Bridges to Recovery's clinical staff specializes in the treatment of bipolar disorder, personality disorders, mood disorders and anxiety disorders
The Bridges to Recovery team consists of committed doctors and professionals, providing quality assessment and treatment. Our staff meets daily to privately discuss our clients. In addition Bridges to Recovery holds weekly treatment team meetings to continually assess and implement effective clinical strategies for our clients.
Bridges to Recovery clients are seen four times per week for individual therapy. Clients are assigned to a Doctor who is their lead case manager for their treatment stay. Each clinical staff member has an in-depth understanding of emotional experiences, and a wide range of therapeutic approaches.
At Bridges to Recovery, we specialize in creating a specific fit between the approaches of each therapist and the therapeutic needs of each individual.
As part of our philosophy of respectful and personalized treatment, referring professionals are welcome to consult with our house staff and follow their patients' treatment while staying at Bridges to Recovery.
Primary Clinical Staff
Jeff Ball, Ph.D.
Executive and Clinical Director
Clin. Asst Professor, UCLA School of Medicine
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from UCLA
Former Chief Psychologist, West Los Angeles Nursing Home Care Unit, VAMC. Expertise in Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Psychoanalysis as well as working with adults, couples and families.
Gayle Brodzki, Ph.D.
Program Director
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Adelphi U., Garden City, NY
Former Director of Mental Health Services, Marymount Manhattan College, NY, NY
Expertise in psychodynamic treatment of Adjustment Disorders, Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders as well as working with older adolescents, young adults and adults
Merrill Sparago, MD
Psychiatrist
M.D., Board Certified, UCLA School of Medicine Specialties in mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, as well as psychiatric disorders specific to women (including pregnancy and the postpartum)
Katherine Niemela, RN, MN
Associate Clinical Director
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Psychoanalytic Training, Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis
Masters in Nursing, UCLA
Expertise in psychoanalytic treatment of mood and anxiety disorders
Cynthia Rubin, Psy.D.
Psychotherapist/Psychoanalyst
Psy.D., Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis
Expertise in treatment of trauma, depression, anxiety, addictive behaviors, and issues related to relationships, sexuality and gender. Licensed Marriage, Family Therapist
Nancy L. Goldman, Psy.D.
Psychotherapist/Psychoanalyst
Psy.D., Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis, Los Angeles
Expertise in depression, anxiety, relationship and couples therapy, bi-polar, trauma, sexual abuse, and addiction. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Hilary Combs, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Psy.D. Ferkauf School of Psychology, NY. Former Clinical Director, Perinatal Depression Treatment Program, Kings County Hospital, NY. Expertise in treatment of depression during pregnancy and the postpartum, sexual abuse, and trauma
Haleh Keypour, MFT
Psychotherapist
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Expertise in Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse Issues
Alexa Altman, Ph.D.
Somatic Experiencing Therapist & EMDR Specialist
PhD, Alliant University, Los Angeles
Cheryl Grant, MFT, CSAT
Somatic Experiencing Therapist & EMDR Specialist
M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Antioch University Los Angeles. Specialty in trauma, mood, relationship and addictive disorders
