Thelma McMillen Recovery Center

11/15/2025

Sending gratitude to all who helped with our information booth, and to all who visited us at yesterday's event, "Advances In the Care of Substance Use Disorders." It truly was an amazing day spent with amazing people.

11/14/2025

What a day everyone is having at the Torrance Memorial symposium, "Advances In the Care of Substance Use Disorders." Special thanks to our own Ashley Heldman for sharing her journey, as well as to Dr. Itai Danovitch for is presentation on "Caring for Hospitalized Patients with Substance Use Disorders."

11/07/2025

Thelma team spotlight: Dana Donahoe, MA, AMFT is a compassionate and experienced therapist with a strong foundation in adolescent mental health, addiction recovery, and family systems work. Dana holds master’s degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Educational Counseling, and her professional background includes providing individual, group, and family therapy across outpatient, school-based, and Telehealth settings. Known for her empathy, creativity, and culturally responsive care, Dana is dedicated to supporting clients through meaningful, strengths-based healing and long-term growth.

10/30/2025

Some great tips to reclaim your rhythm and protect your mental wellness as we turn back the clock one hour this weekend.

10/21/2025

Registration is now open for our November 18 Frontiers in Addiction event, "Integrated Treatment for Eating Disorders and Co-occurring Substance Use," presented by Kelly Basco, RD and Brooke Huffsteller, MS, LMFT, SEP, both from Ocean Recovery. For details and registration for this free CME event, visit: https://www.thelmamcmillenrecoverycenter.com/tmrc/health-professionals

10/09/2025

October is National Substance Use Prevention Month, which reminds us how grateful we are for our own Dr. Donnie Watson. We thank you for your hard work and dedication to reaching adults and students throughout the South Bay with prevention education and inspiration to live a drug and alcohol-free life. 🤩

10/07/2025

Lee Fitzgerald, our Communications Manager (at right), enjoyed her coffee meet up with the South Bay Consortium of Therapists. What a great group!

09/24/2025

We can't get enough of the butterflies. Staff members Barbara Mignosi, Dana Donahoe, James Ludka, Dr. Watson, and Ashley Heldman joined teens and families for a beautiful day at South Coast Botanic Garden, where they explored the butterfly exhibit and took part in a garden scavenger hunt.

Moments like these remind us that recovery is not only about hard work—it’s also about finding joy, building connection, and healing together. Stepping outside the traditional therapeutic space offered everyone a chance to laugh, bond, and be in nature.

09/22/2025

"Pinning butterflies asks teens to slow down, steady their hands, and focus in the moment. Each display becomes a symbol of transformation and resilience. In our program, activities like this aren’t just hobbies — they help teens discover new passions and carry confidence with them long after treatment," Ashley Heldman, MSW, Teen Counselor. 🦋

Learn more about our transformative intensive outpatient teen program: https://www.thelmamcmillenrecoverycenter.com/tmrc/treatment/teen/

09/12/2025

Registration is still open for our September 16th Frontiers in Addiction event with Peter Fowler, B.C.A.S.E., presenting "Understanding the Complex Landscape of School Stress in Teen's Mental Health." Sign-up today!

Adolescents today are navigating a rapidly evolving educational environment marked by heightened academic expectations, social pressures, and structural inequities. These all contribute to a significant increase in school-related stress. This presentation explores this multifaceted issue of school s...

09/08/2025

Dr. Donnie Watson loves showing off The Thelma McMillen Teen Outpatient Program to visitors. Thanks to Glynis Franz and Basel Shadfan, from Blume Behavioral Health, for stopping in! https://www.thelmamcmillenrecoverycenter.com/tmrc/treatment/teen/

09/04/2025

Our Annual Thelma McMillen Alumni Picnic, an event for graduates of our recovery program, brought together 50 participants to experience a day of connection, support and relaxation. This is a favorite event for Dr. Watson, Program Director, and counselors Jean Carfagno and Barbara Mignosi because it highlights the progress and resilience of our clients. What a great day it was!