediatric emergency medicine fellowship at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. She is board certified in pediatrics, pediatric emergency and lifestyle medicine and has practiced medicine in the Atlanta area since completing her training. Dr. Smith is dedicated to providing good care to a diverse patient population.

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Taylor Hunter, LMSW

Taylor moved to Atlanta and joined Center for Discovery in August of 2021. Currently, she works as a primary therapist where she provides individual, group and family sessions. Taylor received both her bachelor’s in psychology and her master’s in social work from Michigan State University. She has previously worked in a partial hospitalization program, as a medical social worker at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan and has four years of experience as a psychometrist. Taylor decided to become an adolescent therapist as she developed a passion for interacting with children and supporting them through personal challenges. Outside of work, Taylor enjoys cooking, being outdoors, reading and spending time with friends and family.

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Emma McLeod, RDN

Emma Laurie McLeod received a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Bastyr University in 2015. After completing her dietetic internship through Bastyr University in 2016, she became registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration. She is currently a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and participates in the Behavioral Health and Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine practice groups. Emma has experience in public health and eating disorder recovery. She has practiced all over the country but has found a home at Center for Discovery in Dunwoody. Here, she applies her expertise and practice in accordance with her nutritional philosophies including All Foods Fit, Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size ®. Emma is passionate about size-inclusivity, culinary arts and helping people find a peaceful and nourishing relationship with food.

NURSE ADMINISTRATOR

Tracey Brown, RN, BSN

Tracey brings empathy, an easy-going communication style and a sweet sense of humor to Center for Discovery in Dunwoody, Georgia, making it easy for her to talk to patients and family members. She has 25+ years of experience in the mental health field and is a member of the National Nurses Association. Tracey started out her career as a young licensed practical nurse and worked her way up. She received her bachelor’s in nursing from Argosy University, where she graduated with honors.

Education Liason

Ashley Morgan

Ashley started working at Center for Discovery in 2020 and has had numerous roles. Currently, she is the educational liaison at the Dunwoody residential treatment center located in Atlanta, Georgia. Ashley first started as an on-call counselor and worked her way up. She received her bachelor’s in biology and served as an assistant teacher for various age groups. Ashley has always had a passion for guiding and helping others to help them better themselves and reach personal goals. When Ashley is not at work she enjoys going to the movies, painting, escape rooms and spending time with family.

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Amber Thomas, APC

Amber first worked at Center for Discovery from 2017-2019 serving as a counselor. She left to pursue her associate license in a psychiatric residential facility. Currently, Amber is a primary therapist at Center for Discovery, Dunwoody Residential Treatment Center. She also supports patients at Center for Discovery, Atlanta Outpatient. She is a strong mental health advocate. Amber entered the field in 2017 with the desire of helping individuals who struggle with various mental diagnoses. She is passionate about the treatment of eating disorders. Amber was engaged in cheerleading growing up, where eating disorders can be very prominent. She is determined to help others navigate their recovery and has an additional passion for helping athletes. Amber enjoys connecting with others and is highly motivated to help adolescents. She is warm, empathetic and strongly believes in the possibility of long-term recovery. When Amber is not at work, she loves spending time with her family and animals, reading a good book and spending time outside.

Here’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

“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.

Preferred In-Network Provider for All Major Health Insurance

FIND HELP TODAY CALL 866.482.3876
OR SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

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