Questions? Call for Help Now
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 / Pychiatrist
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
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.
Clinical Relations Manager
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
Case Manager
Case Manager
Case Manager
Case Manager
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.