Our Team
Dr. Helene O’Mahony, PhD
After years of working with physicians post-treatment in my private practice and by providing support groups as required by the California Medical Board, Kaiser Permanente, and other Wellbeing Committees, I have identified a pressing need for a specialized residential treatment program tailored to physicians and doctors. At The Practice OC, they will experience a secure and empathetic environment, not only due to the presence of doctorate-level therapists and highly trained staff but also through the camaraderie of their peers. Countless times, individuals in my groups have expressed, ‘No one understands what we go through as physicians more than each other.’
Dr. Helene O’Mahony, PhD
Executive Director/Founder, PhD Clinical Psychologist
After years of working with physicians post-treatment in my private practice and by providing support groups as required by the California Medical Board, Kaiser Permanente, and other Wellbeing Committees, I have identified a pressing need for a specialized residential treatment program tailored to physicians and doctors. At The Practice OC, they will experience a secure and empathetic environment, not only due to the presence of doctorate-level therapists and highly trained staff but also through the camaraderie of their peers. Countless times, individuals in my groups have expressed, 'No one understands what we go through as physicians more than each other.' Our objective is to assist physicians and other doctorate-level professionals before their addiction and mental health challenges escalate to the point of severe consequences. We aim to be their haven, where they can seek help, attain sobriety, and feel as secure and supported in this journey as anyone else requiring residential treatment.
Dr. Andrew Schneider, DO
Dr. Andrew Schneider, DO
Medical Director
Dr. Andrew Schneider is a licensed Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and a Child, Adolescent, and Adult psychiatrist. He completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center, after completing his General Psychiatry Residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. To supplement his Western medical training, he also studied Chinese Herbal Medicine at the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture in Phoenix Arizona. Dr. Schneider also holds a Master’s degree in Sports Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign and enjoys working with athletes of all ages.
Practice Philosophy
I take a holistic approach to practicing psychiatry. I am a strong believer in the efficacy of cognitive and behavioral interventions as well as the benefits of psychopharmacology.
Medication Management
I use psychotropic medications in the safest possible manner‐‐the optimal dose for each patient with close monitoring.
Psychotherapy
Psycho‐therapy is encouraged in my practice, whether as the primary form of treatment or in conjunction with medication. My approach is eclectic and individually tailored to each patient. I
have received training in the areas of cognitive‐behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, behavior modification, and play therapy (for children). I emphasize the importance of a strong
therapeutic alliance with patients.
Alternative Medicine
I received formal training in Traditional Chinese Medicine with an emphasis in Chinese herbal medicine. I also keep abreast of the latest research in complementary and alternative treatments
(CAM). I offer these treatment options to my patients, particularly those who may want to try CAM treatments as an alternative to Western psychotropic medication.
Dr. Joseph Desanto, MD
Dr. Joseph Desanto, MD
Director of Medical Services
Dr. Joseph Desanto is a Board Certified Doctor of Internal Medicine who practices in Orange County and specializes in Addiction Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine Internship and Residency at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles California after obtaining his medical degree at the SUNY Downstate, in Brooklyn, NY. He is the owner and Director of DeSanto Clinics for Recovery in Huntington Beach California where he treats patients in his private practice who rely on his expertise, open mindedness, and eclectic blend of treatment modalities such as prescription medication . IV Nutrition, NAD, and Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) . For the last decade, he has been the Medical Director of many prominent Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs in Southern California. He is the medical Director of Biocorrx, a publicly traded healthcare company that is developing a novel, implantable form of medication assisted therapy, supported by a grant by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, which will give his patients a better chance to recover fully.
My Practice Philosophy
My philosophy lies in getting to know the three parts of each persons life. . Every patient with a Substance Use disorder has three unique versions of themselves, their former self, current, and future self. Their former self is who they were and what they were like , and particularly what were the factors that led them to develop their addiction. The current self, is the present day person who is struggling to stop abusing their substance or behavior of choice, and all the unique ramifications of coexisting mental health issues. The future self is the potential self. His unique approach lies in helping each patient shape their idea of what a better version of themselves can be. Creating bonds of trust and consistency is the main stay of my practice. Allowing a patient to feel safe enough to be vulnerable to share their story without shame, guilt or regret also allows them to begin the rebuilding process. My specialties within Addiction Medicine are Acute Medical Detoxifications and Medication Assisted Therapy.
Journey Through Recovery
Dr. DESANTO is no stranger to Recovery as he, himself has almost 12 years of sobriety and has his own personal story of addiction, mental health struggles and a long road of rebuilding and redemption. He's an active member of many 12-step communities in Southern California and hosts a weekly 12 Step meeting for licensed professionals in his office every Wednesday night and has done so for the past 12 years. His history has given him a unique perspective of what licensed health care practitioners face after they seek help with regard to medical , psychological, occupational ,and licensure consequences. He understands the value of community and support systems that needs in or to to rehabilitate, recover and return to their families, practices, and lives as better versions of their former selves. “Rely on the Tribe and stay in the middle of the herd”
Dr. Stefani LaFrenierre, MD
Dr. Stefani LaFrenierre, MD
Psychiatrist
Dr. Stefani LaFrenierre is a licensed Medical Doctor and board-certified Psychiatrist. She received her Medical Degree from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and completed her Adult Psychiatry residency training at San Mateo Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. She also completed a fellowship through the Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma with a certification in Global Mental Health, Trauma and Recovery.
Dr. LaFrenierre has expertise in the treatment of mental health and addiction conditions. She has performed in several leadership positions, including Medical Director of an addiction treatment group practice and as Chief Resident during her training. She also received the Resident Award in Excellence two years in a row during her training. She was awarded the SAMHSA Minority Fellowship award through the American Psychiatric Association and developed a Cultural Competency curriculum for her residents in training. She has worked in a variety of mental health settings, including inpatient, outpatient, residential treatment centers, state and forensic hospitals, academic settings, and has experience with assertive community treatment and full-service partnership teams. She is committed to providing safe, equitable, and inclusive treatment for all.
Practice Philosophy
My treatment philosophy focuses on building resiliency through holistic, long-lasting changes to help my patients achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. I have been fortunate to develop many different skill sets in the treatment of mental health and addiction, and I am excited to be able to offer customized treatments to my patients. I provide a warm, empathic, and active therapy style, and I bring a conservative approach to medication while considering all aspects of health in treatment planning. My role is to help my patients reach their goals by providing clinical expertise, education, and compassion in a non-judgmental space. I incorporate prescription medications, plant-based diet changes, lifestyle changes, and elements of mind-body medicine into a complete treatment plan to help you reach your goals. I also provide education about treatment, diagnosis, and medications to my patients at every step to help guide treatment decisions and to maximize the benefits of our work together.
Dr. Christian Vincent, PhD, LMFT
Dr. Christian Vincent, PhD, LMFT
Primary Therapist
Dr. Vincent has extensive experience with treating individuals struggling with addiction and specializes in the treatment of trauma and dissociation. Her clinical work is informed by an extensive knowledge of Depth psychology. She received a master’s in counseling psychology and doctorate in Depth psychology with specialization in psychotherapy from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Her areas of research include complex trauma, complicated grief, and the demon lover complex.
Dr. Vincent completed her traineeship at Community Counseling Center of Southern Nevada where she worked extensively with individuals facing issues with addiction and facilitated groups for clients in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, anger management, and dual diagnosis. She completed her internship at Coldwater Counseling Center where she treated a diverse population of clients from a depth psychological approach, including dream tending, sand tray therapy, and spiritual exploration.
As a member of the clinical team at The Practice OC, Dr. Vincent provides individual psychotherapy, family therapy and facilitates groups on boundaries and on grief and loss.
Dr. Tricia Marzullo, PsyD.
Dr. Tricia Marzullo, PsyD.
Therapist
Dr. Tricia Marzullo, PsyD. (Dr. Trish) comes to The Practice with expert experience in working with men and women in addiction treatment from local addiction treatment centers since 2009. Her training includes the science of substance abuse/dependence, cross addiction, co-dependency, shame and trauma, ADHD, grief, depression, personality disorders, anxiety, fractured relationships, adoption, abuse, sexual identity, and psychosis. Dr. Trish obtained her Bachelor’s in Psychology at California State Long Beach and completed her doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy at Alliant International University. Her studies took her abroad to Mexico City and India on immersion programs which focused on cultural competence, internationalism, and multiculturalism. She completed her dissertation on the evolution of the culturally competent therapist and conceptualizes that each family is their own culture and worthy of individualized treatment which she applies within the treatment of addiction. Dr. Trish believes that 12-step programs provide a structure for addicts while also considering each persons unique journey through treatment, sobriety, and recovery. Cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness beliefs, strategic interventions, motivational interviewing, and a systemic world view inhabit her therapy sessions as agents of change. Dr. Trish believes it is an honor and privilege to assist people in achieving their goals and looks forward to witnessing the positive changes clients make in their lives. She is currently in the process of obtaining her license as a Clinical Psychologist. In her free time she’s hanging out with her son and husband, yoga, meditation, hiking and going to the beach, reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Brett Furst, PsyD., LMFT
Dr. Brett Furst, PsyD., LMFT
Psychologist
Dr. Brett Furst holds a B.S. in Child and Adolescent Development from The University of California, Davis, an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University, and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He has his Doctorate in Psychology from Alliant International University. Dr. Furst is a fully trained, EMDRIA approved, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist. Dr. Furst, in addition to his focus on the underlying causes of addiction, specializes in academic and educational difficulties, and provides supportive services to those clients pursuing continuing education, including managing ADHD symptoms, proper study habits, and processing difficulties, from a therapeutic lens. Therapeutically, Brett comes from a Gestalt perspective, placing emphasis on the exploration of the authentic self and how inauthenticity and the negative personas clients create contribute to their unhealthy habits and the disconnection from themselves through substance. Dr. Furst has worked at several local treatment facilities where he has customized several young adult curriculums. Brett has also developed one of the first experiential poetry groups, and finds group work to be some of the most rewarding he has done. He enjoys spending time with his family and dog, and exploring new parts of his native Orange County.
Dr Corrine Leikam, PsyD.
Dr. Corrine Leikam
Psychologist
Dr. Corrine Leikam, a licensed clinical psychologist based near Los Angeles, CA, obtained her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Her training encompassed a range of inpatient and outpatient settings, including forensic and severe mental illness facilities. Proficient in addressing various mental health issues and diverse backgrounds, she currently specializes in treating anxiety, mood disorders, substance use disorders, life transitions, adjustment concerns, and interpersonal difficulties. Dr. Leikam's therapeutic approach is collaborative, warm, and authentic, centered on empowering clients to achieve their personal goals and enhance their mental well-being. She adopts a holistic perspective, integrating culturally-sensitive, evidence-based methods and interventions to effectively support her clients.
In addition to her private practice, she works as a Clinical Supervisor at Pepperdine University for both master’s and doctorate level students. She particularly enjoys the process of educating and supporting early career clinicians as they develop clinical interests and professional identities.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Leikam is a mother of twins and enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. She loves to be outdoors as much as possible and is an avid reader in her downtime. She also spends her free time volunteering, fostering, and advocating for rescue dogs
Braxton Callais
Braxton Callais
Executive Chef
Braxton was born and raised in Southeast Louisiana on Bayou Lafourche, spending his formative years entrenched in Cajun culture. He moved north to New Orleans for the latter half of his childhood and cut his teeth in the culinary world under the tutelage of inventive chefs, bringing bayou cuisine to the “big city” of New Orleans. Braxton embarked on his own healing and sobriety journey in 2019 and made his way to Southern California (PACE) on that route. He is excited to marry his two passions—healing/sobriety and culinary—in this position and looks forward to sharing his passions with his clients and supporting them, while feeding their bodies and nourishing their souls, through his cooking and conversation. His love for food and his desire to connect with people are tightly matched. He considers it an honor to join others on their personal journey and is honored to support them on their own odyssey by keeping their bellies full and their hearts supported.
Nadea McPherson
Nadea McPherson
Business Development
Nadea McPherson has 25 years of experience in business management and business development including 13 years working in the behavioral health care field. Her professional career began in the fields of operations management, hospitality, casting, and television production as well as numerous speaking engagements on various marketing panels across the U.S.
In 2012, she had a professional calling to work in the behavioral healthcare field where she focused her talents for project management and operational optimization on launching and growing facilities that are focused on helping people with mental health and substance use disorders. She launched and operated Forefront Health detox and residential program in Beverly Hills where she served as the Director of Operations before becoming the Executive Director.
In 2019, she would go on to manage all facets of business development, marketing and operations as Chief Operations Officer of The Moment Health, a physician-owned wellness practice. In her nearly 5 years there, she grew the small group practice to a clinical staff of 20, opened a second office, developed, launched and operated all of its programs, including: TMS, ketamine therapy, outpatient detox, physician monitoring, sleep medicine, and created a program for providing psychiatry services to clients currently in residential programs throughout California.
In 2023, Nadea co-founded Get Well Behavioral Health, a primary mental health outpatient treatment center for high functioning adults struggling with depressions, anxiety, trauma and other mental health disorders.
Nadea’s specialties include Business Development, Marketing, Project Management, Team Building, Leadership, Operational Organization and Optimization, Detox, Residential and Intensive Outpatient Treatment build and operations, launch and growth of behavioral health care centers and psychiatry practices. She spends her free time with her husband and 7 year old son, loves live music and playing pickleball.
Bryan Johnson, AMFT, CADC-I
Bryan Johnson, AMFT, CADC-I
Co-Founder
Bryan Johnson is a native of Worcester, Massachusetts. He graduated from Endicott College in 2013 with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. After graduation, he entered the technology sector, working in telecommunications. Though successful, he never felt completely fulfilled. Bryan entered the recovery world through his own challenges with mental health and recognized the immediate impact of helping other people. For the past nine years Bryan has led the operations of a world renowned behavioral health treatment center.
In 2023, Bryan graduated from Alliant University with a Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. Bryan has the unique ability to look at things through a clinical & business lens while always striving to help those in need.
Bryan grew up in a business minded family that stressed the importance of quality of care while treating all with respect. He combines this mentality with his love for athletics to foster a team approach that develops an environment for people to thrive.
Bryan loves all sports (anything New England) and appreciates the gorgeous weather California provides. He enjoys surfing, taking his dog (Columbo) for walks and watching movies with his Wife.
Jordan Spektor, MBA
Jordan Spektor, MBA
Co-Founder
Jordan is a native of Seattle, Washington. In 2007, He graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Marshall School of Business. While in college, Jordan began an 8-year battle with alcoholism and addiction that affected every aspect of his life. After getting sober in 2011, Jordan discovered a passion for helping people. Since 2012, Jordan has held nearly every job in the treatment world and has dedicated his life to the field of behavioral health.
Growing up in a house with two doctors as parents gave Jordan a unique and invaluable front-row seat to the stressors, pressures, and demands that doctors and medical professionals face on a daily basis. This early exposure to the world of medicine not only shaped Jordan's perspective but also instilled a deep sense of empathy and understanding for the challenges faced by healthcare practitioners.
In 2020, Jordan graduated from the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver with a Master of Business Administration, majoring in Healthcare Administration. The establishment of The Practice represents the culmination of his life journey and extensive experience in the behavioral health industry.
Jordan loves cheering for the Seahawks, Mariners, Kraken, his beloved Trojans, playing golf (when possible), and spending time with his wife Brittany, son Jayden, and their golden retriever Jagger.
Lenny Segal LMSW, MBA
Lenny Segal LMSW, MBA
Co-Founder
Lenny holds a double Masters Degree in both Clinical Social Work and Business Administration. With over 24 years experience in the mental health and substance use disorder field, Lenny has dedicated himself to helping people overcome obstacles that prevent them from living fulfilling lives. He has been involved in several successful treatment programs throughout the country. Lenny’s attention to detail helps elevate his programs for maximum outcomes for the Clients. For several years, Lenny has been actively involved in community service projects. He is a public speaker, and has been an expert on the Dr. Phil show. Lenny brings a unique blend of clinical and personal experience to The Practice. Lenny’s Grandfather was a Physician, so he grew up watching the stressors and pressure his Grandfather had to deal with. Lenny is able to empathize with the challenges his Clients are experiencing because he has been clean and sober for almost 25 years. After his intervention and completing treatment, Lenny decided to pursue a career in the helping field. When he is not working, you can find him spending time with his wonderful Wife and two beautiful children.
