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Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

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Rancho Palos Verdes Residential Eating Disorder Program

CENTER FOR DISCOVERY
30175 Avenida Tranquila
Rancho Palos Verdes,
CA 90275-4516
PH 866.482.3876
24/7

PROGRAM FEATURES
Residential
Partial Hospitalization
Female Identifying
Non-Binary
Ages 18+

GET IN TOUCH CALL 866.482.3876

GET HELP

COVID-19 Update: In-person residential treatment is still offered at this location. Learn about all that we are doing to protect the safety and wellbeing of our patients and staff.

Center For Discovery Ranchos Palos Verdes is a high level of care eating disorder treatment center that provides residential and partial hospitalization to female and non-binary (regardless of sex assigned at birth) patients who are 18 years of age or older. This eating disorder treatment facility opened in December 2008 and is located on the Southern California coast with close proximity to Los Angeles and Orange County. This very scenic treatment center overlooks a golf course and is a short distance from the beach. 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. Discovery’s specialized binge eating disorder (BED) program, Path to Peace, is also offered at this location.

Insurances we accept include but are not limited to Coventry / First Health (CCN), Fortified Provider Network (FPN), Humana (Life Sync), OPTUM BH (PBH, UHC, UBH) and UNICARE – Beacon HS. Please remember that the insurances we accept change frequently. Our insurance team will verify your coverage.

Center For Discovery Ranchos Palos Verdes practices mindful movement yoga therapy, art therapy and experiential therapy.

LEARN ABOUT OUR COVID CLEAN COMMITMENT

Covid Clean Logo Large

CONDITIONS WE TREAT

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR

MEET THE TEAM

Sasha Millice, MS, RDN, LD

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Sasha Millice is the Program Director at Center for Discovery, Rancho Palos Verde Residential Eating Disorder Program. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of British Columbia in Food, Nutrition, and Health and her master’s degree in Nutritional Science from California State University, Los Angeles. During her graduate studies, Sasha’s research focused on exploring how weight and socioeconomic status impacted the recognition and treatment of eating disorders. She completed her dietetic internship at the University of Houston and is currently pursuing her Certified Eating Disorders Registered Dietitian certification. Throughout her education and career, Sasha has gained experience at all levels of care for eating disorder treatment. After 5 years on Center for Discovery’s dietary team, Sasha transitioned her career into leadership as the Program Director at Center for Discovery. She approaches nutrition therapy with compassion, meeting clients where they are at, for individualized care throughout every stage of recovery. Sasha uses intuitive eating and Health at Every Size principles to help clients find a more peaceful way to relate to food, which includes nourishment and satisfaction.

Sheena Malik, MD

PHYSICIAN

Sheena Malik M.D. is a board certified Family Medicine Physician. She completed residency training at Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center and served as chief resident during her final year of training. She has published scientific papers, and has been awarded for her clinical research. Dr. Malik believes that communication is a key part of medicine; she enjoys building long lasting relationships with each of her patients and getting to know them. Dr. Malik is an advocate for her patients’ health.

Samantha Lauro, M.A.

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Samantha is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. Throughout her years gaining clinical experience and while earning a Master’s Degree at Pepperdine University in Clinical Psychology, she’s worked with people from very diverse backgrounds. Samantha has found that establishing trust, exploring life goals, creating a plan, and providing tools to achieve client goals is the most effective therapeutic approach. In specific, during her graduate studies, she had the unique opportunity to serve children/adolescents and their families as a School Therapist. She felt this position was extremely rewarding and exhilarating. It allowed her to provide all clients with a comfortable, confidential, and non-judgmental therapeutic experience where their concerns, thoughts, and feelings can be explored and addressed. Therefore, working with a therapist does not have to be intimidating. Samantha strives to make sure her clients feel heard, empowered, and resilient. In conjunction, Samantha specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is an effective, evidence-based treatment method for depression, anxiety, and other issues. She looks forward to hearing from you so that you may find peace and fulfillment for a better quality of life!

Emily Rotenberg, RDN

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Emily Rotenberg earned her Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Science at San Diego State University. Immediately after graduating she was accepted to University of Northern Colorado Distance Dietetic Internship with an emphasis in Nutrition Education and Counseling. After Emily completed her Distance Dietetic Internship, she passed her Commission on Dietetics Registration Board Exam, started her own private practice, and began working as a Clinical Dietitian. Shortly after, Emily was hired at Center for Discovery in Ranch Palos Verdes to joined the Treatment Team as a Dietitian. Emily uses a client centered counselling approach to meet her clients where they are at in their recovery journey. This allows her to create an empowering atmosphere to support them in their journey to heal their relationship with food. Outside of work, Emily loves to take bike rides on the beach strand, travel to learn about other cultures, doing art projects, and spending time with family and friends!

Bianca Medina, AMFT, APCC

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Bianca is an associate marriage and family therapist and an associate professional clinical counselor. She earned her master degree at California State University, Dominguez Hills, in clinical psychology. Alongside her graduate work, Bianca gained experience working in the eating disorder community at the residential and inpatient levels of care. Bianca is passionate about working within the eating disorder community and works to meet patients where they are using a compassionate and patient-centered approach.

Laura Hernandez, RN, BSN

NURSE SUPERVISOR

Laura graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from National University in 2019. Laura has gained experience working in various settings such as K-12 schools and skilled nursing facilities. Laura has been working with the eating disorder population for the last four years in the inpatient and residential setting. Using a compassionate but firm approach, Laura provides evidence-based nursing care and empathetic listening to support her patients. When she’s not working, Laura loves to experiment with new recipes and identifies as a huge “foodie.”

Jackie Rocha

MILIEU MANAGER

Jackie graduated from UC Santa Cruz in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology. Jackie’s passion for supporting individuals struggling with mental health brought her to Center for Discovery in 2017. She worked in residential treatment for adolescents with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health concerns for four years. In 2020, Jackie stepped into a leadership role and transitioned to working with adults with eating disorders at Center for Discovery, Rancho Palos Verde. Jackie’s favorite part of her role is witnessing the patients regain their “spark” through the treatment process. Jackie is RPV’s biggest Dodgers fan and has even traveled out of state to attend spring training!

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.

RANCHO PALOS VERDES RESIDENTIAL EATING DISORDER PROGRAM

COVID-19 Update: In-person residential treatment is still offered at this location. Learn about all that we are doing to protect the safety and wellbeing of our patients and staff.

Center For Discovery Ranchos Palos Verdes is a high level of care eating disorder treatment center that provides residential and partial hospitalization to female and non-binary (regardless of sex assigned at birth) patients who are 18 years of age or older. This eating disorder treatment facility opened in December 2008 and is located on the Southern California coast with close proximity to Los Angeles and Orange County. This very scenic treatment center overlooks a golf course and is a short distance from the beach. 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. Discovery’s specialized binge eating disorder (BED) program, Path to Peace, is also offered at this location.

Insurances we accept include but are not limited to Coventry / First Health (CCN), Fortified Provider Network (FPN), Humana (Life Sync), OPTUM BH (PBH, UHC, UBH) and UNICARE – Beacon HS. Please remember that the insurances we accept change frequently. Our insurance team will verify your coverage.

Center For Discovery Ranchos Palos Verdes practices mindful movement yoga therapy, art therapy and experiential therapy.

LEARN ABOUT OUR COVID CLEAN COMMITMENT

Covid Clean Logo Large

CONDITIONS WE TREAT

OUR TEAM

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Sasha Millice, MS, RDN, LD
PHYSICIAN

Sheena Malik, MD
REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Emily Rotenberg, RDN
PRIMARY THERAPIST

Samantha Lauro, M.A.
PRIMARY THERAPIST

Bianca Medina, AMFT, APCC
NURSE SUPERVISOR

Laura Hernandez, RN, BSN
MILIEU MANAGER

Jackie Rocha

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Sasha Millice, MS, RDN, LD

Sasha Millice is the Program Director at Center for Discovery, Rancho Palos Verde Residential Eating Disorder Program. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of British Columbia in Food, Nutrition, and Health and her master’s degree in Nutritional Science from California State University, Los Angeles. During her graduate studies, Sasha’s research focused on exploring how weight and socioeconomic status impacted the recognition and treatment of eating disorders. She completed her dietetic internship at the University of Houston and is currently pursuing her Certified Eating Disorders Registered Dietitian certification. Throughout her education and career, Sasha has gained experience at all levels of care for eating disorder treatment. After 5 years on Center for Discovery’s dietary team, Sasha transitioned her career into leadership as the Program Director at Center for Discovery. She approaches nutrition therapy with compassion, meeting clients where they are at, for individualized care throughout every stage of recovery. Sasha uses intuitive eating and Health at Every Size principles to help clients find a more peaceful way to relate to food, which includes nourishment and satisfaction.

PHYSICIAN

Sheena Malik, MD

Sheena Malik M.D. is a board certified Family Medicine Physician. She completed residency training at Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center and served as chief resident during her final year of training. She has published scientific papers, and has been awarded for her clinical research. Dr. Malik believes that communication is a key part of medicine; she enjoys building long lasting relationships with each of her patients and getting to know them. Dr. Malik is an advocate for her patients’ health.

REGISTERED DIETITIAN

Emily Rotenberg, RDN

Emily Rotenberg earned her Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Science at San Diego State University. Immediately after graduating she was accepted to University of Northern Colorado Distance Dietetic Internship with an emphasis in Nutrition Education and Counseling. After Emily completed her Distance Dietetic Internship, she passed her Commission on Dietetics Registration Board Exam, started her own private practice, and began working as a Clinical Dietitian. Shortly after, Emily was hired at Center for Discovery in Ranch Palos Verdes to joined the Treatment Team as a Dietitian. Emily uses a client centered counselling approach to meet her clients where they are at in their recovery journey. This allows her to create an empowering atmosphere to support them in their journey to heal their relationship with food. Outside of work, Emily loves to take bike rides on the beach strand, travel to learn about other cultures, doing art projects, and spending time with family and friends!

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Samantha Lauro, M.A.

Samantha is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. Throughout her years gaining clinical experience and while earning a Master’s Degree at Pepperdine University in Clinical Psychology, she’s worked with people from very diverse backgrounds. Samantha has found that establishing trust, exploring life goals, creating a plan, and providing tools to achieve client goals is the most effective therapeutic approach. In specific, during her graduate studies, she had the unique opportunity to serve children/adolescents and their families as a School Therapist. She felt this position was extremely rewarding and exhilarating. It allowed her to provide all clients with a comfortable, confidential, and non-judgmental therapeutic experience where their concerns, thoughts, and feelings can be explored and addressed. Therefore, working with a therapist does not have to be intimidating. Samantha strives to make sure her clients feel heard, empowered, and resilient. In conjunction, Samantha specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is an effective, evidence-based treatment method for depression, anxiety, and other issues. She looks forward to hearing from you so that you may find peace and fulfillment for a better quality of life!

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Bianca Medina, AMFT, APCC

Bianca is an associate marriage and family therapist and an associate professional clinical counselor. She earned her master degree at California State University, Dominguez Hills, in clinical psychology. Alongside her graduate work, Bianca gained experience working in the eating disorder community at the residential and inpatient levels of care. Bianca is passionate about working within the eating disorder community and works to meet patients where they are using a compassionate and patient-centered approach.

NURSE SUPERVISOR

Laura Hernandez, RN, BSN

Laura graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from National University in 2019. Laura has gained experience working in various settings such as K-12 schools and skilled nursing facilities. Laura has been working with the eating disorder population for the last four years in the inpatient and residential setting. Using a compassionate but firm approach, Laura provides evidence-based nursing care and empathetic listening to support her patients. When she’s not working, Laura loves to experiment with new recipes and identifies as a huge “foodie.”

MILIEU MANAGER

Jackie Rocha

Jackie graduated from UC Santa Cruz in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology. Jackie’s passion for supporting individuals struggling with mental health brought her to Center for Discovery in 2017. She worked in residential treatment for adolescents with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health concerns for four years. In 2020, Jackie stepped into a leadership role and transitioned to working with adults with eating disorders at Center for Discovery, Rancho Palos Verde. Jackie’s favorite part of her role is witnessing the patients regain their “spark” through the treatment process. Jackie is RPV’s biggest Dodgers fan and has even traveled out of state to attend spring training!

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR

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.

GET IN TOUCH / CALL 866.482.3876

CENTER FOR DISCOVERY
30175 Avenida Tranquila
Rancho Palos Verdes,
CA 90275-4516
PH 866.482.3876
24/7

PROGRAM FEATURES
Residential
Partial Hospitalization
Female Identifying
Non-Binary
Ages 18+

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  • I was sent to [Center for Discovery], an all women's eating disorder treatment facility, and I was terrified to go. I was told I would be there for a month and would return home after that. I ended staying there for almost 3 months, and I can honestly say I am beyond thankful for my time there. I learned so much and they helped me find myself and get over my traumas and learn to cope with issues that I was having. All the staff was super helpful and had my best interest at heart. I may have not liked all of them, but I knew they wanted what was best for me. Even after my insurance run out, the therapist I was working with arranged for me to go to another center to continue my treatment because I was not ready to come home. I highly recommend getting help with Center for Discovery. They truly care!
    Rebecca S
    Alumni
  • I was at [Center for Discovery] for 6 weeks. I'm from Ohio and being so far away from home was hard. The staff made me feel super comfortable and cared for, making my stay much more manageable. The program was very individualized. They worked hard to make sure my specific needs were met and that my specific behaviors were addressed. This is a top notch facility with incredibly caring staff. Not only were the house staff wonderful, but everyone from admissions to the medical director worked hard to make sure I knew what was going on. This is a wonderful company who are true to what they say. They gave me my life back. I'm someone who has been in and out of treatment for my eating disorder and this program was by far the best. I feel so optimistic about my future. The progress I made there was life changing and I will be forever grateful. I recommend this program to anyone who is serious, willing, and ready to get better.
    Natalie F
    Alumni
  • I was surprised by my parents with the option of going to get help for my eating disorder and overall unhealthy lifestyle. I so badly wanted to get help, but was too ashamed. After talking to my mom I agreed to at least talk to someone from Center for Discoveryabout what program I would be in and what it would be like. The gal was super helpful, kind, and did not make me feel like I was the only person who suffered from what I did. She was very patient with me and overall helped out our family with the process of insurance and costs and what not. As for the actual facility I stayed at, it was a great experience.
    Rebecca S
    Alumni
  • We had our son in an acute care hospital and the social worker recommended the Center for Discovery. Before our son was discharged, my wife and I met with the staff and toured the facility. We were impressed by the staff and how the program was structured. Our son was there 6 weeks. It was a game changer and now we feel our son left with a good base of skills that he has continued to use. We now feel our son can leave a normal type life and not have to worry that he may need to live in a group home setting as an adult. We can't say enough for the help and support we received from the entire staff at the Center for Discovery. When we were considering the facility we did some reviews on line. Some weren't overly positive, but most were and we feel that it was a very positive experience for our son and our family. Even our son now admits that he learned some great skills and that his time at Center for Discovery turned his life around.
    John W
    Parent of Alumni
  • I completely recommend this outpatient program for the treatment of eating disorders.  The program is tailored to each individual and my daughter was able to attend school while attending. The staff is caring, knowledgeable and fully committed to the treatment process for the patient and family.  My family now better understands eating disorders and we are able to support our daughter through her recovery.  5 stars all the way!!
    C.Y.
    Parent of Alumni
Patient, Family & Staff Safety is our Priority: COVID-19Update