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TORRANCE OUTPATIENT EATING DISORDER PROGRAM

Torrance, CA

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Center For Discovery Torrance is an outpatient eating disorder treatment center that provides partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient therapy to patients of all genders and all ages. At Discovery, patients work with our highly-trained, expert staff who’ll give them the confidence and reassurance they need to succeed. Using evidence-based techniques, they’ll guide patients through the entire process and help propel them to discovering a better self. 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 Anthem BC, Cigna/ Great West, Holman Group, Networks by Design and UNICARE – Beacon HS. For free insurance verification, click here.

This program hosts weekly yoga therapy groups, has a very experiences staff that is trained in Somatic Experiencing and trauma therapy, and offers an extended partial hospitalization day program for high acuity patients. This program works closely with major local hospitals such as Torrance Memorial and Children’s Hospital of Orange County inpatient units after a client has completed their inpatient stay and is ready to step down from inpatient and enroll in an outpatient program.

CENTER FOR DISCOVERY
21515 Hawthorne Boulevard
Suite #370
Torrance, CA 90503
PH 866.482.3876
M-F 9:00am to 5:00pm

PROGRAM FEATURES
Intensive Outpatient
Partial Hospitalization
All Genders
All Ages

FIND HELP TODAY CALL 866.482.3876
OR SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

MEET THE TEAM

Program Director

Christina Weiss, LMFT, MPHC
Program Therapist

Isabella Williams
Neurofeedback Specialist

Michelle Kunzelmann
Primary Therapist

Elaine Quintiliani
FACILITY MANAGER

Paula Capulong
Counselor

Alexa Jasper-Richter
DIET TECHNICIAN

Sierra Haase
REGISTERED DIETICIAN

Sarah Charton
PRIMARY THERAPIST

Henriette Backer
Program Director

Christina Weiss, LMFT, MPHC

Christina has enthusiastically spent over 17 years in mental health: leading clinical outreach at eating disorder programs, working as a licensed therapist at all levels of care in eating disorder, addiction and trauma treatment, and working closely with and studying under pioneers in the eating disorder treatment field. Christina received her undergraduate degree in psychology and business from University of Southern California and a master’s degree in public health communications from Annenberg at USC where she researched the impact of media on eating disorders in adolescents. She received her master’s degree in clinical psychology, with an emphasis in spiritual depth, at Antioch University, studying attachment theory at Tavistock Institute in London. She is trained in somatic experiencing and eye movement desensitization & reprocessing (EMDR). Christina currently sits on the board of the South Bay Eating Disorder Coalition, which she helped found in 2010. She was instrumental in launching several International Association for Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP) chapters on the West Coast and the first National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) Walk in Los Angeles. Together with her clients, Christina creates a safe space to explore issues where they feel stuck. From a somatic mindfulness and client-centered perspective, she helps them uncover attachment patterns and other difficulties often at the root of suffering. She facilitates the nurturing of internal strengths within the individual to cultivate healing, self-acceptance and growth. She is encouraged by the latest research in neuroscience on attachment, trauma and eating disorders and enjoys staying abreast of all the latest developments. Being recovered herself, Christina has a passion for helping those towards their path to recovery.

Program Therapist

Isabella Williams

Isabella Williams is an associate marriage and family therapist and art therapist at Center for Discovery, South Bay. She earned her Master of Arts degree in marriage and family therapy with an emphasis in art therapy at Loyola Marymount University. During her training, Isabella explored many avenues, including working with older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of neurocognitive decline and working with children and adolescents in a medical hospital with curable and terminal illnesses. Post-graduation, Isabella continued her therapeutic work with at-risk youth in a school setting and worked in private practice creating curriculums and treatments plans based on body image anxiety, depression, grief and loss and sexual abuse/trauma — using art to process. She looks forward to supporting patients as they work towards recovery.

Neurofeedback Specialist

Michelle Kunzelmann

Michelle believes that neuroscience is at the center of healing. She enjoys helping those new to neurofeedback understand the process and benefits, ensuring that they feel safe as they begin their journey. Michelle also emphasizes the importance of educating clients about brain health in treatment. Because of her own struggle with depression, trauma, and complicated reactions to medications, Michelle prefers a natural approach to healing. While training to become certified, she experienced her own transformation and at that time she knew she had found her life’s passion. Michelle’s favorite quote is “every brain deserves this chance” and she begins each day eager to help others, with gratitude for the healing in her own life. Michelle has worked extensively with developmental trauma survivors and with clients who suffer chronic emotion dysregulation, as well as co-occurring eating and substance use disorders.

Primary Therapist

Elaine Quintiliani

Elaine is excited to work with patients at the PHP and IOP levels and plans to become a certified eating disorder specialist (CEDS) in the near future. She received her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with an emphasis in psychology and business from Marymount California University. After obtaining her degree, she worked in the real estate industry for a number of years, holding roles in sales and marketing. By working in real estate, Elaine reflected on how professionals build high levels of trust and emotional flexibility with their clients when closing deals on new homes. From there, her personal experience with an eating disorder led her to a passionate pivot, pursuing her master’s degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University. Elaine’s clinical practicum took place at Clear Recovery Center in Hermosa Beach, where she worked with dual diagnosis clients dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues. Primarily using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic-infused approaches in her practice, Elaine works to meet clients where they are in their stage of recovery.

FACILITY MANAGER

Paula Capulong

Since 2015, Paula has been with Center for Discovery, starting out supporting the youth as a residential counselor. Since then, her passion to help others in need has constantly reminded her of her own personal struggles with mental health and addiction. Paula will earn her Bachelor of Science degree in organizational behavior in 2021 at National University and plans to pursue a Master of Science degree in applied behavior analysis. Paula is motivated to be part of a generational solution to the challenges that organizations face when it comes to productivity and effectiveness. By gaining the knowledge she needs, she is empowered to be part of a movement that will focus on staff development and creating a positive culture that will reduce the turnover commonly seen in the behavioral health field. Outside of work, Paula is a serial entrepreneur with experience in the import and export industries as well as the consumer electronics trading world. Having launched her business in 2020, one of Paula’s major interest involves financial awareness such as investing and stock trading. When Paula is not driven by curiosity with current innovation, she enjoys day spas, watching thriller movies and frequent road trips.

Counselor

Alexa Jasper-Richter

Lexi joined Center of Discovery, South Bay, to gain more clinical experience after working in the education field. Before starting at Center for Discovery, she spent five years instructing and supporting children with various special needs at the local South Bay elementary school, Alta Vista. During this time, Lexi gained vast experience working with others, navigating interpersonal relationships on a day-to-day basis. Born in Eugene, Oregon and having spent most of her life in the South Bay, Lexi returned to Eugene to study for four years at the University of Oregon, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She plans to pursue her master’s degree in the hopes of further developing a career as either a family therapist or school psychologist. Lexi brings a positive and encouraging attitude to the team while utilizing innovative techniques to assist clients. Her daily focus includes facilitating skills-based therapy groups, acting as a compassionate mentor to clients, and mindfully serving those suffering from crises and emotional dysregulation. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks with her dog, going to the movies and playing video games.

DIET TECHNICIAN

Sierra Haase

Sierra is a current undergraduate student studying nutrition and dietetics at California State University, Long Beach. She believes all foods can be a part of a healthy diet, and is passionate about Intuitive Eating. She loves food and one day plans to become a registered dietitian. Sierra feels honored to be able to pursue nutrition as a career and is excited to be part of the team at Center for Discovery Torrance!

REGISTERED DIETICIAN

Sarah Charton

Sarah received her Bachelor of Science degree in food and nutrition from San Diego State University in 2017. She went to graduate school in Chicago at Dominican University, completing a dual program in 2019: a dietetic internship and Master of Business Administration. During her dietetic internship, highlights included working with Division 1 athletes, fostering an All Foods Fit approach at Northwestern University while providing nutrition support, and completing a case study during her clinical rotation about refeeding syndrome with eating disorder patients. Her current professional specialties and interests include: All Foods Fit, Intuitive Eating, eating disorders and sports performance. Sarah played soccer competitively for 10 years and recreationally in leagues during undergraduate and graduate school. This led her to her passion for nutrition when she realized how much she loved cooking in high school and how nutrition played a huge role in sports performance. In high school and early on in college, Sarah fell deep into diet culture with disordered eating habits while playing soccer. After she overcame her disordered eating habits, she realized she wanted to help others develop a better relationship with food and their bodies. Before the pandemic, Sarah loved travelling, learning about other cultures and trying new foods. She has visited 20 countries so far. In her free time, Sarah loves to dance, listen to audiobooks or podcasts while driving, try new recipes, hike, walk her two dogs and spend time with family and friends.

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Henriette Backer

Henriette received her master’s degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University. She integrates a variety of clinical modalities with special emphasis on emotions, attachment, developmental challenges, family systems, somatic awareness, mindfulness and relational trauma work. Before entering clinical work, Henriette spent many years working as an educator, which gave her an in-depth understanding of children, adolescents and adults. As a clinician at a community clinic and as a group facilitator at a recovery center, she worked with a diverse range of patients, including those struggling with issues related to disordered eating and co-occurring conflicts. Henriette originally came from Denmark to Los Angeles to attend therapy as part of her own recovery. She seeks to create a safe space in which patients explore many intolerable, hidden emotions and shame, transforming emotional pain into a sense of personal triumph and empowerment. Being a mom has taught her much about love and her triggers and forced her to constantly face her own inner child. She loves utilizing creative arts and the power of imagination to connect, reach deeper levels of awareness and inner healing.

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.

Covid Clean Logo Large

COVID-19 Update: Online telehealth is offered for intensive outpatient treatment as an option to patients living in California, Florida, New Jersey and Texas.

In-person intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization is also offered at this location. Residential treatment continues to be offered at our residential facilities for individuals in need of a higher level of care. Learn about all that we are doing to protect the safety and wellbeing of our patients and staff.

Preferred In-Network Provider for All Major Health Insurance

VERIFY INSURANCE

Patient, Family & Staff Safety is our Priority: COVID-19Update