Emily L. Caruthers, LMFT , ATR
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFC 44947)
Registered Art Therapist (05-217)
EDUCATION
Cedars-Sinai Department of Psychiatry – Thalians, Los Angeles, CA 2003
Selected for highly competitive post-graduate art therapy fellowship in advanced diagnostic skills and treatment interventions.
Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA 2002 M.A., Marital & Family Therapy/Clinical Art Therapy
Rains Scholar – Awarded research assistant position.
Boston University, Boston, MA 1996 B.A., Religion Cum Laude Member Golden Key National Honor Society
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Mid-Peninsula Eating Disorder Clinic • Menlo Park, CA 3/2015 – Present Founder, Therapist
Founded this group practice with the vision of providing the surrounding communities with hope, support and treatment for overcoming disordered relationships with food, body and exercise. In partnership with other team members we aim to be the one place to go for all outpatient eating disorder treatment needs.
Private Practice • Menlo Park, CA 6/2013 – Present
(formerly located in Palo Alto, CA)
Center for Discovery – Menlo Park • Menlo Park, CA 8/2013 – 9/2014 Program Director
Directed all aspects of residential adolescent eating disorder treatment program. This included overseeing clinical treatment, management, staffing, intake, and operations. Introduced equine therapy into regular treatment offerings while in director role.
The Lotus Collaborative • Santa Cruz, CA 2012 – 2013 Acting Clinical Director/Clinical Consultant
Contract position assisting Founder/ Executive Director in management, staffing, intake, and operations of this PHP/IOP Eating Disorder treatment program. Currently working to track and improve utilization review process between program and contracted insurance companies.
La Ventana • San Jose, CA 2011 – 2012 Clinical Director (promoted from Assistant Clinical Director 9/2011)
Responsible for management, staffing, intake, and day-to-day operations of this PHP/IOP Eating Disorder treatment program that launched in February of 2011. Conceptualized and directed eating disorder treatment for males and females ages 13 – 50+
Eating Disorder Center of California • Brentwood, CA 2008 Program Administrator
Hired for management position in PHP eating disorder program.
Center for Discovery and Adolescent Change • Downey, CA 2006 Primary Therapist
Responsible for treatment and care for adolescents in residential eating disorder treatment facility.
Oceanaire • Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 2005 Primary Therapist
Retained on a part time basis to provide treatment for group and individual clients in residential adult eating disorder treatment facility. Initiated art therapy group into the treatment offerings.
The Bella Vita • Pasadena, CA 2005 Primary Therapist
Hired on a part time basis to provide clinical care and administrative duties for PHP/IOP program treating patients with eating disorders.
Center for Discovery and Adolescent Change • Whittier, CA 2004 Primary Therapist
Responsible for treatment and care for adolescents in residential eating disorder treatment facility.
Penny Lane • North Hills, CA 2004 Residential Therapist
Responsible for caseload of adolescent female residents in RCL 12 group home setting, referred from probation or DCFS. Duties included assessment, treatment planning, individual, family, and group therapy, as well as case management.
Cedars-Sinai Department of Psychiatry – Thalians • Los Angeles, CA 2002 – 2003 Art Therapy Fellow & Marital & Family Therapy Intern
Selected through competitive process for art therapy fellowship in rigorous, highly professional environment. Responsible for diverse caseload including families, children, adolescents, adults, geriatrics, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and medically hospitalized patients.
- Received specialized training in identifying potential forensic concerns
- Assisted low-income families dealing with psychosocial issues and advocated their needs to appropriate agencies further assistance.
Airport Marina Counseling Service • Westchester, CA 2002 MFT & Art Therapy Trainee
Chosen to work for distinguished training program as primary therapist in community-based outpatient clinic.
- Selected to pioneer off-site therapy group, treating probationary youths in Watts area of L.A. Worked directly with supervisor to create curriculum for this innovative program.
- Presented training to colleagues regarding the Watts program, specifically addressing treatment issues in adolescent offender population.
Metropolitan State Hospital • Norwalk, CA 2001 MFT & Art Therapy Trainee
Conducted adjunctive art therapy for adolescent female in-patients at acute care facility. Trained in conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques through Management of Assultive Behavior (MAB) program. Collaborated closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and nursing staff in treatment of intensive population.
Magnolia Park Therapeutic School • Burbank, CA 2001 MFT & Art Therapy Trainee
Provided adjunctive art therapy to six individuals and one group of adolescents at a small non-public school.
Media/Presentations
Someday Melissa Film Screening – San Jose State University – 2013
Panel Member, Topic: Dangers of ED & importance of early intervention
Radio Interview – KBAY 94.5 FM – 2013
Topic: ED Education, promotion for Film Screening Someday Melissa
America The Beautiful Film Screening – San Jose – 2012
Panel Member
Parent Support Group Guest Lecturer –Mountain View — 2011
Topic: Navigating Levels of Care in ED treatment
Inside Edition Television Segment (segment did not air) – 2006
Topic: Males and Eating Disorders
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Eating Disorder Coalition (EDC) Professional Member, State Leader 2013
National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) Professional Member 2013
Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Diseases (ANAD) Professional Member 2013
Southern California Art Therapy Association (SoCalATA) President 2006
Southern California Art Therapy Association (SoCalATA) President Elect 2005
Southern California Art Therapy Association (SoCalATA) Secretary 2002 – 2005
American Art Therapy Association (AATA) Licensed Member 2000 –Present
California Association of Marital & Family Therapists (CAMFT) Licensed Member Since 2006
VOLUNTEER/OTHER EXPERIENCE
Eating Disorder Resource Center (EDRC) – Volunteer speaker and delegate to Lobby day in April 2013, Zocalo Public Square–Assisted with community lectures and annual fundraiser, Habitat for Humanity—Participated on build sites, Southern California Art Therapy Association–variety of positions on BOD including Presidency, Venice Family Clinic–reception & office work, Create-A-Smile/pet assisted therapy–office assistance, Gaining Your Voice Through the Arts–assistant to founder of non-profit, Pegasus–equine therapy for disabled children. Completed LSAT exam, interned in Law Offices. Graduate of National Outdoor Leadership School’s semester Southwest program, participant of Hurricane Island Outward Bound program, experienced in camping, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, snowboarding, regular yoga and meditation practice, completed yoga teacher training program Summer 2013, enjoys running, playing soccer, and walking my dog.
Emily Caruthers, MFT, ATR 