Staff

Dr. Raul J Rodriguez, DABPN, DABAM, MRO

Medical Director

Dr. Rodriguez is renowned for helping people conquer a variety of conditions including anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, and substance addictions. Early on in his career, he identified serious defects in the many treatment programs his clients had attended. He responded by developing a completely innovative approach to the treatment of addiction that incorporates the personal attention of inpatient treatment into the convenience and effectiveness of an outpatient program.  Over the past decade Dr. Rodriguez has become a respected authority in the treatment of substance and behavioral addictions, helping hundreds of families and saving thousands of lives.

Dr. Rodriguez’s professional accomplishments are fueled by his tireless drive to raise the standards of mental health care. He was a Magna Cum Laude scholar at Florida International University and then served as Chief Resident at University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Hospital.  With degrees in both medicine and chemistry, Dr. Rodriguez fully understands the complex interaction between substance abuse, treatment medications and the delicate biochemical balance of the human body.

Beyond the detoxification process, Dr. Rodriguez recognizes the importance of addressing the overall health needs of each client – physical, mental and emotional – in order to achieve long-term success. The commitment to comprehensive wellness is fundamental in his approach to helping every client. Dr. Rodriguez continually seeks out and evaluates the latest research in medical science, offering his clients the most advanced and effective medicines and treatment methods available for safe and comfortable detox.

Education:

  • M.D.  from the University of South Florida College of Medicine

  • B.A. (Chemistry) from Florida International University (Magna Cum Laude)

  • Adult Psychiatry Residency Program – University of Miami (Chief Resident)

Associations & Certifications:

  • American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (Diplomate)

  • American Board of Addiction Medicine (Diplomate)

  • American Society of Addiction Medicine Certified

  • Suboxone Maintenance Certified

  • Medical Review Officer

  • American Psychiatric Association (Member)

  • Florida Psychiatric Society (Member)

  • Committee of Interns and Residents (Member)

  • Diocese of Palm Beach Substance Abuse Ministry (Member)

  • American Society of Addiction Medicine (Member)

  • Florida Society of Addiction Medicine (Member)

  • Board of Directors, Mental Health Association of Palm Beach (formerly)

Dr. Rodriguez’s distinguished reputation, dedication to quality healthcare and limitless energy have drawn the most talented professionals to his treatment team. He collaborates with a multi-disciplinary array of specialists to provide each client with an individualized plan for sustained mental wellness.

Patricia Thomas Shutt, Psy.D, C.Ad

Clinical Director and Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Shutt has been helping individuals improve mental and emotional functioning for more than 10 years. Her progressive approach to treatment is a direct result of her diverse background: working in private practice, an inpatient treatment center, and in community mental health centers. Highly qualified, both academically and professionally, Dr. Shutt helps people with a wide range of concerns that often accompany substance addiction including relational and behavioral problems, stress management, trauma related difficulties, depression, anxiety, and adjustment/lifespan issues.

Dr. Shutt’s approach to treatment addresses the physical, emotional and situational conditions of each individual and allows her to devise a unique and personal treatment plan for every client. She encourages her clients to be active participants in their own treatment, addressing their present day symptoms, behaviors and conditions.  Her comprehensive and forward-thinking strategies allow many clients to experience results faster than traditional psychotherapies. Dr. Shutt is a compassionate, sincere, and effective psychologist, dedicated to helping people reach their goals and make important changes for lifelong mental wellness.

Education:

  • Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) – Nova Southeastern University

  • Master’s of Science in Mental Health Counseling – Nova Southeastern University

  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Minor in Gerontology – University of Florida

 Nicole Friedman, Psy.D.

Program Director and Licensed Psychologist

Caring and compassionate, Dr. Friedman understands the impact that mental and emotional difficulties place on individuals and their families.  She has successfully treated hundreds of clients, integrating a variety of advanced therapies and healing treatments into a specialized wellness plan that is unique to each person.

Dr. Friedman has a solid foundation of general practice experience in residential, correctional, medical and community settings.  She gained invaluable knowledge and insight into the area of trauma resolution while working at Nova University’s Mental Health Center and she received extensive training and research experience helping children and adolescents cope with chronic medical conditions during her residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital.  In addition to treating clients with addictions, her professional capabilities include the treatment of eating disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, domestic violence and relational psychotherapy.

Before joining the treatment team at The Delray Center for Healing, Dr. Friedman established a highly regarded forensic psychology practice. She is qualified as an expert witness and is available for expert testimony or forensic consultation.

Dr. Friedman is committed to helping individuals, couples, and families overcome mental difficulties and emotional struggles.

Education:

  • Doctor of Psychology-Clinical – Nova Southeastern University

  • Master of Science in Psychology – Nova Southeastern University

  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology – University of Florida

Specialized Training:

  • Dialectical Behavior Skills (DBT) Therapy

  • Specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy

Patricia (Paddy) Barlow-Bernstein, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Paddy assists Dr. Raul Rodriguez with the medical care of each client as his Physician Assistant (PA).  She provides reassurance and support during the initial intake and evaluation and her exceptional knowledge and warm demeanor have helped numerous clients throughout the detox procedure and the entire recovery process.

Before contributing her talents to the OUTPATIENT DETOX PROGRAM, Paddy worked in the fields of internal medicine, urgent care, interventional cardiology, and spinal cord rehabilitation. Her extensive experience at Orlando Regional Medical Center, a trauma hospital, prepared her to expertly handle a variety of crisis situations with grace and ease.

Paddy is well respected for both her commitment to professionalism and her genuine concern for each client’s health and comfort.

Education:

  • Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant studies, College of Medicine – University of Florida

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy – University of Florida

Jennifer Bilot, LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Therapist

Jennifer works with adults and adolescents, treating the broad range of difficulties that often accompany substance abuse such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, grief, and relationship difficulties. In addition to providing individual therapy, she also leads a variety of group sessions focused on assertiveness, relationships, cognitive-behavioral skills, and women’s issues.

By developing a constructive, trusting relationship, Jennifer encourages her clients to become active participants in their treatment. Her depth of experience and education allow her to draw upon a variety of therapeutic approaches to help her clients.

In addition to her contributions to the OUTPATIENT DETOX PROGRAM, Jennifer is currently pursuing her Doctoral degree in counseling at Florida Atlantic University.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

  • Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling – Florida Atlantic University

Awards and Certifications:

  • Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year – Department of Counselor Education at Florida Atlantic University

Clara F. Bossie, MS, LMFT/IMH, C.Ad, B.Ed.

Comprehensive Addition Treatment Program Director

Addictionologist &  Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Clara has been a contributor to the OUTPATIENT DETOX PROGRAM since 2006, providing valuable input into the development and operation of the many treatment programs. Her goal is to create a personal treatment experience that is matched to the unique needs of each participant. In addition to her work as a therapist, she has designed a popular series of educational workshops and parent support groups that provide valuable resources for parents and families in the community.

As a therapist, Clara has considerable experience treating a variety of social-emotional challenges, behavior issues, developmental disorders, anxiety, depression, and addiction. Her approach to therapy is guided by her belief in creating a constructive partnership with her clients. She draws from a diverse array of therapies, behavioral skills training, cognitive behavioral therapy, psycho-education, and expressive art therapies.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Education with a special focus on Mental Disabilities – University of Central Florida

  • Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with a special focus on Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy – Palm Beach Atlantic University

Certifications:

  • Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

  • Licensed Educator – State of Florida

  • Certified Addictionologist

Christie Caggiani, RD, LD/N

Dietitian / Nutrition Therapist

Christie is a licensed Dietitian and Nutrition Therapist who is impassioned about teaching people to eat intuitively.  Practicing since 1996, she has provided individual and group nutrition therapy at a prominent eating disorder facility and developed a successful private practice before joining the team at OUTPATIENT DETOX PROGRAM. Christie is recognized in her field and has been invited to contribute her expertise to national media organizations and professional associations, including the Sun Sentinel, CNN, Renfrew Center and Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

Christie is highly qualified to address a diverse range of nutritional health issues and has a wealth of experience in the treatment of eating disorders, addictions, weight management, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.  Offering more than just meal planning and nutritional consulting, she encourages her clients to examine their attitudes toward food and recognize the underlying issues that create poor eating habits.

Christie is warm and supportive, she empowers her clients to take control of their health and develop a positive yet practical relationship with food.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics with a minor in Psychology – University of North Dakota

Associations and Certifications

  • Registered & Licensed Dietitian

  • 1998 Young Dietitian of the Year, Florida Dietetic Association

  • 1998 Young Dietitian of the Year, American Dietetic Association

  • International Academy of Eating Disorder Professionals (Member)

  • The American Dietetic Association (Member)

  • Florida Dietetic Association (Member)

  • Sports, Cardiovascular, Wellness & Eating Disorder Nutritionists (Member)

Doreen Cott, AP, L.Ac, MT

Acupuncturist & Body Worker

For over 25 years, Doreen has been passionately working in the healing arts, capably drawing from many techniques to create a natural and effective treatment for each client. She is skilled in Acupuncture, Massage Therapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine, allowing her to help people who suffer from a variety of ailments including sports injuries, chronic pain, headaches, digestive complaints and stress.

Doreen is experienced in the NADA Protocol for Addictions, collaborating with the outpatient detox team to provide one-on-one and group sessions for the treatment of various addictions.

Doreen’s warm and personal approach to healing reflects her commitment to helping people discover the many benefits a holistic path to optimum health and wellness.

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Psychology – California State University

  • Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) (Summa Cum Laude) – Emperor’s College of Oriental Medicine

Certifications & Associations:

  • Licensed Acupuncture Physician – State of Florida

  • Diplomate in Acupuncture – National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)

  • Advanced Certifications in Neuromuscular, Deep-tissue, Hot Stone, and Medical Massage

  • Certified Massage Therapist – Santa Barbara School of Massage

  • Certified Bates’ Method Teacher

Katherine Degroot

Certified Massage Therapist & Body Worker

Kathie recognizes the unique needs of each client. Her approach to massage therapy reflects that compassion as she intuitively adjusts each treatment to provide the ideal balance of relaxation and deep-tissue therapy. Specializing in both Deep-Tissue and Swedish Massage, she expertly blends a variety of techniques including Reflexology, Myofascial Release, and Trigger Point Massage to ease muscular aches and stress-related tension.

With a sincere smile and a peaceful demeanor, Kathie brings an immediate sense of comfort and relief to each client.

Certifications:

  • Licensed Massage Therapist (State)

  • National Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)

Jamie Price

Fitness Instructor

Jamie is dedicated to teaching people to enjoy fitness and maintain a positive attitude toward physical activity.  During individual training and group fitness classes, her infectious energy and personal approach inspire clients to discover their own physical potential.  Her vast experience allows her to train with a variety of techniques and supplements her efforts to support each client in their pursuit of wellness.

Certifications and Associations:

  • Certified Personal Trainer – National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

  • Certified Personal Trainer – American Council on Exercise (ACE)

  • Corrective Exercise Specialist – NASM

  • Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant – ACE

  • CPR Certified – American Red Cross

  • Certified Tae Bo Instructor (Studied under Billy Blanks)

  • 2nd Place 1993 San Diego International Duathlon

  • Golden Glove Award Participant- San Diego Union Tribune

Tanya Siejhi Eberhardt

Certified Yoga Instructor

Tanya discovered the spiritual and physical healing powers of yoga while trying to relieve her own chronic back pain from years of gymnastics. Her self-transformation inspired her to share the many gifts of yoga with others.  Tanya is qualified to teach Hatha Vinyasa and Kundalini Yoga, training under masters such as Judy Weaver, James Kigar and Deva Kaur. Her vast knowledge is complimented by her energy and her enthusiasm to help each client become centered within their own true nature. As a teacher, Tanya generates a calm, peaceful atmosphere – ideal for encouraging her students to connect to a joyful state of being.

Education & Certifications:

  • B.S. in Exercise Physiology

  • Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher

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