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| PRS operates under the psychology licenses of its President, Dr. Tom Horvath (PSY7732), and its staff psychologists, Dr. David Jacobs (PSY10926), Dr. Tom Brown (PSY17382), Dr. Dan Galant (PSY18543), Dr. Mojgan Sandoval (PSY19101), and Dr. Natalie Masson (PSY17895). Drs. Sorensen (PSB2266) and Scherer (PSB30420) are Postdoctoral Psychology Fellows, working under the supervision of Dr. Horvath. Ms. Lewis is a relapse prevention counselor, also working under the supervision of Dr. Horvath. |
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President
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A. Thomas Horvath, Ph.D., ABPP |
Dr. Tom Horvath is a clinical psychologist and President of Practical Recovery Services, La Jolla (San Diego), California. He was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. He earned a B.A. in Liberal Arts from St. John's College, Annapolis, Maryland, in 1975, and a Ph.D. from the California School of Professional Psychology at San Diego, in 1981. From 1981 to 1984 he served as an active duty Navy psychologist. In 1984 he entered full time independent practice. In 1985 he founded Practical Recovery Services (originally known as the New Horizons Addiction Treatment Program), which specializes in the empirically supported treatment of addictive behavior. Practical Recovery Services offers an alternative to 12-step and disease oriented recovery programs. Since 1991 he has also been a Co-Director of the Center for Cognitive Therapy. He became a board certified clinical psychologist of the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) in 1990.
Dr. Horvath has been active in professional psychology and behavioral health at the local, state, national and international levels. He is a Past President (1990) and Fellow (1993) of the San Diego Psychological Association and a Past President (1988-1990) of the San Diego Phobia Foundation. He is the Volunteer Advisor for SMART Recovery San Diego. In 1992 he was appointed by Speaker Willie Brown to the California Controlled Substances Prescription Advisory Council, which produced recommendations regarding California's triplicate prescription program for controlled substances.
At the national level, he was the Secretary-Treasurer (1995-98) of the American Psychological Association's Division on Addictions (Division 50), and served as President from 1999-2000. The Division has over 1200 members and is the world's largest organization of addictive behavior psychologists.
Since 1995 he has been President of SMART Recovery, Inc., an international network of cognitive-behavioral support groups for individuals desiring to abstain from any type of addictive behavior.
Since 2000 Dr. Horvath has been an adjunct faculty member at the Leadership Studies Program, School of Education, University of San Diego, where he helps leaders in all fields develop their leadership and executive potential.
Dr. Horvath's publications, media interviews, and presentations to professionals are primarily focused on the treatment of addictive behavior and associated comorbidity. PSY7732 |
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Senior Psychologist
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David Jacobs, Ph.D. |
| Dr. Jacobs has been a licensed psychologist in California since 1989. He received a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago In Human Development and an M.A. from Southern Illinois University in Clinical Psychology. He has broad treatment experience with diverse problems, settings and persons over a 25 year span. His background includes training in the Person Centered Approach with Carl Rogers, psychodynamic depth psychology, and developmental psychology. He has published numerous scientific papers in journals in psychology, psychoanalysis, and medicine, and he serves as Associate Editor of two scholarly journals in psychology. He treats adults, couples, adolescents, and families. PSY10926. |
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Tom Brown , Ph.D. |
Dr Brown is a clinical psychologist and founder/member of the National Registry for Certified Group Psychotherapists. He earned his BS in Social Studies Education from Indiana University and MA in Group and Interpersonal Communication from the University of Cincinnati.
A transforming life event led Dr Brown to pursue an interest in Transpersonal Studies at The Union Institute. There he received one of the country’s earliest PhD’s in the then emerging field of mind, body, spirit integration. Dr Brown has continued to pursue his Transpersonal Studies interests as a university professor, researcher and therapist.
Among Dr Brown’s many honors is a Presidential Citation for his efforts in humanizing the workplace and a National Leadership award from the Institute for Behavioral Healthcare for his work in improving outcomes in behavioral health. In addition, he was a Resident Fellow and later Board Member at the Center for the Studies of the Person.
Over the past twenty years, Dr Brown has developed a solution-focused, integrative approach to helping people with issues of addiction, depression, anxiety, major life challenges and spiritual yearning. PSY17382. |
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Psychologists
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Daniel Galant, Ph.D., C.H.T. |
| Dr. Galant is a clinical psychologist and holds Master's and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, and a Bachelor's degree from UCLA. In addition, he is a certified hypnotherapist through the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners (ACHE). He has been on staff at UCSD and Kaiser Permanente. His areas of specialty include depression, anxiety, addictive behavior, smoking cessation, weight loss, stress management, pain control, phobias, and sports/skills enhancement. PSY18543. |
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Mojgan Jahan, Psy.D. |
| Dr. Mojgan Jahan Sandoval is a clinical psychologist with over 22 years of experience in a variety of clinical and organizational settings. In addition to her Doctorate degree, she has two Masters degrees. She assists clients to gain a clear perspective on becoming confident and balanced in their private and professional lives.
Dr. Jahan is passionate about helping clients set personal goals. She supports them in overcoming obstacles to realizing their dreams. These obstacles often involve unacknowledged limiting beliefs and assumptions. She has a deep appreciation and respect for each person’s individuality which is reflected in her warm and informal interpersonal style.
She has a special interest and expertise in leadership and organizational development, with a focus on providing a safe environment for people to realize their potential, and to work and live meaningfully and in alignment with their core values.
Dr. Jahan’s areas of specialty include addictive behaviors, trauma, EMDR, personal growth, and midlife transition. Her approach integrates cognitive behavioral, schema, narrative, and psychodynamic modalities. She has extensive training and teaching experience in multicultural counseling and is bilingual in English and Farsi. PSY19101 |
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Natalie Masson, Ph.D. |
| Dr. Masson is a clinical psychologist specializing in healthy lifestyle maintenance and mind-body processes. Blending Eastern and Western philosophies, she helps clients attain optimal physical and emotional health through increasing mind-body awareness and developing effective skills for self-care and wellness. Using research-supported therapy approaches, her specialty areas include anxiety, panic attacks, depression, chronic pain, addictions, medical illnesses, weight management, relationship issues, and couples communication. Her educational background includes a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, a Masters and Ph.D. in Clinical psychology from the University of Southern California, and a pre-doctoral internship at Yale University. PSY 17895 |
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Amy K. Epner, Ph.D. |
Amy K. Epner, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders. She has worked extensively in both clinical and research eating disorder treatment settings. She is passionate about helping individuals understand and overcome their eating and body image issues.
Additionally, Dr. Epner has specialized training in health psychology, including coping with chronic illness (e.g., diabetes), stress reduction, time management, lifestyle changes (e.g., nutrition, exercise), and parenting issues.
Dr. Epner earned her bachelor's degree at Cornell University, her master's at Brandeis University, and then her doctorate at the California School of Professional Psychology-San Diego. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, San Diego Psychological Association, Society of Behavioral Medicine, and International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. PSY 18455 |
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Rob Gibson , Ph.D., J.D. |
| Dr. Gibson specializes in the treatment of addictions in addition to general psychotherapy, mediation, and problem solving. He earned his B.A. at the University of California, Riverside, M.A. and Ph.D. at the California School of Professional Psychology, and J.D. at California Western School of Law. He is licensed both as a psychologist and attorney in the state of California.
His experiences range from private practice to various inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, the treatment of substance abuse, sexual offending and sexually compulsive behavior, and psychological correlates of various medical conditions in a skilled-nursing setting. Other areas of specialization include the psychology of religious fundamentalism and domestic violence. In addition, he has conducted SSI appeals hearings and interned at the California Attorney General’s office of Health Quality Enforcement.
Dr. Gibson’s experience is also rooted in his past practice of Aikido and current practice of Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido. |
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Post-Doctoral Fellows
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Karen Sorensen, Ph.D. |
| Karen Sorensen, Ph.D.’s post-graduate degrees are in psychology: a Masters with specialization in Stress Management and a Ph.D. with specialization in Addictions. She has worked in both prevention and treatment since 1990 in a variety of clinical and university settings, including Sharp, UCSD, and Palomar Pomerado Healthcare System. She also provides consulting and coaching to individuals and organizations and is the Program Manager for Conflict Resolution for Men.
Dr. Sorensen treats individuals and couples with various emotional problems, addictions, anxiety disorders, ADD/ADHD, compulsive thoughts and habits, chronic pain, depression, and relationship issues.
The therapeutic techniques Dr. Sorensen uses are determined by the needs of each person, combining both eastern and western psychology. Techniques include: cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, schema therapy, meditation, EMDR, guided imagery, focused emotional processing, and skills training where she teaches her clients communication, assertiveness, stress reduction, anger management, problem solving, and parenting. Registered Psychological Assistant PSB2266. |
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Denise Vargas, Psy.D. |
| Dr. Vargas specializes in the treatment of addictive behaviors, anger management, assertiveness and communication training, depressed mood, anxiety and general maladaptive behaviors using Narrative Therapy. She has 11 years of clinical experience that include working with children, adolescence, adults, individuals with chronic and severe mental illness, domestic violence perpetrators and victims of violent crimes, crisis response and relapse prevention. Additionally, she is the Administrative Coordinator for SMART Recovery® groups in the San Diego area. Dr. Vargas earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at the University of Colorado. She earned her Master's and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology at Argosy University, San Francisco Bay Area. Registered Psychological Assistant PSB32121. |
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Pre-Doctoral Intern
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Kerry King, M.A. |
Kerry King is a doctoral student in clinical and sport psychology. Ms. King earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Langston University in Tulsa, OK and her Master’s Degree in Educational Research in Psychology with emphasis in Sport Psychology from University of Missouri - Kansas City.
Ms. King is the Program Manager for Conflict Resolution for Men, a domestic violence treatment program for mandated clients. She facilitates a 52-week domestic violence group, works with individual clients for anger management, and sees clients for addiction and behavioral counseling. She is the full-time House Manager for The Residence.
Ms. King is working towards building her practice as a sport psychology consultant. Combining her work in addiction and anger management with performance enhancement, she would like to help athletes and teams achieve their desired goals. Registered Psychological Assistant PSB 32095. |
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Social Workers
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Diedre Knowlton, MSW |
| Diedre Knowlton earned her masters degree in social work from San Diego State University. She is working towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has worked as a medical social worker at a psychiatric hospital and a senior health clinic. Her prior careers include teaching special education, and directing a bronze casting facility while working as a sculptor. She has spent her entire life with animals and enjoys introducing horses and dogs into therapeutic sessions. |
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Counselors |
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Linda D. Lewis, B.S. |
Ms. Lewis provides Relapse Prevention counseling. She uses cognitive-behavioral techniques to help clients maintain lifestyle balance, and identify high risk situations and alternative methods of coping with them.
Before entering the counseling profession Linda was a Certified Property Manager and President of a real estate management company. Along the way she also overcame her own addiction problems. In 1997 she changed careers, to help others benefit from the insights gained from her own painful background. In 2000 she also co-founded the Bobby Jo Lewis Foundation, named for her 17 year old sister killed in a domestic violence incident. The Foundation helps disadvantaged parents overcome addiction and domestic violence problems. Her workshop, Courage is Contagious, has been presented around the country, and she has been a featured speaker at the Million Mom March in San Diego and Washington, DC. |
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Rachel Gobar, B.A. |
Rachel Gobar is well grounded in several Meditation Methods or Mind Training Services as she prefers to call it. She has experience in both Business and Personal Training while working nationally and internationally. In sessions, Rachel uses your belief system to address issues and meet your individual needs. She designs a specific individual-based program for you or your company. Rachel's Mind Training programs are useful for the novice and for the advanced. Clients will notice results within one to three sessions.
Ms. Gobar believes there is no one way to approach a problem. Instead, she uses the organization or the person’s belief system and culture to help incorporate a lasting solution. She is a firm believer in practicing what she teaches. |
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Alan Gatlin, B.B.A. |
| Alan Gatlin earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and is completing a Masters in Counseling in Marriage and Family Therapy. He has over 20 years experience in business management, business development, and marketing and sales, working with Fortune 500 and entrepreneurial enterprises. His clinical specialization is individuals in high anxiety or stress situations who also have impulse control issues. |
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Biofeedback and Neurofeedback |
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Julie Myers |
| Julie Myers provides biofeedback (with an emphasis on regulating the autonomic nervous for stress reduction and pain control by monitoring and modifying respiration, muscle tension, temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate) and neurofeedback (brainwave biofeedback). Ms. Myers is a doctoral student in clinical psychology. She specializes in teaching self-regulatory methods for coping with stress, substance use, bipolar disorder, and other affective spectrum conditions. She holds a California Teaching Credential as well as certificates in Alcohol/Drug Studies and Psychopharmacology. Ms. Myers is the Regional Administrator for SMART Recovery San Diego and facilitates adult and adolescent SMART Recovery groups. |
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Psychiatrist
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Charles Moreau, M.D. |
Charles Moreau, M.D. is a board certified psychiatrist. He received a Bachelors of Science degree from the University of California, Los Angeles where he graduated with honors. He returned to his childhood home in Louisiana to earn his medical degree from Louisiana State University, New Orleans. Dr. Moreau then completed his psychiatry residency at the University of California, San Diego. During his final year of residency, he served as chief resident.
Dr. Moreau has published in the area of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and mood disorders and has conducted research in the area of bereavement. He has given lectures on addictions, bereavement, depression, and coping with the holidays in both community and university settings. He is a volunteer clinical faculty member of the University of California, San Diego and serves as a consultant to the Survivors of Violent Loss Program of San Diego, CA. Dr. Moreau is an analytic candidate at the San Diego Psychoanalytic Society and Institute.
In addition to his private practice in La Jolla, he is a staff psychiatrist at Scripps Mercy Hospital. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, the San Diego Psychiatric Association, and the San Diego Psychoanalytic Society and Institute. Dr. Moreau has a special interest in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology for the treatment of substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. |
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Body Worker
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Energy Healer
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Nirvair Singh Khalsa, B.S. |
A student of Master Yogi Bhajan, Nirvair has been trained in the Healing Arts, Yogic and Tantric traditions since 1977. He does intuitive energetic healing to reconnect people with their Source, using Core Healing, Past Life Integration,Theta Healing, and Kundalini Yoga and Meditation.
These techniques are used to identify and release limiting patterns, beliefs, and emotional blocks to create more freedom, understanding and choice. |
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Nutrition Consultant
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Acupuncturist
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Roya Nikzad, Ph.D., L.Ac |
| Dr. Nikzad is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in the State of California and is also nationally board certified. Dr. Nikzad received her Ph.D. in Oriental Medicine and has been practicing acupuncture since 1994. Committed to the total health and well-being of her patients, Dr. Nikzad uses her knowledge of acupuncture and kinesiology as well as herbs to offer her patients the best options in alternative medicine. Dr. Nikzad volunteered at a drug and alcohol rehab center in Los Angeles where acupuncture was used to aid recovery and has also been a guest lecturer on different acupuncture and allergy subjects. |
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Intake Coordinator
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Sandra Jacobs |
| Sandra Jacobs brings to the position of Intake Coordinator a background in business administration and psychotherapy. After her years of managing a psychotherapy practice, she graduated with an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and pursued her clinical interests by becoming a California Marriage and Family Therapist in 1993. Her formative training included being an aftercare counselor at a hospital and a senior mental health clinician in an outpatient setting in which she conducted intakes and provided psychotherapy. Now she enjoys being at Practical Recovery Services since she can use her knowledge of the many issues people face in selecting a recovery setting and provide those seeking assistance with the highest quality of treatment options. |
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Office Manager
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Ana Ferraro |
| Ms. Ferraro has many years of billing management experience and has operated as an accounts receivable manager, human resource coordinator, and billing manager. She earned her billing certificate at Comprehensive Training Systems in 1994. In addition to Ms. Ferraro's many contributions to Pyrysys/PRS (depending on site), she offers thorough attention to detail and strong customer service skills. |
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Sheduling Manager
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Jolene Jones |
| Ms. Jones maintains numerous years of administrative and front office management experience. She is a Licensed Massage Therapist working towards her goal of becoming a Holistic Health Practitioner. Ms. Jones offers clerical, administrative, and scheduling support with a positive and professional outlook to staff and clients. |
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Receptionist
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Jaynelle Stone |
| Ms. Stone has many years of customer service experience. She has had a recent career change from seven years in the real estate industry. Ms. Stone is growing and learning in the field of psychology. |
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Computer Wizard
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Franke Lauria, PCMD |
| Born in the Bronx (New York City), Franke was cast in several school productions throughout his youth and won a variety of class awards for his writing. By the time he reached High School, Franke was not only an honors student, but also studied martial arts (Karate) and was a member of the school track team. It was during that time when he and a friend formed a heavy metal band called Kruciform. With Franke as the lead guitarist, Kruciform played at various clubs throughout the New York City area. Kruciform attained some level of success during their 5 years together but, when contract negotiations with a record label broke down, Franke decided to change directions and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While stationed at Naval Air Station Miramar, in San Diego California, Franke served his entire 4 years as an Aircraft Weapons Systems Specialist. In his free time, Franke was a member of the Armed Forces Aero Club where he earned his license as an FAA Certified Private Pilot. After his enlistment, he remained in San Diego, earned his degree in Robotics, resumed his study of martial arts (Kung Fu) and began a career in Computers. One day, while having lunch with a friend, Franke came across the registration table for a well known Model & Talent School. Always being one to challenge himself, Franke decided to return to the artistic province he had left, and began to study acting. Since that time, he has produced and performed in a multitude of Independent productions and continues to provide Computer Support & Multimedia Services to his clients today. |
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