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TORRANCE OUTPATIENT EATING DISORDER PROGRAM

Torrance, CA

HOME / LOCATIONS / TORRANCE, CA (OUTPATIENT)

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Virtual treatment available: CFD outpatient programs can also be accessed via online telehealth services.

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
Virtual Programming
All Genders
All Ages

MEET THE TEAM

Neurofeedback Specialist

Michelle Kunzelmann
Primary Therapist

Elaine Quintiliani
Counselor

Alexa Jasper-Richter
REGISTERED DIETICIAN

Sarah Charton
PRIMARY THERAPIST

Henriette Backer
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.

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.

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.

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

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