Babak Max Karimbeik

(Mr. )

EMDR Certified Therapist

Online Therapy

About Me

Severe life stressors like addiction due to drug & alcohol abuse & trauma have the potential to completely unravel the lives of human beings. As such, people who have been through traumatic or stressful experiences require healing in order to lead happier and more functional lives. It is such people that I help who also suffer from the disease of addiction. My clients include children, adults, and the families of addicted individuals. I also guide them towards healthier perceptions of themselves as well as their experiences. I also help them repair and strengthen their relationships so they a) have a support system to fall back on, and b) are able to better realize themselves within the context of their relationships. However, it is important to remember that there is no "one size fits all" in therapy. There is no universal approach that would help every individual. That is why I have been trained in a variety of modalities. These include Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Transpersonal Psychotherapy, Attachment Based Therapy, Depth Psychology, Cognitive Therapy of Substance Abuse, Existential Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and EMDR which is my specialty. Because of this, I'm able to approach every client according to their unique situation and experiences.

Education & Experience

My educational background includes my current PhD program in Depth Psychology. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and was the clinical director of 6 detox & residential facilities including LifeSync Malibu, Rebos Detox, A Giving Tree, Hollywood Recovery Center, New Spirit Recovery, and Phase 2 ATC in Encino. I was the first to create LifeSync Malibu addiction residential program & A Giving Tree residential treatment program in Malibu. I also re-created the residential treatment program at Phase 2 ATC in Encino, CA.  CLINICAL DIRECTOR  Highly motivated, compassionate and service driven seasoned Clinical Director with expertise in provide coping techniques and support to clients and their families, with therapeutic experience in detox and leading recovery-focused initiatives to promote quality mental health. A diligent advocate of patient’s well-being, providing appropriate therapy and treatment for patients to ensure their fast recovers. Recognized for professionalism, commitment to excellence, and demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with associates and clients. Have excellent interpersonal skills, able to collaborate effectively with co-workers at all levels. Self-motivated and can work independently or in a team. AREAS OF EXPERTISE  DEPTH PSYCHOLOGY – In a Phd program for Depth Psychology in Integrative Healing & Health  PSYCHOLOGY – Well versed in human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.  LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT - Knowledgeable of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources.  EXCEPTIONAL ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS - Consistently recognized by colleagues for exceptional talents in needs analysis and problem resolution in different environments.  STRONG SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY - Solid professional standards; excellent track record of dependability. Maintain focus on achieving results while implementing solutions to meet a diversity of needs.  CLIENT SERVICE - Consistently demonstrate responsiveness, strong focus, and ability to build good client relationships.  COMPUTER SKILLS – Knowledgeable of computer programs to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) Adobe Suite, Dreamweaver, Flash, etc. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Clinical Director (Accelerated Resolution Therapy): Gravity Treatment Centers  Desert Palm Springs, CA 2022-Present  Creating the clinical program where Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioral, Exposure (imaginal, in-vivo), relaxation techniques, and Brief Psycho-dynamic therapy and combines them with eye movements similar to those we using during the (REM) Rapid Eye Movement phase of sleep. ART utilizes a re-scripting process called Voluntary Image Replacement (VIR) to assist clients in replacing negative images with positive ones.  Developed comprehensive treatment plans that focused on accurate diagnosis and behavioral treatment of problems. Clinical Director (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist): Phase 2 ATC  Encino, CA 2021-2022  Created a brand-new clinical program based on research and evidence from my PhD. Program in Depth Psychology. Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy groups were the foundation.  Perform individual Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) sessions with clients, as well as Neurofeedback. Clinical Director (Neuro-Therapy/Neuro-Feedback): New Spirit Recovery  Encino, CA 2020-2021  Created the clinical program where Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy groups are the foundation.  Perform individual Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) sessions with clients, as well as Neurofeedback. Clinical Director: Hollywood Recovery Centers  Hollywood, CA 2019-2020 Rebos Detox/Giving Tree  Malibu, CA 2018-2019  Overseeing all clinical operations of the Partial Hospitalization Program for dually diagnosed adult substance abusers who were already working and in a sober living.  Develop and implement curricula based on evidence-based practices.  Ensure adherence to DCF, and JCAHO guidelines in both clinical practice and in documentation through the Electronic Medical Records system.  Provide regular supervision to the entire clinical department, interns, and behavioral health technicians.  Lead daily clinical staffing to ensure the quality and continuity of care.  Work collaboratively to ensure that the owners’ vision is met and that there is optimal teamwork between the clinical department and other departments (medical; operations; UR).  Teach clients coping techniques, relaxation skills, impulse control, social skills, emotional coping skills and functional living skills. Clinical Director / Primary Therapist: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist: Life Sync Malibu Detox  Malibu, CA January 2018-Present  Overseeing all clinical operations of the Partial Hospitalization program for dually diagnosed adult substance abusers.  Develop and implement curricula based on evidence-based practices.  Ensure adherence to DCF, and JCAHO guidelines in both clinical practice and in documentation through the Electronic Medical Records system.  Provide regular supervision to the entire clinical department, interns, and behavioral health technicians.  Lead daily clinical staffing to ensure the quality and continuity of care.  Work collaboratively to ensure that the owners’ vision is met and that there is optimal teamwork between the clinical department and other departments (medical; operations; UR).  Teach clients coping techniques, relaxation skills, impulse control, social skills, emotional coping skills and functional living skills. Key Accomplishments and Contributions:  Consistently receive bonuses and salary increase based on good performance.  Develop comprehensive treatment plans that focus on accurate diagnosis and behavioral treatment of problems. Residential Counselor (Part-Time): Evolve Treatment Center  Los Angeles, CA 2016-2017  Provided leadership and expertise in Biopsychosocial Assessments.  Led in case management as a client advocate, connecting clients with a wide variety of community resources to meet their individual needs.  Responsible for running DBT groups, implementing recovery methods and handling troubled residents. Worked in conjunction with peers and supervisors to efficiently enforce behavioral goals.  Developed DBT group therapeutic approaches for individuals dealing with substance abuse issues and other mental health issues.  Served as a model for clinical staff effective group processing, client-focused individual therapy, and proper training classes for family members seeking to support individuals with addictions.  Gained experience in implementing new document training plans that emphasized patient skills development, which aligned with the program’s overall objectives. Recognized as a Medication Certified Professional. Key Accomplishments and Contributions:  Served as an integral part of the team to attain the required rehabilitation objectives of clients through progress charts.  Sustained excellent compliance with all established procedures, policies and regulations.  Proactively contributed to other operational efforts through additional duties handling. Marriage and Family Therapist (Part-Time): Next Move Agency  Lawndale, CA 2016-2017  Provided broad-based individual, family and group therapy for children, adolescents and their families with a variety of mental health presentations due to PTSD through trauma abuse, depression and anxiety.  Worked with families and clients in evaluating children who were not responding to therapy and whose parents were seeking a diagnosis and strategies to facilitate continued development for their child.  Gained experience in providing psycho-education on diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, and effective parent management techniques to low-income multicultural populations.  Formulated progress notes specific to each client’s needs.  Utilized Trauma Focused CBT on a woman who was a victim of domestic violence.  Offered quality patient care through consistent supervision and practical application of relationship skills.  Focused on clinical work involving married couples in a supportive, proactive and self-assured manner while being highly attentive and engaging with clients via solid clinical judgment and decision-making Group Therapist (Part-Time): Growth Management  Los Angeles, CA 2016  Responsible for the full caseload of clients with regularly scheduled counseling appointments.  Completed relapse prevention groups, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) groups and eating disorder groups.  Completed preparation before groups and wrote extensive group notes. Counselor I (Full-Time): House of Uhuru  Los Angeles, CA 2015-2016  Interviewed existing clients for intake work-ups and social history. Actively participated in treatment planning with a multidisciplinary team. Provided case management counseling services to clients.  Attended weekly supervision meetings with a Psychiatric Social Worker. Collected and documented the submission of urine samples while preparing and submitting daily activity reports as necessary.  Conducted clinical interviews to assess cases. Gained extensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS counseling.  Linked and coordinated numerous kinds of services, which included network providers.  Documented and determined the needed scope of service and eligibility for services regarding clinical/medical treatment. Clinician I: EMQ Families First  San Jose, CA 2014-2015  Demonstrated ability in managing client accounts and providing individual, family and group therapy for children, adolescents and their families with a variety of mental health presentations (i.e., trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, academic problems, substance abuse and disruptive behaviors).  Provided comprehensive psycho-education on diagnoses, therapeutic interventions, and effective parent management techniques to low-income multicultural populations in a variety of settings.  Formulated progress notes specific to each client’s needs.  Utilized Transformational Care Planning and Trauma Focused CBT on sexually abused children and adolescents (health issues regarded outward behavior difficulties, anxiety and depression).  Participated in monthly auditing of client charts to ensure state compliance. Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee: Overfelt High School  East San Jose, CA 2013-2014  Assessed, diagnosed and treated psychological distress within the context of marriage and family systems.  Provided counseling services in several different areas, including relationship counseling and separation and divorce aftermath counseling.  Conducted mental health assessments and developed comprehensive treatment plans. Key Accomplishments and Contributions:  Discovered additional support services and developed therapeutic maps in partnership with them, thus significantly improving the mental condition of several clients.

Professional & Volunteer Affiliations

CERTIFICATION and LICENSES Certified Neurotherapist  BioFeedback Certification Alliance  2021 Certified Psychotherapist  2018 Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist  2018 AFFILIATIONS CAMFT EMDRIA Association BCIA COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Have worked with the City Counselor of District 12  2013-2016 with City Counselor Bill Rosendahl

Specialty Area

  • Addictions
  • Alcohol/Substance Abuse
  • Anxiety/Panic Attacks
  • Depression
  • Domestic Violence
  • Family Issues
  • Grief/Loss/Mourning
  • Moral Injury
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents
  • Performance Enhancement
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Somatic Issues
  • Spirituality
  • Stress Management
  • Survivor's Guilt
  • Traumatic Incident

Population Served

  • Adults
  • Immigrants
  • Seniors

Language

  • English
  • Farsi

Insurance

  • Aetna

Optum