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Questions? Call for Help Now
We hire the best doctors, clinicians, therapists, and treatment professionals based on experience and our specific criteria that ensures the best treatment outcomes. Our hiring and training process is scientifically validated through a tool called Care Predictor, to ensure that every member of our team embodies the traits that contribute to client success.
From therapists to admission staff, every member of our team is committed to our mission of making Alter the last treatment center you’ll ever need. Whatever fears you may have about you or your loved one entering treatment, at Alter Behavioral Health, you can count on our dedicated team to support families through every step of this journey.
Meet the compassionate, skilled team of therapists and clinicians that you’ll be able to lean on throughout the entire treatment journey. Whether it’s you or your loved one in care, we’re here for the entire family.
Founder & CEO
Dr. Araz Tawfique, M.D.
Medical Director/Psychiatrist
Dr. Araz Tawfique, M.D. is an award-winning, Board Certified psychiatrist in La Jolla, CA with over ten years of experience working with people of diverse needs. He pursued his true passion for psychiatry and completed his psychiatric residency training at the University of Reno, Las Vegas. A San Diego native, he returned to Southern California to receive additional training in mental health, and start his private practice. His specialties are psychiatry and psychotherapy, which are techniques that facilitate a better understanding of thoughts, feelings, and motivations. His approach explores the interplay of biology, psychology, and sociology in shaping individuals and their relationships.
Dr. Tawfique’s experience includes delivering comprehensive addiction treatment at substance abuse centers in San Diego.
Medical Director / Psychiatrist
Niloufar Nekou, a Marriage and Family Therapist, specializes in a range of psychotherapy areas, including trauma, substance and alcohol abuse, and embracing cultural diversity. Trained in EMDR and skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, she fosters a compassionate and non-judgmental therapeutic environment.
Niloufar received her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Charleston. Niloufar’s therapeutic approach is to create a compassionate and non-judgmental space to address the difficulties that bring clients to therapy.
Chief Clinical Officer
Michelle Mullany is an innovative, visionary healthcare executive with 19+ years of diverse experience and a passion for innovation. Her broad experience encompasses C-suite leadership, private equity, JVs and acquisitions, and direct patient care. Throughout her career, Michelle has been recognized for leading business turnaround, reinvigorating strategy and identifying opportunities to improve processes, ultimately creating improved access to care.
During her career, Michelle has built a reputation as an entrepreneurial, strategic-minded professional who consistently delivers on growth goals through partnership development, collaboration and strategy and a strong clinical background. One of Michelle’s keys to success is leading with emotional intelligence, out-of-the-box thinking and a blend of logic and intellect. Michelle sets high expectations for her team and drives success through coaching, teaching and empowering her team. She is known for building a trusting environment and providing her team the tools and resources needed to be successful.
Michelle has worked as an emergency dept psychiatric social worker, vet center clinic director, trauma counselor, and most recently as the CEO of Prosperity Behavioral Health. She served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps. Her professional experience is complemented by a Master of Business Administration from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Michelle’s work has been featured in multiple documentaries and publications.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys longboard surfing, scuba, photography, and her daily trips to the gym. She has an adult son, Steven. She is supported at home by Jared and their three dogs.
Chief Operating Officer
Larissa, originally from the suburbs of Chicago, made the move to sunny California in 2016. Her personal journey in recovery has evolved into a valuable asset that she has applied to her role at Alter Health Group. Larissa initially launched her career as a case manager and has since transitioned into the field of business development. With expertise in Partner Relations, Community Resourcing, and Strategic Planning, Larissa excels in building and sustaining robust relationships with healthcare organizations, providers, and industry professionals. Her commitment is evident in her dedicated efforts to assure families and friends that their loved ones receive tailored care aligned with their unique needs. Larissa draws upon her educational background from the University of Illinois, holds a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC) certification, and has completed training in Yoga Teacher Training (YTT 200). Combining her professional expertise with personal experience in the field of recovery, she skillfully guides individuals through substance and mental health treatment with unwavering support and compassion.
Director of Business Development
Will graduated from Fresno Pacific University with his bachelor’s in Business Administration and Management. Will has worked in a variety of different industries, from banking to human resources, but found his passion in serving others. Before being a part of the Alter team, his work for a non-profit amplified his desire to help others facing addiction.
Operations Manager
Neha Kumar is Alter’s Director of Clinical Relations. As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Neha has extensive experience across various settings in the mental health field, including schools, community mental health centers and both substance use disorder (SUD) and primary mental health (PMH) rehab facilities. Neha’s work in a variety of professional settings has offered her a deep understanding of the diversity that exists in terms of individual client struggles and needs. Her therapeutic approach includes a combination of several different modalities including but not limited to Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, all of which she utilizes to empower clients to redefine their stories, confront their maladaptive behaviors and achieve overall well-being.
Neha’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration + Marketing from the University of Southern California and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University.
In addition to providing exceptional clinical care when working with clients, Neha aims to destigmatize mental health issues by sharing education and insights through her writing. Neha’s written work has been featured in various publications, including CNBC, Healio, PureWow, USA Today, HealthNews.com and Newsweek.
Director of Clinical Relations
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Clinical Director - San Diego, CA
Nursing Manager
Lead Therapist
Primary Therapist
Primary Therapist
Makenna Jones, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, specializes in treating individuals with mental health conditions, trauma, and substance abuse. Graduating from Azusa Pacific University, her approach is collaborative and compassionate. Makenna is committed to assisting clients in learning tools to navigate life’s difficulties, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
Primary Therapist
Primary Therapist
Primary Therapist
Case Manager Supervisor
Teralyn MacArthur is known for her person-centered approach, which is at the heart of her practice. Her method emphasizes the individual needs and goals of each client, creating a supportive and empowering environment that facilitates personal growth and mental well-being.
With years of experience in the field, Teralyn has honed her skills in evidence-based practices. She combines this knowledge with active listening and problem-solving skills to build trusting and effective relationships with her clients. This approach allows her to connect deeply with those she assists, ensuring that each person feels heard, understood, and valued.
Teralyn’s expertise extends to comprehensive assessment and treatment planning. She excels in interdisciplinary collaboration, working seamlessly with other healthcare professionals to ensure that her clients receive the most appropriate and effective care. Her commitment to tailored treatment plans means that each client’s mental health journey is as unique as they are, guided by expert advice and compassionate support.
Case Manager
Case Manager
Kahley Jaeke holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical/Counseling from Washington College, complemented by a minor in Business Management. With over 2.5 years of experience as a Case Manager, Kahley has navigated diverse challenges in mental health, substance abuse, and financial and legal matters. She is recognized for her patience and profound understanding of clients facing mental health issues, skillfully guiding them towards rebuilding all aspects of their lives.
Kahley’s enduring passion lies in continuing to make a positive impact through ongoing learning and pursuing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She remains deeply committed to carving out supportive pathways for individuals with mental health disorders, driven by a profound empathy for their journeys. In her free time, Kahley enjoys training her dogs, exploring new places, spending time with family, and furthering her education.
Case Manager
Case Manager
With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, Jack is dedicated to supporting individuals and families during some of their most challenging times. Known for a direct, compassionate, and calm approach, he excels in guiding clients through the admissions process and beyond.
As a frontline responder on the admissions line, Jack provides essential direction and support, ensuring that those seeking help feel heard and understood. Witnessing the profound growth and transformation of clients from the initial call to the completion of their programs is what fuels his passion for this work.
Jack takes great pride in seeing clients embrace life with renewed joy and hearing from families about the positive changes in their loved ones. He is especially skilled at listening to those in need, maintaining composure in high-pressure situations, and navigating crises with empathy and understanding.
Driven by a commitment to making a difference, Jack continues to be a steadfast advocate for mental health, embodying the belief that every person deserves support, compassion, and the opportunity to thrive.
Admissions Director
Call Now for Program Availability
Contact our admissions team to learn about our programs and to check availability at our facilities, or submit your insurance to verify coverage.
We accept most major insurance providers including the ones displayed here.
Submit your insurance to confirm coverage.
We accept most major insurance providers including the ones displayed here.
Submit your insurance to confirm coverage.
Our facilities have been awarded prestigious recognition and certifications by adhering to rigorous guidelines and exceeding quality standards with consistent, safe & effective healthcare services.
We are on a mission to improve the lives of people with mental health conditions.
34270 Pacific Coast Hwy
3rd Floor
Dana Point, CA 92629
Questions? Call now to speak confidentially with an admissions counselor.