ABOUT US - WHO WE ARE Wonderland Center is a residential treatment and detoxification facility providing services for alcohol, substance abuse, and relapse prevention programs. We specialize in treating a variety of addictive disorders including eating, co-dependency and gambling addiction help. Many clients benefit from our methods of treating trauma, depression, anxiety and other co-occurring disorders. Wonderland Center is a unique drug rehab in a residential neighborhood of Laurel Canyon, located on Mulholland Drive in the hills above West Hollywood.

WONDERLAND'S PHILOSOPHY

Wonderland’s philosophy is based on treating the whole person, recognizing that each client has their own set of personal needs. We offer completely specialized programs, we understand the special services required for executive rehabilitation, we take into account our client's business and family obligations and individualize drug treatment to minimize the impact on each. There is no magic number as to how long a client needs to stay at our facility. The length of stay and evolution of treatment options is assessed and determined according to the individual needs of each client.

Wonderland offers a healing environment in a beautiful picturesque setting atop the hills of Hollywood. Our rehab facility is near Hancock Park, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Sherman Oaks and West Hollywood. Our residential drug and alcohol treatment center is on three acres of nature with stunning views and rustic sitting areas that instill a sense of peacefulness and tranquility with an emphasis on privacy. Our goal is to provide our client’s a sense of safety with luxury and comfort to explore the deeper issues behind addiction and alcoholism. We realize that each client has their own set of underlying issues driving the addiction. Wonderland’s belief is that addiction is a maladaptive coping mechanism in combination with a physical allergy of the body. Wonderland provides a safe and secure drug free environment to begin the journey of recovery and address the underlying issues at the root of addictive and alcoholic behavior.

THE WONDERLAND TEAM

Howard C. Samuels, PsyD. - Executive Director

Dr. Samuels’ experience is extensive. He is a licensed therapist with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and has years of experience running two successful treatment centers. Dr. Samuels specializes in the treatment of mood and addictive disorders, love addiction and substance abuse intervention. Howard has been clean and sober for 22 years from heroin & cocaine addiction. As the son of a prominent New York state political figure, Howard's private battle with addiction became public when his drug busts in 1969 and 1971 hit the front pages of the New York Post, New York Daily News and were covered in Newsweek and Rolling Stone magazine. Today, Dr. Samuels shares his personal and professional experience with each client who comes to Wonderland Center. His expertise in treating addiction led to appearances on Fox News, the Today show, ABC Primetime Live, Larry King Live, Good Morning America, CBS The Early Show, CNN's Showbiz Tonight, Entertainment Tonight, Extra and a host of other international television programs. A regular guest on Star 98.7's weekly L.A. radio show, "Shrink Tank," Howard gets a chance to speak with many people, friends or family affected by addiction.

Bernadine Fried, M.F.T. - Clinical Director

Clinical Director Bernadine Fried, MFT has been treating alcoholics and addicts for over seventeen years. She is a licensed Marriage Family Therapist with specialized training in Trauma and PTSD and is certified in both E.M.D.R.(Eye, Movement, Desensitization, Reprocessing) and in equine assisted psychotherapy. Ms. Fried has served as a consultant, family therapist and educator at many prominent treatment centers. In the last five years Ms. Fried has dedicated her attention to the treatment of trauma, relapse and opiate dependency in her private practice. She has been a guest lecturer, facilitated seminars and led trainings on substance abuse, trauma and relapse prevention at a number of different institutions. Ms. Fried currently facilitates the family program at Wonderland Center. Bernadine Fried, MFT is a recovering addict with over 19 years of sobriety. Ms. Fried has been interviewed by CBS, BBC, Vogue and many other publications newspapers and magazines on issues involving women affected by addictive disorders. Her life and work is dedicated to prevention and treatment of addictive disorders.

Steven Jacobs, MD

Dr. Steven Jacobs is an expert in detoxification and the medical treatment of addictive disorders with 23 years of experience. Dr. Jacobs was certified by ASAM in 1986 and is a member of California Society of Addiction Medicine. Dr. Jacobs is one of the pioneers in the medical field of addictive disorders and has a long history of working with Dr. Samuels and Ms. Fried.

Dr. Reef Karim, MD

Dr. Reef Karim is a board certified psychiatrist, addiction specialist and relationship therapist. Dr. Reef did his residency in psychiatry, fellowship in addiction and specialized training in couples/relationship therapy at the prestigious UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute where he remains on clinical faculty as an attending physician. Dr. Reef has significant experience in residential treatment, detoxification and co-occurring disorders. He has worked at UCLA on various medication research studies for methamphetamine, cocaine and GHB. Additionally, Reef is a highly sought after clinical instructor at UCLA as well as a frequent guest expert and technical medical advisor for the television and film industry.

Bruce Turner, MA - Clinical Supervisor

Clinical Supervisor Bruce Turner has extensive experience in residential treatment and family systems. Mr. Turner has advanced training and experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. Mr. Turner has the experience and expertise to oversee our professional and recovery staff. Solid training and experience describe Mr. Turner.