STAFF AT OLYMPIC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH IN WEST PALM BEACH, FL

I have worked in the field of behavioral health for eight years. I am in personal recovery and have always wanted to help those still struggling. Today it brings me joy to see so many individuals who can get their lives back when they complete our program.

I have a BS in Accounting. Throughout my time working in the field, I have been through numerous accreditation and licensing reviews for FARR, JCAO, DCF, and DHCS.

I specialize in operations management.

My personal approach is to be kind but direct. There is no greater motivator to overcome addiction than to truly see the harm it has caused the individual and their loved ones. Seeing how one’s actions have affected others can inspire great change when realizing that it is time to lead a life of selflessness and service to others.

I constantly network with other providers in the field to stay up to date, attend various conferences, and subscribe to publications relating to behavioral health and addiction medicine.

I could not name one particular practice which is more important than others. Our program blends evidence-based modalities with holistic therapy, neurofeedback, and integrative medicine in a way that has yielded great results for our patients.

What I enjoy the most is the environment and culture of our treatment center. Our staff is wholly committed to providing enjoyable and successful experiences for each of our patients. Our patients leave us feeling like they are part of an extended family that is always there for them whenever they need support to get through difficult times.

I have worked in addiction treatment for 8 years.  I am very passionate about the treatment field and the clients that I work with daily.  I had spent multiple years in active addiction myself and benefitted firsthand from staff at various treatment programs.  My motivation to help others grew throughout my own recovery journey.

My degree is a Bachelors in Sociology, with certifications in Elementary Education and Early Education, and a Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Special Education

My specialization is in client care and adding to a positive community.

I have assisted in the recovery journey of multiple clients, many of whom now work in the addiction treatment field themselves.

Personally, I feel that all individuals and families affected by addiction require love, support, positivity and connection.  The clients that we work with seek to be understood, valued and “seen”.  

Throughout my time working in the field, I have seen multiple success stories.  I find deep joy when previous clients reach out with stories of continued time and progress in recovery.

I love being a part of the Olympic family.  Each day I greet staff and clients with a positive, loving attitude and a smile.  

John Smith is a dedicated mental health and addiction treatment specialist with over a decade of experience in the field. Holding a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Prestigious University, he is also a licensed therapist. John’s expertise lies in cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and medication-assisted treatment for substance abuse. He has successfully guided numerous individuals and families through the recovery process, tailoring treatment plans to meet each client’s unique needs.

Outside of his clinical work, John is deeply committed to community outreach. He frequently conducts workshops on mental health awareness and addiction prevention, aiming to destigmatize these issues and provide accessible information to the public. He also volunteers at local mental health clinics, offering free counseling sessions to underserved populations.

I’ve been working in addiction treatment for six years. What motivated me to work in treatment is being in Recovery myself. I love using my experience and knowledge to help others.

My areas of expertise include family support. Having a connection with families to support them throughout their loved one’s treatment. 

I use self-disclosure as my approach. I have found that it is extremely helpful in relating to clients and their families. To show them that they’re not alone and I understand what they’re going through allows me to build a strong rapport. Getting on their level, especially clients, allows them to open up. 

I work a 12-step program in my personal life to stay strong and stay up to date so I can be a recovery support for them.

I have seen clients at the lowest point of their lives completely transform into stable and wonderful human beings. It’s been the biggest blessing of this “job.”  

What I enjoy most is seeing clients transform. I love to hear them tell me they don’t see their life any different and then watch them through the recovery process and the excitement on their faces. I love being a strong sober support to them as well as a support to their families. I love to answer questions, open their families’ minds, and teach them about this disease. When they thank us for being a part of their loved one’s recovery process and knowing they always have someone to call for help. 

I’ve worked in addiction treatment for four years. First and foremost, being in recovery motivated me primarily to want to work in the field of addiction and substance abuse. Seeing how my life cultivated from hopelessness to full gratitude is a miracle. I love giving back and seeing the work pay off with progress and personal growth displayed by clients I’ve worked with daily. I have always enjoyed overcoming challenges, both personally and professionally. 

In this field, challenges present themselves in multiple forms. Working in this field is also never predictable. Each and every day presents new obstacles as well as opportunities, and being gifted a chance to work in a non-repetitive environment has been quite interesting. 

Since I was a kid, I was always curious about how things work and wanted to know “why” for just about anything and everything. Working in this field, you get to understand the “why” behind human behavior. Lastly, you get to work as a multidisciplinary team in this field. I’ve developed everlasting relationships both personally and professionally.

My degree is a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Economics & Finance)

I’ve always worked in the operations side of treatment. I held many roles, including Behavioral Health Technician, Lead Behavioral Health Technician, Behavioral Health Technician Supervisor, and Operations Manager.

I believe that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. Firstly, it’s about getting to know the client. Understanding the client’s history, family dynamics, and traumas is important when customizing a client’s treatment plan.

It’s also extremely important to consider why the client is in treatment and what the client wants to accomplish while being under our care. Understanding this approach allows both the clinician and client to offer input. 

Goal setting is important, and developing a plan that allows clients not to feel overwhelmed yet provides a realistic challenge. Long-lasting recovery develops best by setting short-term goals and tackling tasks individually.

Offering many different treatment options, such as self-help groups, one-on-one treatment, recreational therapy, ancillary services, group therapy, and Neurotherapy, allows us to diversify our treatment approach and maximize treatment efficiency.  

I enjoy seeing our clients grow and also the staff. I take great pride in being able to develop and manage Behavioral Health Technicians. I continue to look at ways to provide the best possible care for our clients as a team. I evaluate opportunities to provide the most optimal housing environment for our clients. Most importantly, I want our clients to be able to be comfortable. I put great effort into providing an atmosphere that fosters openness, honesty, and growth from our clients. 

I am credentialed as an Addiction Counselor with an international licensure. I have been working in the addiction field for over ten years.

I felt the calling to this field after experiencing my journey with recovery, and because of the need I witnessed first-hand with my close loved ones. I have experienced several losses because of the disease of addiction, so the least I could do is give back and contribute to the wellness and recovery journey for others.

Although my journey first commenced in the medical field as a former Biology major at FIU, I later attended the University of Phoenix, majoring in Psychology along with a specialty in Substance Abuse from Med-Life Institute, and lastly graduated with a Bachelor’s in Science Clinical Psychology from CAU. This field does not end with education, but rather the continuation of ongoing attributed knowledge of co-occurring mental health and substance abuse with neuroscience.

My area of expertise is primarily in addiction with co-occurring disorders, LGBTQ, personality disorders, behavioral issues, life skills, mood disorders, veterans PTSD addiction, self-harm/suicidality, anger management, chronic relapses, co-dependency, emotional disturbances, family conflicts, gambling, sexual addiction, gaming/technology addiction, life transitions, sexual abuse, sexual addiction, spirituality, deliverance, and impulse control disorders. I specialize in various treatment approaches from faith-based counseling, compassion-focused, culturally sensitive, eclectic, emotionally focused, integrative, interpersonal, intervention, motivational interviewing, multicultural, person-centered, positive psychology, solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, strength-based, schema therapy, structural family therapy, and deliverance sessions.

My experience in the addiction field varied from working inpatient at the psych ward, in the ER for psych, in a lockdown unit with inmate forensic patients, and all the various levels of care. I actively contribute my time with community-based outreach work as a volunteer and a missionary in low-income areas where difficulties with addiction and homelessness are happening. The goal is to strengthen families and build stronger communities globally. I actively contribute to the addiction field by doing weekly street outreaches, providing daily mentorship, counseling, and deliverances at a recovery church, speaking at recovery meetings, teaching in women’s groups, facilitating workshops, and teaching/speaking at both local and/or international churches providing further insight on the disease.

My personal approach to helping individuals and families affected by addiction is personalized and tailored to love, truth, honesty, and compassion. I stay current with the latest research and best practices in addiction treatment and recovery support by staying active in the field with meetings, and client feedback, actively reading daily, attending workshops, and completing continuing education even when it’s not required of me, and signing up for classes. The specific therapy and technique I have found particularly effective in my practice comes from a place of love, understanding, trust, and connection.

I’ve worked with many individuals who thought they had no problem. Many had no interest in therapy or treatment. They tried everything, and it didn’t work. They struggled with unforgiveness and were avoidant with the torment of their past. To be a part of so many recovery stories of success has been my privilege and honor. Seeing breakthroughs, freedom, and healing in someone’s life is rewarding, encouraging, and refreshing. Because it wasn’t just for the person but for their entire family, generational curses are broken. It’s pretty cool and awesome to witness the journey, the progression, watching them flourish and overcome the obstacles, unhealthy behaviors, cravings, and stagnant cycles in their life.

What I enjoy most about working in addiction is being able to relate and connect with others like me. I have 18 years of sobriety, and being able to help overcome the very things I struggled with makes it all worthwhile.  How I contribute to creating a supportive and healing environment for clients and their families is by being present, being available, being willing, relatable, resourceful, and dedicated.

Dr. Maryam Davari is the Medical Director at Olympic Behavioral Health. She is board-certified in both General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. She earned her Doctorate of Medicine at Ross University School of Medicine and then completed her General Psychiatry residency training at Central Michigan University.

Following residency, she completed an Addiction Psychiatry fellowship at Jackson Healthcare/University of Miami.  She is MAT waivered and certified in repetitive and deep transcranial magnetic stimulation.

She specializes in dual diagnosis treatment and has experience in providing medication management, psychotherapy, mindfulness coaching, nutritional planning, and other complementary alternative treatments.

Dr. Davari is passionate about teaching and community outreach. She has given lecture series and presentations on Addiction Psychiatry for Central Michigan University, Michigan Psychiatric Society, Michigan Society of Respiratory Care,  American Society of Psychopharmacology, T.A Marryshow School of Social Work in St. George’s in Grenada, and the University of Miami.

She has been a community educator for the Broward Health Psychiatry Residency Program, the Medical University of South Carolina Physician’s Assistant Program, and the University of Michigan’s Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program.

In her experience as a medical doctor, she finds it is most important to establish meaningful connections with patients to help them achieve their mental and physical health goals through a customized and wraparound treatment approach.

I have been in addiction treatment since 2009. I was motivated to join this profession as I love to assist others. I had many life experiences that allowed me to empathize with others’ struggles with substance use disorders and other issues.

I acquired my Associate in Applied Science for Chemical Dependency Counseling from Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY, in 2009. I became a Certified Addiction Counselor in 2016. I am enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work Program at Florida Atlantic University to continue obtaining my MSW.

I use schema therapy to assist individuals with substance use disorders and other underlying issues. Schema therapy is a combinational therapy that utilizes Cognitive Behavioral therapy and other approaches to identify how family dynamics and environmental factors contribute to substance use disorders, mental health diagnoses, and other maladaptive relational issues that keep people stuck in negative patterns. This assists individuals in shifting perceptions and identifying how developmental times continue into adulthood.

There have been many success stories of individuals I have worked with. I see certain individuals at 12-step-based recovery meetings with me, who have maintained their recovery and emotional regulation over time through adaptive coping skills, relapse prevention, and awareness of schemas.

Since 2010. After graduating with my B.A. in Psychology, I landed my first job as a Behavioral Health Technician at a large treatment center in Delray Beach, FL. Having experienced personal trials of my own, I knew that this field I was meant to pursue. I learned everything I could on the job and eventually continued my education. 

I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, began working as a Behavioral Health Technician, and was encouraged to take courses through my employer to qualify for certification through the Florida Certification Board. Shortly after beginning those courses, I was encouraged to apply to a Master’s program. I was accepted to Nova Southeastern University, where I eventually graduated with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling after completing an internship at Broward Health. At that time, I completed my application to receive a CAP & ICADC. I took the necessary exams and began to work on licensure through the Florida Board of Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling. After completing the requirements as a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, I received my license, practiced in the field and took courses to become a qualified supervisor. 

I specialize in supervising and assisting other professionals to pursue and attain their career goals, improving the field as a whole.

At Olympic Behavioral Health and several other organizations I have worked with, I have created training and presentations on various topics, including leadership, dual diagnosis treatment, and suicide prevention.

My philosophy toward therapy is a very holistic approach. To have a healthy mind, one must also focus on attaining a healthy body and spirit. Ensuring that we are nourishing our bodies, souls, and minds. 

As with many other professions, we must adhere to continuing education in addiction treatment because this field is ever-changing and evolving. As professionals, we must always seek to improve our practice and stay abreast of growing trends. I stay current with the latest research, trends, and best practices within the field of substance abuse by ensuring that I’m always continuing my education. Whether it is through online platforms or in-person conferences. I love interacting with other professionals and learning from them.

Quite some time ago, I met one of our Primary Therapists, Adam Siegel, CAC, through another organization and learned that he was quite passionate about Schema Therapy by Jeffrey E. Young. I have found that this unique therapeutic approach is particularly effective and have encouraged him as his supervisor to utilize this approach with each and every client that we serve. 

Since practicing as a counselor, I have found it quite rewarding to see some of my clients continue on their recovery journey and give back by changing their career paths and working in addiction treatment. I find their stories of recovery some of the most inspiring examples of successful client outcomes. 

What I enjoy most about working in addiction treatment is giving back to others in need. Changing lives for the better is one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Just creating a supportive environment for clients and their families is something that not a lot of people can say they do.

I have been in the addiction field for 3 years. allowing my own personal struggles with addiction and my journey to a fulfilled life drives my passion for seeing others through their darkest times.

Specialized training is unmatched by personal experiences through the depths of substance abuse.

My area of expertise would have to be challenging client’s mindsets, allowing them to see different perspectives, due to my own pitfalls in my personal recovery journey.

Allowing my journey to be a beacon of light in those dark times. I try to relate as often as possible to what a person is going through, allowing clients and families to never feel alone.

Throughout my time working in the field, i have seen multiple success stories. I find deep joy when previous clients reach out with stories of continued time and progress in recovery.

I enjoy working with a team of like-minded individuals, who allow me to be who I am and embrace my journey, so I can continue to show up for our clients in ways most people are not built to handle.

John Smith is a dedicated mental health and addiction treatment specialist with over a decade of experience in the field. Holding a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Prestigious University, he is also a licensed therapist. John’s expertise lies in cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and medication-assisted treatment for substance abuse. He has successfully guided numerous individuals and families through the recovery process, tailoring treatment plans to meet each client’s unique needs.

Outside of his clinical work, John is deeply committed to community outreach. He frequently conducts workshops on mental health awareness and addiction prevention, aiming to destigmatize these issues and provide accessible information to the public. He also volunteers at local mental health clinics, offering free counseling sessions to underserved populations.