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About Us

The short answer is that Engage Treatment is a Joint Commission Accredited professional psychological practice serving the youth of Conejo Valley through Intensive Outpatient Programs treating depression and anxiety. But really, we’re a lot more than that.

We are helpers. Our priority is getting youth and their families the help and support they need. Our programs are often the next step when individual counseling isn’t enough. We provide critical short-term support and implement strategies for better long-term outcomes.

The Engage Treatment community is all about building connections. Everything we do is in service to our clients and giving them the tools they need to grow, heal and engage with the world in a whole new way.

When we say we want everyone to feel like they belong here, we mean it. We are proud of the community Engage Treatment is building. We know that peer support and a sense of safety are instrumental in an individual’s growth. At Engage Treatment, we encourage coming together, paying attention – not only to yourself but to the people around you – and actively participating. We take care of each other, we support each other and we help however we are able.

Looking for specific program information?

Engage Treatment is entirely clinician-owned and led. Every team member is heavily invested in our patient’s well-being.

Our team is committed to being a well-rounded resource for the youth of Conejo Valley. Our group sessions are always co-facilitated by a minimum of two therapists for a maximum of 10 clients and we provide additional support for families, parents, and educators.

You can learn a lot about us by taking a look at our logo. Traditionally the Celtic Knot is used to represent unity – or a lack of beginning and end. For us, it represents that we are one. Our strength comes from the group. We are stronger together than we could ever be apart. We are an entity with a singular purpose: to help others. We do this by working together, by sharing, building, learning, and growing as one.

Ready to meet the team?

Clinical Director

Adelina Brisbois LMFT

“I have great respect for those embarking on this healing journey and feel honored by those who trust us to join them on it. My husband and I are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment in our community for families to receive support and continue to do our best to meet the mental health needs of our community.”

Adelina’s therapeutic approach is built on her extensive experience with Violet Oaklander’s Gestalt model of Play/Art therapy, family systems, and Reflective Parenting practice.

Her roles as a school counselor, child therapist, reflective parenting facilitator, family therapist, clinical supervisor, and clinical director have given her a wide breadth of experience. Her practice integrates mindfulness, somatic experiencing, and strength-based methods to help clients build a more whole sense of self.

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #52767
  • Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California
  • Trained at Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills, CA
  • Extensively trained in the Violet Oaklander Model of Gestalt Play Therapy
Chief Psychologist

Blake Brisbois, PsyD

“Like many of us as therapists, I consider myself a wounded healer. Growing up, I was very blessed, but also really struggled. While I do not pretend to know what it is like for all of the people we serve, I do know how important the work is and how essential it is for everyone to feel that there is a place to go and feel supported.”

Dr. Brisbois was born and raised in the Conejo Valley and attended the schools of the Las Virgenes Unified School District and returned to the area to raise children with his wife Adelina, Clinical Director at Engage Treatment, and continue the legacy of offering his hometown community’s youth a service that did not exist when he grew up.

  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist #32519
  • Family Therapist, Parent Educator, and Private Practice Clinician
  • Bachelors in Psychology from University of California Berkeley, Masters & Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Santa Barbara
  • Trained at the Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills, Gateways Hospital in Echo Park, Occidental College in Eagle Rock, and Calabasas Behavioral Health
  • Extensively trained in and wrote his Doctoral Dissertation on the Violet Oaklander Model of Gestalt Play Therapy
Director of Parent Services

Peggy Matson, LMFT, PsyD

“My approach relies first on providing a safe space for anyone to explore, talk about and work through their feelings while feeling accepted.”

With over 14 years as a critical care nurse and early childhood educator, Peggy knows that Engage’s mission is vital. As an LMFT, she ran a private practice serving families, children, individuals, and couples from all social and economic backgrounds, before joining the Engage Team. With us, she uses her experience in psychodynamics, psychoanalysis, and attachment theory to help families heal, learn and grow.

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #46207
  • Masters in clinical psychology with a specialty in child studies from Antioch University
  • Doctorate in Psychoanalysis from the Los Angeles Institute for Psychoanalytic Studies
  • Family Therapist and instructor in Infant and Child Development at LAISPS
  • Level Three Supervisor and Facilitator for Reflective Parenting Groups
Medical Director of Adult Services

Rob Feeley, MD

“I am proud to be a part of an environment that fosters integrity, respect, and collaboration with clients and colleagues. It is imperative that our clients have proper support, coping strategies, symptom education, and that we help them not just get by, but become more resilient in the face of adversity, an inevitable part of life.”

Dr. Feeley attended Amherst College, Boston University School of Medicine, and then completed his Psychiatric residency and addiction psychiatry fellowship at Yale, where he also served as Chief resident. He chose to specialize in Psychiatry because he enjoys the art of it as much as the science. He specializes in the treatment of depression, bipolar, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and a range of addictive disorders.
Before becoming a Medical Director for Engage, Dr. Feeley worked as an outpatient attending psychiatrist for Calabasas Behavioral Health and MindPath Health. He had also previously spent a couple of years working as a Psychiatric Emergency Room attending while at Yale.
Dr. Feeley is a passionate practitioner and truly embodies the Engage Treatment values. He has authored 10 peer-reviewed publications, addressing psychiatric disorders, addiction, medications, wellness, and the role of hormones in health.

  • Board-Certified General Adult and Addiction Psychiatrist #A147533
  • Psychiatry Residency training and Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at Yale
  • Over 15 years of utilizing and teaching meditation as part of his practice
Medical Director of Child Services

Danielle Shaw, MD

“I practiced pediatrics in Ventura County beginning in 1996.  I loved the relationships I developed with my patients and their families, yet I struggled to know how to help them with mental health issues.  They were basically inaccessible for pediatric patients.  I decided that I could make a difference.  In 2013, I closed my pediatric practice to train in child and adolescent psychiatry.”

Dr. Shaw has returned to Ventura County to help make mental health services more accessible and to support her pediatric colleagues.  She brought together pediatricians with local mental health professionals to form the Pediatric Mental Health Collaborative.  She understands pediatric mental health as a mother, pediatrician and a psychiatrist.  She met Blake and Adelina through the Pediatric Mental Health Collaborative and is excited to be joining them and share their vision to provide accessible, collaborative services to their clients and their families.

  • Board-Certified in Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry #G 81280
  • MD from UC Irvine in 1993, followed by Residency in Pediatrics
  • Practiced pediatrics in Ventura County from 1996-2013
  • Trained in Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the Medical College of GA
  • Actively involved in organized medicine to advocate for patients and the professionals who care for them
Motivational Interviewing Trainer & Consultant

Robert Scholz, LMFT, LPCC

” I consider it a privilege to partner with the team at Engage. When I seek out professionals to refer to there are some key traits I’m looking for – humility, willingness to collaborate, community-centered and an ongoing commitment to learning – the Engage team embodies these characteristics and so much more. I love having the opportunity to support the great work this group is providing to the families of the Conejo Valley.”

Robert is a licensed marriage and family therapist and professional clinical counselor in California and Arizona. He has served in many clinical and leadership roles over his twenty-five years working in university, community mental health, forensic and private practice settings. Robert is well-known for his work as a trainer and consultant in assisting schools/ universities and communities respond to major crisis events like wildfires, mass shootings, deaths of students/ employees and responding to other forms of interpersonal violence, including bullying. Over the past 25 years, Robert has forensic and other clinical treatment programs in Arizona, Connecticut and California. Robert lectures extensively to professionals in education, mental health, criminal justice and corporate settings, and equally likes the opportunity to speak with parents and teens who have endured traumatic events. Robert has served as an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Pepperdine’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology for many years, teaching courses on substance abuse treatment and forensic psychology. He enjoys his role as an Advisory Board Member and Affiliate Consultant with the National Association for Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment (NABITA). He co-authored the book Engaging Resistance and has authored several other publications on the topics of men’s mental health, treating mandated clients, addiction and best practices in disaster mental health.

Curriculum Coordinator

Amanda Flynn, LMFT

“I remember struggling with my own identity and feelings of depression as a teenager and young adult, and is why I feel so passionate about creating a safe space where people can be who they are.” 

 

Amanda connects with clients through a range of emotional depth and lighthearted humor, inviting all emotional expressions and outlets. As both a curriculum developer and therapist, Amanda’s creativity gives her a unique ability to  think outside the box, integrating various therapeutic modalities such as Positive Psychology, DBT Informed Skills, and CBT Skills, tailoring them to support each client’s or group’s unique needs.Through a trauma informed lens and strength approach model, Amanda works collaboratively with individuals to enhance self-expression, feelings of connection, and recognition of self-worth. 

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #132262
  • Curriculum Coordinator, Group Therapist, and Individual Therapist
  • Masters in Counseling Psychology from Humboldt  State University
  • California State Teaching Credential from Antioch Santa Barbara
  • Bachelors in English Literature from UCSB 
Parent Educator and Family Counselor

Terry Carroll, CADC

Primary Therapist, Psychological Associate

Julia Greenwald, PsyD

“Change is hard and I believe feeling accepted where you are is the first step. I want to create a safe, nonjudgmental space for young people to look deeper within themselves and find strength in vulnerability.” Julia has training in cognitive behavioral and family systems therapy and uses an integrative approach to meet the unique needs of each client. Julia currently facilitates our Pre-teen IOP Group Program as well as works with client’s individually
  • PsyD, Clinical Psychology, Alliant International University
  • Registered Psychological Assistant PSB #94026657 under the supervision of Dr. Blake Brisbois, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Primary Therapist

Carlye Porrazzo, AMFT

“I believe that, as therapists, we are given the opportunity to not only ‘talk the talk,’ but also to ‘walk the walk.’ We are challenged daily to learn and grow alongside our clients, with the hope of creating a sacred space rooted in equality, compassion, and collaboration. I feel this is especially valuable in our work with adolescents, as we strive to cultivate honest and trusting interpersonal relationships that foster the possibility of lasting transformation.”

As a primary therapist and case coordinator for the teen program, Carlye is dedicated to helping client’s and their families discover a renewed sense of hope in otherwise trying circumstances. Drawing from her previous work in providing support to survivors of child abuse and domestic violence, Carlye believes that the therapeutic alliance is firmly built on trust and collaboration, which emboldens clients to establish a stronger sense of self as they acquire practical skills in mindfulness, communication, boundary-setting, and other strengths-based practices. With a passion for a client-centered approach, Carlye remains consistently curious and deeply empathetic to the unique challenges of child, adolescent, and adult clients alike.

 

  • Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #133434
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre and minor in Musical Theatre from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
  • Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology specializing in Child Studies at Antioch University, Los Angeles, CA
  • Trained at Richstone Family Center, Hawthorne, CA
  • Supervised by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Primary Therapist

Colette Magedman, AMFT

“I believe that we possess the capacity for growth and healing when we feel safe, seen, and connected. Accepting the need for support can be scary, but allowing ourselves to be vulnerable can enable us to create deeper connections with ourselves, our families, and others, leading to greater resilience in facing our challenges.”

My role as a Primary Therapist is working with pre-teens in a group setting. As a parent, I empathize with the challenges and transitions of children and their families through each developmental phase. I strive to help our clients and their families strengthen their connections, gain greater self-awareness, and improve family functioning.

  • Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #140544
  • Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University
  • Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara
  • Supervised by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Primary Therapist

Chris Chamberlain, AMFT

My understanding of therapy is that it is a process of identifying the conditions and experiences that bring a person to the here and now, and essentially seeing what is or what is no longer working for a person. Creating a space to explore these conditions to get to where you want to be is vital to this process, and that is my priority. Through openness, acceptance and compassion I strive to create a collaborative environment where the client feels empowered. My approach is challenging yet supportive.

Chris moved to Los Angeles from Britain in 2012 whilst working in the music industry. 8 years later he graduated with a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles and is also a dad of two. As a primary therapist who works with young adults, Chris acknowledges the significance of this stage of life as a former young adult but also as a parent.

  • Bachelors Degree in Film & Television Production from Leeds Becket University, UK
  • Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles
  •  Trained at Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills, CA
  • Registered Associated Marriage and Family Therapist #130148
  • Supervised by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Primary Therapist

Jason Hall, AMFT

“As an associate marriage and family therapist, I am dedicated to providing compassionate and effective therapy. With a keen emphasis on active-listening, I create a safe and supportive space for my clients to explore their emotions and concerns. I utilize a blend of skills including DBT, CBT, and Gestalt therapy in my practice. These evidence-based approaches allow me to empower clients with practical tools to navigate challenges and build resilience.”
Jason serves as a group therapist and case coordinator within the Teen IOP program at Engage. In addition, Jason works with clients individually.
  • Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute
  • Master’s degree from University of Santa Monica Spiritual Psychology Program
  • Registered Associated Marriage and Family Therapist #139753
  • Supervised by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Primary Therapist

Jilianne Foster, ACSW

“My approach focuses on providing a safe and nurturing space to process all of life’s challenges with the end-goal of growth, happiness, and equillibrium. My goal in therapy is to empower and motivate people to take control of their lives by doing the necessary work and building the neccesary skills to thrive. I believe that taking control of our lives through the lense of, and empowered by mindfulness and self love is a gift we all deserve.”

Jilianne‘s approach is holistic and mindfulness based, helping clients better find harmony between their mind, body, and environment. As a Primary Therapist for the Teen IOP, Jilianne enjoys connecting with and challenging clients through creativity, humor, and
experience. Drawing from CBT and DBT informed skills as well as solution-focused therapies, Jilianne is committed to creating meaningful work for clients with tangible progress towards achieving goals. Through meeting people where they are at and seeing them for who they truly are, Jilianne empowers all clients to engage in the meaningful exploration and work necessary to embrace their challenges and fight them head on.

  • Registered Associated Clinical Social Worker #119839
  • Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work with an emphasis in Adult Mental Health and Wellness from the University of Southern California
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development from Binghamton University
  • Supervised by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

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Primary Therapist

Jessie Buttafuoco, AMFT

“I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way. “ – Whitney Houston 

Meet Jessie Buttafuoco, a dedicated and compassionate mental health professional with a passion for guiding individuals towards holistic well-being.

With over 20 years of experience working with children and teens, Jessie specializes in creating meaningful connections with her clients and empowering individuals to be the best versions of themselves they can be.

Coming from a person-centered approach, Jessie fosters a non-judgemental environment of safety, inclusion, open-mindedness, respect, and validation.

  • Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #143957
  • Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, Pepperdine University.
  • Bachelors Degree in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
  • RADT Certified
  • Supervised by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

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Intake Coordinator

Jennifer Cuccia

Administrative Assistant

Andrea Lamberth

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” ― Viktor E. Frankl

Andrea has over 25 years of experience in a supportive role with a background in learning and development. She received her Associates Degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Los Angeles Pierce College and has a passion for helping others and strives to always be the best version of herself.

Interested in working with us?

Our Westlake Village location was designed specifically to fit our needs.

We know that treatment centers can feel cold and intimidating, and with that in mind, we curated our location to do the exact opposite. We are so proud of the warm, open, and intentional space we have created.

Nothing at Engage Treatment is accidental or incidental. From the group-friendly room layouts to how sound carries, we have turned our space in a historic building into an inviting and safe environment for our clients.

Large open areas allow for comfortable social distancing, without feeling separated from the group. We believe that our location reflects our values – be open and be embraced. If you are interested, contact us today to schedule a tour.

Our experienced intake coordinators are ready for your questions and excited to share any information that may help.

We know that our services won’t be right for everybody, that’s why we’re committed to working directly with youth and their families to find the support they need – either with Engage Treatment or with another trusted provider in our community. We also offer free assessments and consultations to local schools and organizations.

Contact Us Today

Whatever your insurance situation may be, we want to help you find the support you need, even if it isn’t with us. Our team is ready to help.

Engage Treatment Program is in-network for all IOP services with Anthem Blue Cross, Beacon of California, and MHN/Healthnet. For all others with PPO or out-of-network benefits, our insurance and billing team will work diligently to access any benefits and directly bill your insurance provider, as well as determine any out-of-pocket costs before starting a program.

Engage Treatment is not in-network for outpatient level services (ie. weekly individual therapy) and does not bill insurance directly. In these cases, a fee is due at service and a superbill will be provided to submit to insurance for possible reimbursement.

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