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.

EXECUTIVE PROGRAM 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.

PRIMARY THERAPIST

Maura Oates

Maura Oates is an associate marriage and family therapist* and a registered art therapist. At Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program, Maura works with individuals from intake to discharge. Maura sees a number of individual patients and facilitates several groups throughout the day. Maura has experience working in LAUSD schools and in a residential treatment facility, which gives her a unique perspective of what several patients have experienced before entering DMAP’s mental health outpatient program.

Maura uses DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) techniques to help patients learn new ways to cope with distress, communicate more effectively with others, regulate uncomfortable emotions and master a mindfulness practice that fits their unique needs. Maura uses CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) to help patients understand how their thoughts, feelings and actions intertwine and how to identify maladaptive thinking patterns to begin to create different outcomes. Maura uses art interventions in individual sessions and group therapy to keep patients entertained and engaged to help them benefit fully from treatment. Maura’s goal is to encourage patients to find their strengths, learn Discovery Mood and Anxiety from their weaknesses and create a life worth living.

Outside of work, Maura enjoys taking her dog, Noodle, for long walks on the beach and through the Hollywood Hills. She enjoys creating her own art, including painting, design and photography.

PRIMARY THERAPIST

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.