Dr. B’s Professional Spotlight: Dana Schwartz, Clinical Outreach Representative for Center for Discovery (CFD)
“ I have enjoyed my work in outreach immensely because I am essentially a connector at heart.”
-Dana Schwartz, LFMT, Clinical Outreach Representative for Center for Discovery
This professional spotlight gives the reader information about intensive treatment options for teens struggling with an eating disorder. Dr. Ballardo interviewed Dana Schwartz, a Marriage Family Therapist and Clinical Outreach Representative for Center for Discovery (CFD), an affiliate of Discovery Behavioral Health. Dana graduated from Antioch University, Los Angeles with a Masters in Clinical Psychology.
Dana has worked in the mental health field for over 16 years, and as a therapist in inpatient, residential, and outpatient levels of care. Dana uses this experience to help in her role as outreach as she can not only speak from experience of having worked in the center she represents, but also has the clinical skills to support clients and families who call during times of crisis.
Center for Discovery currently provides residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient levels of care. The program’s mission is to provide the tools for lasting recovery through evidence-based treatment tailored to each individual and their families. Residential treatment is the program’s highest level of care and that typically requires a patient to live in one of CFD’s homes in a residential neighborhood for about 30-45 days. They will have 24-hour supervision and will receive therapy and groups in a highly structured environment. Partial hospitalization Program (PHP) is the next level of care down from residential. This requires clients to stay in the treatment program for 6-7 hours where they will have meals and snacks, individual and dietary sessions, and group therapy. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is the lowest level of care offered at CFD and patients program for 3 hours per day anywhere from 3-6 days a week.
For more information about Center for Discovery (CFD), please review Dr. Ballardo’s interview with Dana Schwartz, LMFT:
Dr. Ballardo: Admitting to a residential or outpatient treatment can be a scary decision for families and teens to make. What would you like them to know about the process?
Dana: I would like for families and teens to know that they are not alone during this process. I have seen so many go through similar experiences and emotions. They are not sure if treatment is the right decision. Yet, I have yet to see anybody truly regretting the decision. Families learn to communicate and listen, and their loved ones gain strength. I know how difficult this time can be, so I like to be available to answer any questions or concerns. Our families are also welcomed to speak to a clinician in the program if they have more specific concerns prior to admitting. And we offer free family / loved one’s support group and free eating disorder support group they can attend prior to admitting. After they go finish the program, alumni have support for life through the Aftercare Program.
Dr. B: What are some of the warning signs that one’s teen may need a higher level of care, such as residential treatment?
Dana: Some common warning signs are increased isolation, changes in eating patterns and/or choices, changes in weight, hiding or throwing away food, frequent trips to the restroom after eating, behavioral changes, and disruptions in school or activities.
Dr. B: Some families worry about their teens falling behind in their school work and want to delay admitting to treatment to reduce academic hardship. When is the best time for a teen to admit to treatment?
Dana: The best time to admit to treatment is when it has been identified by the outpatient team that the teen needs more support than can be achieved through outpatient. Typically, families do not want to disrupt school but if the Eating Disorder behaviors continue, it can still end up affecting it. I have seen unfortunate situations where the families waited on partial hospitalization only for the teen to end up in the hospital/ residential. This can set them back in school even more. Of course, eating disorders are dangerous disorders, so the priority is the mental and physical health of the teen. We also realize that missing school can also be a source of stress or a barrier, so we have school liaisons who support the patients through their treatment in Residential. We offer 4 hours of school time per day and communicate with the schools/ school representatives when needed. Our Partial and Intensive Outpatient Hospitalization programs (PHP/IOPs) will work with the families to determine what will best support the child.
Dr. B: Is school assistance something that has been offered before the pandemic?
Dana: We have always offered academic support of our patients through our educational liaison counselors and will continue to do so post-pandemic.
Dr. B: Can you explain how eating disorder treatment goals vary based on the level of care?
Dana: The higher the level of care, the more structured support a person will need. In residential, the goals are around stabilization as well as basic coping skill building, and exposure to regular mealtimes. In Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), the goals support the needs for the client and the family, particularly any struggles they face at home. This may include more honed coping skills, grounding skills, communication skills, and education on nutrition and the mind-body connection.
Dr. B: What may be an indication that someone is ready to step down from residential to outpatient treatment
(PHP or IOP)?
Dana: A step down from residential to PHP/IOP may indicate the teen is more medically stable, is cooperative with their meal plan and needs less monitoring, has improved insight, is more motivated for recovery, and has an improved support system at home.
Dr. B: Are there common goals that the treatment team establishes with clients to prepare for discharging from CFD’s Intensive Outpatient (IOP) program?
Dana: The CFD team, client/family, and the outpatient team all collaborate to establish the goals for an appropriate time for step down. We try to make it as slow and smooth of a transition as possible. The client is often coming from a more structured environment to a less structured one. We all want the client/ family to have the necessary skills to continue to work with the OP team. We want families to know they will have support from Discovery for life through our free support groups and Aftercare Program app.
Dr. B: You have worked at CFD for quite some time! What do you enjoy about your work?
Dana: I have enjoyed my work in outreach immensely because I am essentially a connector at heart. This position allows me to connect clients with professionals, professionals with professionals, and people suffering with treatment that is right for them, even if it is not in one of our programs.
Center for Discovery’s Contact Information:
Dana’s work cell phone: 562-716-1690
CFD’s Admissions line: 213 694-6898
Dana’s Professional email: dana.schwartz@centerfordiscovery.com
CFD website: www.centerfordiscovery.com
Free online support groups: www.supportinrecovery.com