The Clinical Team
Who We Are
Doug Pleiman, LCSW, LAADC
Clinical Director
I've been working as a clinician in the industry since 2014 and found that my own personal struggle with many of the issues I treat makes for a non-judgmental and relatable experience. I'm a certified addiction specialist in addition to receiving my Bachelor's in Psychology from Virginia Tech and my Master's in Social Work from USC. I try to make skills development as entertaining and engaging as possible by utilizing relevant real world experience, a dark sense of humor, and specific examples of applied skills to make some of the abstractions we teach more tangible.
Briant Stringham, CATC-II, CSS
Certified Clinical Supervisor
Briant's own struggles with mental health and substance use have profoundly shaped his approach to therapy. Frustrated by past interactions with clinical professionals who often seemed detached and impersonal, he strives to bring a sense of realness and genuine connection to his practice. Now sober and thriving in the clinical field, Briant is committed to engaging with his clients as a real person who can genuinely understand and assist them on their path to wellness.
Dr. Ruta Sternbergs, Ed.D, PsyD, CADC-II
Clinical Psychologist
Dr Ruta started out her career as a R.N., but found her true calling in the field of psychology. She received her doctorate in counseling psychology from Boston University, PsyD degree from American Behavioral Studies Institute and CCAPP certification through Centaur University. She has spent time with Trauma Intervention of Orange County (TIP) and as a therapist in an accredited addiction treatment center. Dr Ruta uses compassion and creativity and specializes with clients experiencing losses and transitions in life.
Tracy Marshall, CADC-III
Certified Clinician
Having focused her college education in psychology, Tracy utilizes evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help her clients toward a transformative and healing treatment experience. Mindful and compassionate, Tracy utilizes her lived experience in long-term recovery to help the clients see themselves as capable and worthy of living their best lives. Tracy's warmth and non-judgmental disposition create a safe and open therapeutic experience.
