Our in-person program follows all CDC guidelines, and we are able to provide hybrid/virtual groups. LEARN MORE

BLOG
February 10th, 2023

Getting the care you need when you need it is essential

At the Thelma McMillen Recovery Center, we understand that everyone’s addiction story is unique, and we design personalized treatment plans that cater to the individual.

Blog
February
November 24th, 2021

Written by Dr. Moe Gelbart, Director of Behavioral Health

Blog
November
June 10th, 2021

A member of the SBFC Youth Advisory, Riley M., interviews Dr. Donnie Watson of the Thelma McMillen Recovery Center on the topic of youth substance use in the South Bay.

Blog
June
May 13th, 2021

Getting the care you need when you need it is essential.

Now that the CDC has opened the guidelines, we are prepared and transitioning to in-person visits on a limited scale at the Thelma McMillen Recovery Center.

Blog
May
February 22nd, 2021

Written by Diane Krieger | Photos by Vincent Rios

Blog
February
November 30th, 2020

Written by Moe Gelbart, Ph.D. - Director, Behavioral Health

Blog
November
August 24th, 2020

Written by Moe Gelbart, PhD, Executive Director | Thelma McMillen Recovery Center

Blog
August
July 13th, 2020

Written by Dr. Moe Gelbart, Executive Director of the Thelma McMillen Recovery Center

Blog
July
June 30th, 2020

In our 30 years at the Thelma McMillen Recovery Center at Torrance Memorial Medical Center, we have strived to serve the South Bay Community in battling the problems of drug and alcohol use and addiction.

Blog
June
May 26th, 2020

Written by Dr. Moe Gelbart, Thelma McMillen Recovery Center

Blog
May
May 11th, 2020

Written by Moe Gelbart, PhD, Director, The Thelma McMillen Recovery Center 

Blog
May
April 14th, 2020

Our country is going through a historical ordeal.

Blog
April
March 16th, 2020

Written by Moe Gelbart, PhD, Director of the Thelma McMillen Recovery Center

Blog
March
September 4th, 2019

The opioid epidemic (also called opioid crisis) refers to the rapid increase in the use of prescription and non-prescription opioids in the United States.

September
July 2nd, 2019

Parents need to be aware of one of the most commonly prescribed drugs, Xanax, as it has also become the most commonly abused prescription drug by teenagers.

July
June 17th, 2019

Maneuvering through the challenges of adolescence comes with many difficulties and stressors.

June
June 6th, 2019

Summer is here, and the year is winding down. This will be my last column of the school year and I want to thank Dr. Linsey Gotanda and the principals of each school for letting me share my thoughts with you.

June
May 15th, 2019

In our last columns, I discussed the various types of anxiety disorders and the signs and symptoms to look for. As an essential reminder, anxiety is the most common form of mental health issue and also the most treatable.

May
May 2nd, 2019

In last week’s column, we looked at anxiety and what the different anxiety disorders are. Today, I will cover the causes of anxiety and how to recognize it in your children.

What Causes Anxiety?

May
May 1st, 2019

Anxiety is the most common and prevalent mental health issue that adults, teens and children experience. The good news is that it is a very treatable problem, with high levels of success in overcoming it.

May
April 11th, 2019

Amongst parents I work with, one of the most consistent complaints and concerns revolve around screen time, video games and the battle over the cellphone. Like much that technology has to offer, there are benefits and consequences of progress.

April
April 1st, 2019

We all love our children. We all want to do what is best for them, protect them, help them to succeed and ensure nothing bad happens to them. We need to find a balance, however, between support and enabling.

April
March 14th, 2019

I’ve been in private practice as a psychologist for 42 years. When I first started my career, I worked extensively with children, adolescents and families.

March
March 4th, 2019

The incidence of eating disorders among teens is rapidly increasing, and the dangerous and harmful effects of suffering from these problems are among the most significant risks our teens face.

March
February 21st, 2019

In my last column, I presented data on how prevalent eating disorders are among teens and what the different eating disorder diagnoses are.

February
February 7th, 2019

Among the most frightening and dangerous mental health issues teens struggle with are eating disorders. The problem is widespread, and I hope to be able to share basic facts, statistics, causes and strategies in this and in future articles.

February
January 31st, 2019

As we all know, teens encounter a variety of stressors in their lives, and develop both healthy and unhealthy ways to cope with their internal difficulties.

January
January 17th, 2019

In last week’s column, I presented warning signs and risk factors related to Teen suicide. This is, obviously, a very serious topic. Today, we’ll look at some of the things parents can do to make a difference, and to minimize the risks.

January
December 12th, 2018

Thoughts on Drug Testing Your Teens

December
December 12th, 2018

Adolescent suicide has become a national health crisis.

December
November 7th, 2018

Picking Your Battes: The A-B-C Method

November
October 13th, 2018

Talking with teens is tricky business—but experts say it’s critical to have open and frank discussions about alcohol and drugs. “Kids say to me all the time that ‘everybody does it,’ as an excuse.

October
October 13th, 2018

KARL MCMILLEN: DEDICATED TO FIGHTING TEEN ADDICTION

October
October 11th, 2018

Teaching Delayed Gratification

October
September 26th, 2018

Whether or not our children are experimenting with, dabbling in, or heavily involved with drug or alcohol use is a cause of great concern and anxiety for most parents.

September
September 26th, 2018

Here is a secret. Kids love limits and boundaries. You would never know it from their behavior, and their reactions to limits.

September
September 7th, 2018

As parents, we are all concerned about the dangers of drug and alcohol use. Given all that is known, all the publicity, all the problems that teenagers are aware of, one wonders, why do teens use?

September
August 29th, 2018

Welcome back to the beginning of the 2018-19 school year. I am happy to announce that I am writing a weekly youth wellness column for a South Bay school district that I will also be sharing with parents in our Thelma McMillen community.

August
February 27th, 2018

Medication assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders at the Thelma Mcmillen Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment.

February
February 27th, 2018

A Mother’s Story of her Son’s Recovery

Ten years ago, a friend of my son came to me and told me that my son had a problem with drugs. I was shocked.

February
February 27th, 2018

1) Why is it important to detect early warning signs of substance abuse in teenagers?

February
December 15th, 2017

Understanding the subtle immediate and long-term effects alcohol has on the body is essential to maintaining a healthy, well-balanced life.

December
October 13th, 2017

If you are a parent of a teen, perhaps you can relate to some of these comments: “Not my kid.” “He’s an athlete, so he doesn’t do drugs.” “Oh, she knows better.” “We’ve talked with her about the dangers (of drugs), so I’m not worried.” “He really wants

October
February 27th, 2017

Spotlight on Drugs: Spice

February
February 27th, 2017

By Dr. Moe Gelbert, PhD; Executive Director, Thelma McMillen Center

February