Teen rehabilitation center in beautiful Agoura Hills, CA

Specialists in mental health and substance abuse

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800-275-1707

Your turning point

Hillcrest treats teens suffering from mental health problems, eating disorders, and substance abuse using clinical, evidence-based therapies backed by expert research.

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Gallery

Our Team

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Christine Tonoli

Executive Director

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Amarilys Reyes

Clinical Director

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Dr. Sanjoy Sathpathy

Psychiatrist

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Rey Carungcong

Clinical Staff

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Christopher Clavel

Primary Therapist

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Mark Paladini

Director of Education

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Daniel Durant

Media Expressive Group Facilitator

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Janasha Austin

Facility Manager

Christine Tonoli

Executive Director

Christine Tonoli brings a wealth of expertise and a profound dedication to the organization's values, which include empathy, empowerment, diversity, and inclusivity. She believes every adolescent deserves the opportunity to thrive, and her professional accomplishments within leadership reflect this commitment.

Combining strong academic rigor, MBA, BSHCA, AS, and CDA, with a deep understanding of real-world challenges, Christine ensures that the program continues to excel and provide life-changing support to young individuals.

In addition to her professional achievements, Christine maintains a personal passion for emotional wellness. These interests, whether meditation or outside recreation, are directly tied into her work by promoting holistic mindfulness and presence for adolescents and reinforcing the importance of self-care and creative expression in mental health.

As the Executive Director, Christine Tonoli remains at the forefront of adolescent mental health advocacy and continues to push boundaries, ensuring that the division remains a beacon of hope and transformation for adolescents in need.

Amarilys Reyes

Clinical Director

With 25 years of experience in social services, Amarilys Reyes has dedicated her career to working with high-risk populations in community and home-based programs. Her passion for helping others led her to become a Clinical Director, where she uses her extensive knowledge and skills to provide the best possible care for our patients.

As a bilingual professional in English and Spanish, Ama can effectively communicate and connect with a diverse range of individuals and families. Her experience spans across various roles, including Program Director for a DMH contractor agency, Clinical Supervisor, and an adjunct faculty member at California Lutheran University Counseling Center.

Ama addresses a wide spectrum of issues in her therapy sessions, including trauma, emotional distress, relationship problems, domestic violence, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety-related challenges, ADHD, academic difficulties, and acculturation. Possessing specialized education and training in the treatment of children and adolescents, she is equipped to handle their unique needs and circumstances.

Drawing from her personal experiences with ADHD during her childhood, Amas has turned these challenges into professional strengths. This has guided her toward the development of a comprehensive treatment approach that combines cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, and expressive art techniques, offering a well-rounded therapeutic experience.

Dr. Sanjoy Sathpathy

Psychiatrist

Dr. Sathpathy is a board-certified Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist with over a decade of experience in private practice. After completing his residency at Brookdale University Medical Center in New York, and his visiting fellowship at Columbia University, Dr. Sathpathy founded So Cal Psychiatric Care in San Diego, CA, and served as the Clinical Director of the Mesa Vista Hospital Inpatient Unit.

Specializing in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), and Psychotherapeutic Intervention, Dr. Sathpathy makes every effort to empower patients, instill confidence, and provide support through the healing process.

Rey Carungcong NSSIA-Cert

Clinical Staff

Rey Carungcong majored in Music Therapy with a minor in Psychology at California State University Northridge, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music. Working as a Certified Music Therapist, as well as a Behavioral Therapist with individuals with special needs since 1995, Rey gained extensive experience in the Behavioral and Mental Health Fields. He also obtained certification as a NSSIA Master Level Surf Instructor.

Rey has been facilitating Adaptive Skills Surf & Social Skills groups since 1997, and officially opened Shaka Surf Club in 2006. As a co-founder, Rey brings his impeccable educational and clinical background in Psychology, ABA, and Music Therapy to the Club. Over the years, Rey developed a unique experiential therapy program in Surf Therapy that utilizes and blends the modalities and theories of Neurophysiology, Kinesiology, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Sensory Integration Theory, Cognitive Development Theory, and Social Development Theory.

Christopher Clavel

Primary Therapist

Christopher Clavel, an associate Marriage and Family Therapist, received his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Linfield College. Christopher began his career working with at-risk youth in a school-based intervention and mentorship program. He then transitioned to working in community mental health for wrap focusing on children and adolescents with behavioral and emotional problems. Christopher also has five years of experience with behavioral therapy, working on emotional regulation, mindfulness, impulse control, and skills acquisition.

Mark Paladini

Director of Education

Mark Paladini brings 12 years of experience teaching at the university level where he was celebrated for his curriculum design and lesson planning for undergraduate and graduate

students. In addition to heading the undergraduate program that he co-created at Regent University, he also developed and ran a highly successful online master’s program for high school teachers. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in Seattle and is a graduate of the Los Angeles Teaching Fellows Program. Mr. Paladini also served on the recruitment team during his time at the university which gives him a unique advantage to help students prepare for what is needed to get into college.

Prior to teaching at the university level, Mr. Paladini taught and developed courses for UCLA Extension, taught middle school English for LAUSD, and mentored students at a National Blue Ribbon Elementary School in Los Angeles. He also has extensive experience in the entertainment industry (Fun Fact: Mark Paladini is an award winning Casting Director!) and brings his theatre skills into the classroom to create an engaging atmosphere where students enjoy the process of learning.

Daniel Durant

Media Expressive Group Facilitator

Daniel Durant is an artist and producer who specializes in audio and visual media. He has created music, films, and podcasts for himself and various other artists and agencies throughout Southern California. His goal is to create honest and creative pieces of media that capture the essence of the individuals who participate.

Kyle Craft

Executive Chef

Chef Kyle Craft has always loved food and the culinary arts, a talent he inherited from his family, who already succeeded in the restaurant business. He graduated from Orange Coast Culinary and has over a decade of professional experience managing restaurants and his own kitchen. He specializes in Italian American cuisine and is always excited to serve you food with a smile. He spends his off time baking, being outdoors, and spending time with his family.

Dominique Baker

Program Director

Dominique is a motivated individual with nine years of experience in the mental health and addiction field. Her work history includes working with adults and adolescent individuals across the spectrum in inpatient and outpatient settings. She is dedicated and experienced in operating and directing facilities and is able to motivate people to perform at their best in providing excellence in individuals.

Dominique is close to completing her CADAC II, and her long-term goal is to become a therapist and open her own detox center. She enjoys dancing, meditation, and spending time with friends and family. Client care is of the utmost importance to her, and she thrives off of healing with laughter.

Janasha Austin

Office Manager

Janasha “Jay” is a dedicated professional with 20 years of leadership and management experience. She demonstrates excellent communication and coaching skills to create a motivating environment where clients and employees can excel. Day to day, Jay handles a wide range of administrative, technical, and executive support tasks with a goal-oriented mind and is dedicated to high levels of client satisfaction. Not only is Jay honest and hard-working, but she also specializes in problem-solving, adaptability, and interpersonal skills. Jay’s goal within the next five years is to advance in Mental Health and make a difference in the lives of those who are in need of assistance.

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Your child is never alone

Only six teens reside with us at any one time. Keeping the group small by design ensures each child receives an individualized treatment plan and the support they need to recover.

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Personalized journey

Set in the tropical foothills of Agoura Hills, California, your child will receive clinical treatment, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, complemented by holistic therapies such as psychodrama, expressive art therapy, poetry, yoga, dance, equine therapy and surfing.

At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, education and schooling are of utmost importance. Our ultimate goal is for family and school reunification and reintegration post rehabilitation. Your loved one’s schooling should not suffer or be affected in any negative way during treatment.

This well-rounded approach helps your teen reach a point of sustainable wellness, teaching them to deal with the stresses and strains of daily life in a positive way.

Drug Addiction

Smoking Addiction

Game Addiction

Cell Phone Addiction

Pornography Addiction

Sexual Addiction

Internet Addiction

Chemical Dependency

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800-275-1707

Teen behavioral health

Hillcrest is well equipped to provide individualized therapeutic treatment programs to address all types of teen mental health and trauma, and provide the support and guidance for your loved one and their ultimate healing

Teen mental health

Our expert can fully evaluate and treat teens with mood disorders and the other mental health disorders. We treat each case individually, focused on long term recovery rather than simply a short term or quick fix.

Mood Disorder

Anxiety

Depression

OCD

Eating Disorders

Personality Disorder

PTSD

Self-Harm

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800-275-1707

Your teen can and will recover - as these messages from our alumni demonstrate:

Nellie G.

Without Hillcrest’s compassionate staff, my daughter would not be with me today. They helped her gain the skills she needed to manage her depression and helped me learn to work with her. We still have rough days, but now we can cope with them when they come. Thank you, Hillcrest!

Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center

Maryann C.

When my brother’s ODD came to a head last year, my family was at our wits end and it became clear he needed more help than we could provide. All of us did our research and eventually I came across Hillcrest. It seemed like a great place. So far, we’ve all been working with them for about a month and we’re seeing a huge difference in my brother’s behavior.

Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center

Bob W.

I am so happy with the programs that Hillcrest has. My daughter has depression and the things we have tried so far were not really helping long term. Like many, we did our homework and found this very nice facility. Everyone is very friendly and caring here. The rooms are nice, even the meals look delicious. It took a little work, but she is engaging with the counselors and other people and is really making some headway. It will still be some time, but I am thrilled with her progress, and her positive attitude.

Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center

Ralph W.

Getting through a difficult situation is just part of life. We didn't know how hard the loss of my father was hitting my child until he started to discuss joining him. There was no hesitation getting him help. Hillcrest was the best fit for his needs and the difference in him today is incredible. Thank you.

Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center

Nicole G.

Hillcrest is a wonderful facility for your teen. They helped me help my son with his behavioral issues stemming from several fears. The people that work there are wonderful and the Counselors and Doctors are great. He has learned effective ways to handle situations without getting upset. They really helped us out, I was out of ideas. I am really thrilled watching his progress. I would recommend Hillcrest for anyone who has a young family member in need of help.

Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center
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How we treat

At Hillcrest, you and your loved one participate in individual and family therapy sessions. The therapies are evidence based and clinical, combined with and supported by holistic and innovative methods. Some of the evidence-based therapies include family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).

Other innovative modalities therapies used in tandem with evidence based clinical therapies include – psychodrama, expressive art therapy, stress reduction, psychoeducation, yoga, aquatic therapy, fitness, life skills and equine therapy. A 12-step therapy program is also accessed when appropriate for some of the addiction disorders.

Behavioral Therapy

Daily Treatment

  • CBT – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • DBT – Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
  • Emotional Intelligence Therapy
  • ACT - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Trauma-Informed Therapy

Daily Treatment

  • Trauma/PTSD Therapy
  • Anger Reduction Therapy

Self Development

Positive Life Therapy

  • Mindful Exploration
  • Self-Development Group
  • Skill Building

Expressive Art Therapy

Art Therapy

  • Expressing Anger in Art Therapy
  • Yoga Therapy
  • Meditation Therapy
  • Creative Writing
  • Music Therapy
  • Media Expressive
  • Comedy/Improv

Interpersonal Therapy

Healthy Relationship Therapy

  • Boundaries Therapy
  • Attachment Modalities
  • Interactive Activities using Games

Other Programs

  • Family Therapy
  • Recovery Management Therapy
  • Stress Reduction
  • Psychoeducation

The journey to healing starts here

Contact Hillcrest today and give them their best chance to recover and lead a happy life.

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