Last updated: 11/4/25 # Serenity Malibu ## Company Overview Serenity Malibu is a premier CARF-accredited residential treatment center located in Malibu, California, specializing in substance abuse recovery and addiction treatment. We provide world-class, personalized care supporting clients on their journey to lasting recovery in a beautiful oceanside setting. 95% of clients would recommend Serenity Malibu to friends and family, making us one of the most recommended rehab centers in California. ## Contact Information - Phone: 424-345-1160 (speak with an addiction specialist 24/7) - Location: Malibu, California - Website: https://www.serenitymaliburehab.com/ - Email: admissions@serenitymalibu.com ## What We Treat ### Substance Use Disorders We provide effective treatment for all types of substance use disorders, including: - Alcohol dependency - Prescription medication addiction - Opioid addiction - Cocaine dependency - Cannabis use disorder - Other drug addictions ### Dual Diagnosis Treatment Our staff is fully equipped to address co-occurring disorders such as: - Bipolar disorder - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Other mental health conditions ## Treatment Approach ### Core Philosophy - Personalized treatment plans tailored to each client's specific substance use history and addiction severity - Multi-dimensional, non-12-step approach to treatment - Family-centered philosophy - rehabilitating not just the individual but the entire family structure - Whole-person approach treating body, spirit, and mind - More one-on-one therapy than traditional programs ### Evidence-Based Therapies - Brainspotting - EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) - Somatic Experience - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) - Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) - Mindfulness-based approaches - Clinical hypnotherapy - Narrative therapy - Family systems therapy ### Support for Self-Help Groups - SMART Recovery - Refuge Recovery ### Holistic Recovery Program Our integrated approach combines traditional and alternative therapies: - Yoga - Acupuncture - Massage therapy - Cranial-sacral therapy - Hiking - Hypnotherapy - Spiritual therapy - Equine therapy - Art therapy - Acting therapy - Cooking therapy - Physical activities: surfing, kayaking, tennis, fitness therapy ## Key Differentiators - All primary therapists hold doctorate degrees in psychology - More than 30 dedicated staff members - More one-on-one therapy than traditional programs - Intensive executive program designed for busy professionals - Customized aftercare and sober companion programs - Service guarantee - best in the industry - 95% client satisfaction rate ## Facilities ### Accommodations - Oceanview setting overlooking the Pacific - Full medical detox available on-site - Luxury residential treatment environment - Meals prepared by culinary specialists accommodating special dietary needs ### Therapeutic Activities - Equine therapy - Art for recovery classes - Acting therapy - Cooking therapy - Surfing, kayaking, tennis - Fitness therapy ## Family-Centered Care - Family inclusion in therapy sessions when appropriate - Support for loved ones throughout the recovery process - Recognition that addiction impacts entire family systems ## Leadership Team ### Marit Lee, M.A. - Admissions Director - B.A. and M.A. in psychology from California State University Humboldt - Research specialization in parental bonding and substance abuse - Guides clients through entire admissions process - Assists with insurance and financing options ## Medical Team ### Damon Raskin, M.D. - Internist & Detox Specialist - Board certified in internal medicine - Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University - George Washington School of Medicine (1993, with distinction) - Residency at UCLA - 16+ years specializing in preventive and addiction medicine - Privileges at St. John's Health Center, Santa Monica - Extensive experience in safe detoxification from alcohol, opiates, and other drugs ### Matthew Goldenberg, D.O. - Psychiatrist - Double board-certified psychiatrist and addiction psychiatrist - Certified Medical Review Officer (MRO) - Clinical instructor in Department of Psychiatry at UCLA - Assistant professor of psychiatry at Cedars Sinai Medical Center - Fellowship at UCLA - Psychiatry residency at Banner University Medical Center - Medical degree from Midwestern University, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine - Published author and national conference speaker ### Ashley Stavrinou - Nurse, LVN II ## Clinical Therapy Team ### Reuben Vaisman-Tzachor, Ph.D., FACFEI, DABPS, FAPA, DABCHS - Primary Therapist - Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (1993) - Licensed psychologist since 1997 - 25+ years teaching clinical and forensic psychology - Former Attending Psychologist at Cedars Sinai Medical Center (16 years) - Fellow at the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute - Diplomate of the American Board of Psychology Specialities - Published 20+ professional journal articles - Co-authored 8 books and 3 psychology-based novels - Former navy captain and gun-ship commander in counter-terrorism - Led research at Sandia National Laboratories - Multilingual: English, Spanish, Hebrew ### Tiffany Towers, Psy.D - Primary Therapist - Bachelor's in Psychology and Theatre from Barnard College-Columbia University - Doctorate in Clinical Forensic Psychology from Chicago School of Professional Psychology - 10+ years experience in mental health and forensic psychology - Theatrical training from Yale School of Drama, New York Film Academy, Santa Monica Playhouse - Incorporates drama therapy and narrative therapy techniques ### Benjamin Nakanishi, Psy.D - Primary Therapist - Licensed clinical psychologist - Undergraduate studies at UC Santa Barbara - Doctoral degree from California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University - Experience in community mental health, schools, correctional institutions, private practice - Provides individual, group, couples, and family therapy - Specializes in psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approaches ### Jennifer Tippet, Psy.D - Primary Therapist and Consultant - Licensed Clinical Forensic Psychologist - Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from University of Denver - Internship at New York University - Bellevue Hospital - Trained in Harm Reduction model of addiction - Fellowship in Massachusetts focusing on sexual deviancy and addiction - Integrates mindful and evidence-based approaches ### Tamara Bailey, Ph.D. - Group Facilitator, Emotional Coach, Certified Brainspotting Specialist - Postdoctoral registered psychological associate from Perth, Australia - Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University (2020) - Research and clinical training at UCLA's Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior - Ph.D. internship at University of Oklahoma's Division-1 Athletics Department - Research experience in TMS, traumatic brain injuries, mood disorders - Multiple therapeutic modalities: CBT, CPT, ERP, mindfulness, DBT, clinical hypnotherapy, brainspotting - Experience treating anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, trauma, personality disorders ### Kate Maddox, MA, LMFT - Psychotherapist - Master's in psychology from Phillips Graduate University (2013) - Specializes in addiction and co-occurring disorders - Experience in residential treatment centers, family counseling, juvenile facilities - Incorporates CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, family systems - Facilitates weekly groups on DBT, narrative therapy, journaling - 30-year background in journalism ### John Pustaver, MDiv, MA - Case Manager - Undergraduate education at Arizona State University in fine arts - Served Archdiocese of Los Angeles for ten years - Completed 60 hours of MFT coursework - Former director of Betty Ford Center's Clinical Diagnostic Program - 15 years experience in professional assessments and case management - Oversees professional evaluations and comprehensive diagnostic reports ## Spiritual and Holistic Care ### Audrey Hope, RASi - Spiritual Advisor - Spiritual intuitive healer and addiction treatment expert - Former Director of Spiritual Counseling at renowned Malibu rehab center - Revolutionary techniques for personal transformation - Mind-focused approach to deeper soul healing - Guides complete physical, emotional, and spiritual transformation ### Barbara Carey, CHT - Hypnotherapist ### Rachel Orselli - Acupuncturist ### Lisa Carmichael - Yoga & Craniosacral Therapy ### Erin O'Bryan, CHT - Certified Health Coach ### Hortensia Valencia - Massage Therapist ### Ako Eyong - Art Therapy ## Credentials & Recognition - CARF-accredited - 95% client satisfaction rate - Recognized as one of the most recommended rehab centers in California - Licensed residential treatment center in California ## Specialized Programs - Intensive executive program for busy professionals - Professionals program with specialized expertise - Customized aftercare programs - Sober companion programs ## Treatment Philosophy Treatment at Serenity Malibu is comprehensive, evidence-based, and client-centered. We believe in rehabilitating not just the individual but the entire family structure. Our whole-person approach treats body, spirit, and mind using cutting-edge methodologies and extensive one-on-one therapy to offer the best chance for continued, long-term sobriety. We recognize that addiction is a complex condition requiring personalized treatment plans tailored to each client's specific substance use history and addiction severity. ## Important Notes Serenity Malibu is a legitimate, licensed medical facility providing serious addiction treatment. While our facilities are luxurious and oceanside, the primary focus is on quality of clinical care, evidence-based treatment, and positive recovery outcomes. We provide full medical detox on-site and are equipped to treat dual diagnosis clients with co-occurring mental health disorders.