SHERMAN OAKS OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT PROGRAM

VICE PRESIDENT

George Livengood, MS, LMFT

George is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital and mental health industry across the greater Los Angeles area. Skilled in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), crisis intervention, individual therapy, family therapy and group therapy, he has had the privilege of working with adults and adolescents in some of the premier treatment centers in the area. George has extensive experience working with those experiencing depression, anxiety, substance use and eating disorders. Additionally, he is a proven leader, administrator and clinical supervisor who works well in a multidisciplinary team.

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Robert Thomas

Robert graduated from Pacific Oaks in Pasadena, California, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology-human development. He went on to continue at Pacific Oaks, and received his master’s degree in marital and family therapy. He is a member in good standing with the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). Robert is also a clinical staff consultant to the Mental Wellness Network foundation in Ontario, Canada. In addition, Robert is the founder and owner of “just BE you” Life Strategies ~ Coaching.

He has worked in a variety of mental health positions, ranging from program director, lead primary therapist and on-call therapist in multiple settings, ranging from RTC, PHP, IOP, sober living and private practice. Robert’s clinical specialties cover dual diagnosis/co-occurring disorders, depression and anxiety, ODD, sexuality, relationship issues, creative self-expression, narcissism, youth and young adult populations, and parent advocacy. 

His theoretical perspectives consist of dual components of his personal/experiential journey combined with his behavioral studies in human development, marital and family therapy, family systems and life coaching as an integrative approach completely tailored on an individual basis per patient. As the program director of Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program Sherman Oaks, Robert’s objective is to continue to help build a multi-dimensional program which re-enforces the four components in our mental health division: individual work, family work, medication management and stabilization, and positive peer culture. Robert combines his passion and motivation to lead and model what Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program strives to promote, which is the well-being of individuals and families in the communities that we serve.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Taylor Bowman

Taylor is an associate marriage and family therapist registered through the Board of Behavioral Sciences (#109654). Taylor works through an emotion-focused and cognitive-behavioral approach to assist clients in processing through current and long-standing emotional challenges and fostering an environment that promotes healing. Taylor enjoys working at Discovery because it has allowed her to work in both group and individual settings to connect with patients from all walks of life. Taylor enjoys working with the Discovery team to bring a well-rounded, team-based approach to treatment.

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Tory McKelvey

Tory is an associate marriage and family therapist, who graduated summa cum laude from Touro University with a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Western Kentucky University. Prior to joining Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program, she worked in residential and outpatient programs with both adults and adolescents struggling with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma and substance abuse. Tory likes to integrate multiple therapeutic modalities into treatment, such as CBT, DBT and psychodynamic approaches and is passionate about finding what works best for each individual patient. She strives to create a calm, empathetic and non-judgmental atmosphere where patients feel comfortable connecting with their authentic selves. 

FACILITY MANAGER

Abby Jacques

Abby has been working with Discovery since February 2019. She was hired as a counselor and has spent her time working directly with patients and supporting them during their time in treatment. Currently she is the facility manager for the Sherman Oaks outpatient program. Abby graduated from California State University, Fullerton, in 2017 with a B.A. in psychology and minor in visual arts. Abby also has experience in behavioral therapy and social skills groups with children and teens. Abby integrates her love for art and uses it as a tool for self-expression and healing with individuals during their time in treatment. Abby is currently pursuing her master’s degree in counseling psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy and is set to complete her program in May 2021. In her free time, Abby enjoys drawing or painting, going for jogs and seeing live music.

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Thomas Lubey

T.J. is an associate marriage and family therapist (#103000) who graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and received his bachelor’s degree from Towson University. Before joining the Discovery team, he worked at a community mental health counseling center, and worked with tri-morbid clients experiencing homelessness across Los Angeles County. Through his professional experience, he has built tools to treat depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use disorders. Taking an integrative approach to treatment, T.J. implements elements of CBT and psychodynamic approaches to help patients find a way to make therapy work for them by meeting them where they are. He’s also on a mission to help patients integrate self-compassion as they build on their recovery during their time with the Discovery Mood and Anxiety Program.

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Ava Martinez

Ava is a registered associate marriage and family therapist (#110447) in California. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Occidental College and her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Golden Gate University. Prior to working at Discovery, she had experience working as a school-based therapist for K-8 students and in community mental health with adults in supportive housing. Through her past work experience, Ava has gained skills in working with complex trauma, depression, family conflict/divorce, grief, anxiety, bipolar, psychosis and substance use disorders. 

Ava implements elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and internalized family systems therapy (IFS) to inform her work. She uses warmth, validation and humor in her interventions, and she aims to support patients in identifying harmful patterns, gaining skills to avoid them in the future and utilizing their unique strengths to support their recovery.

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Keeley Dunn

Keeley is an associate marriage and family therapist (#113673) registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Keeley utilizes a person-centered approach to create a supportive and authentic environment for patient growth. She incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy and mindfulness to meet each patient’s individual therapeutic needs. Her goal is to walk alongside patients in their recovery. Prior to her work at Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program, she worked in education and community mental health to treat individuals and families with anxiety, depression and trauma. Keeley completed her training at University of Southern California to obtain a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. She also studied at San Jose State University where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in business and health science.

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Mariam Abdelrahman, ACSW

Mariam is a registered Associate Clinical Social Worker (#97824) who received her master’s degree in Social Work at Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, CUNY. Mariam specialized in gender and sexuality and utilizes a social justice lens through her work. She worked with people with depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, substance use, among other disorders. She has worked with diverse populations throughout her career and aims to create a therapeutic environment that does not discriminate and that is supportive of everyone. She believes that the different identities that a person holds and the environment that people grow up in has a great impact on their mental health. Mariam has experience working through a psychodynamic, trauma-focused, strength-based approach, and has utilized CBT and mindfulness throughout her treatment. She aims to help her patients recognize their potential and strengths to get through life’s adversities.