American Society of Addiction Medicine Certified
Medical Review Officer
Dr. Rodriguez’s academic and professional success is fueled by his unrelenting desire to raise the standards of mental health care. As a Magna Cum Laude scholar at Florida International University and then as Chief Resident at University of Miami-Jackson Memorial Hospital, Dr. Rodriguez recognized the importance of addressing the total health needs of each client – physical, mental and emotional – in order to achieve long term treatment success. This commitment to comprehensive wellness is an essential element in his approach to helping every client. Never satisfied with shortsighted treatment protocols, Dr. Rodriguez aggressively seeks out and evaluates the latest research in medical science, bringing his clients the most advanced and effective medicines and treatment methods available.
In 2002, Dr. Rodriguez founded the Delray Center for Healing where he began helping people overcome a variety of conditions including anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, and substance addictions. As the number of people suffering from substance addictions increased, he began to identify serious deficiencies in the treatment programs his clients had attended. He responded by developing a completely innovative comprehensive treatment program that blended the best of inpatient and outpatient care together with the most progressive therapies and an individualized approach. Over the years, this successful program has helped many families and saved thousands of lives, making Dr. Rodriguez a respected authority in the treatment of substance and behavioral addictions.
Dr. Rodriguez’s preeminent reputation, dedication to excellence and engaging charisma attract the most talented individuals to the Delray Center for Healing. He collaborates with a multi-disciplinary team of professionals to provide each client with an individualized plan for long-term mental wellness. He continues to set new standards of care with his innovative approach to treatment and his commitment to the total well being of each client.
- M.D. – University of South Florida College of Medicine
- B.A. in Chemistry – Florida International University (Magna Cum Laude)
- Adult Psychiatry Residency Program – University of Miami (Chief Resident)
- Diplomate – American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
- Diplomate – American Board of Addiction Medicine
- American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Certified
- Suboxone Maintenance Certified
- Medical Review Officer (MRO)
- Member – American Psychiatric Association
- Member – Florida Psychiatric Society
- Member – Committee of Interns and Residents
- Member – Diocese of Palm Beach Substance Abuse Ministry
- Member – American Society of Addiction Medicine
- Member – Florida Society of Addiction Medicine
- Board of Directors, Mental Health Association of Palm Beach (formerly)
Dr. Shutt has been an integral member of the Delray Center for Healing since 2002, helping individuals improve mental and emotional functioning and contributing her wisdom and respected insight to the many treatment programs as Clinical Director. Her innovative treatment skills evolved from her broad background, working in private practice, an inpatient treatment center, and in community mental health centers. This extensive foundation of experience qualifies her to treat patients with a wide range of issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction, relational and behavioral problems, stress management, trauma related difficulties and adjustment/lifespan issues.
Dr. Shutt employs an integrative bio-psycho-social approach to treatment. This method, which addresses the physical, emotional and situational conditions of each individual, allows Dr. Shutt to customize a unique and personal treatment plan for each of her clients. She actively encourages her clients to become involved in their own treatment, targeting present day symptoms, behaviors and conditions. Her comprehensive and cutting edge strategies allow her clients to experience results faster than traditional psychotherapies. Dr. Shutt is a deeply compassionate, genuine, and active therapist, dedicated to helping clients create desired changes and reach important goals for lifelong mental wellness. In addition to her work at the Delray Center for Healing, Dr. Shutt is the owner and Director of The Sacred Treehouse, a yoga and meditation sanctuary.
- Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) – Nova Southeastern University
- Master’s of Science in Mental Health Counseling – Nova Southeastern University
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Minor in Gerontology – University of Florida
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
- Personal Life Coach
Dr. Friedman’s success in helping people cope with mental difficulties stems from her wealth of experience working in residential, correctional, medical and community settings. At Nova Southeastern University’s Community Mental Health Center, Dr. Friedman built a solid foundation of general practice experience and became skilled in the area of trauma resolution. During her residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital, she received extensive training and research experience while helping children and adolescents cope with chronic medical conditions. Dr. Friedman went on to develop a respected and successful practice in the area of forensic psychology before contributing her talents to the treatment team at The Delray Center for Healing.
Dr. Friedman’s areas of clinical expertise include substance addiction, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, domestic violence and relational psychotherapy. Caring and compassionate, she understands the impact that mental and emotional difficulties place on individuals and their families. Dr. Friedman is dedicated helping adults, couples, and families overcome their challenges by integrating a variety of therapies and healing treatments to create a wellness plan uniquely suited to each client’s needs. Additionally, Dr. Friedman is qualified as an expert witness and is available for forensic consultation or expert testimony.
- Doctor of Psychology-Clinical – Nova Southeastern University
- Master of Science in Psychology – Nova Southeastern University
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology – University of Florida
- Licensed Psychologist – State of Florida
- Specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Skills (DBT) Therapy
- Specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
Patricia “Paddy” supplements the work of Dr. Raul Rodriguez in the medical care of each client, as his Physician Assistant (PA). A Physician Assistant is a health care professional licensed to practice medicine under the supervision of a Physician. Her work includes but is not limited to conducting intake evaluations, forming treatment plans and writing prescriptions. Her exceptional knowledge and warm demeanor have helped numerous Delray Center for Healing’s clients with their continuum of care through medication management and often, their recovery process.
Before contributing her talents to the Delray Center for Healing, Paddy worked in the fields of interventional cardiology, spinal cord rehabilitation, internal medicine and urgent care. Her extensive experience at Orlando Regional Medical Center, a trauma hospital, prepared her to handle a variety of crisis situations and physical rehabilitation scenarios. Paddy is well known for her dedication and ability to build an easy rapport with her clients while giving them the utmost care and attention in regards to their medical needs.
- Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant studies, College of Medicine – University of Florida
- Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy – University of Florida
Jennifer’s sincere commitment to helping people achieve mental wellness is evident in her educational and professional achievements. She works with adults and adolescents, treating a broad range of difficulties including substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, grief, and interpersonal and family relationships. In conjunction with providing individual therapy, she enjoys leading group sessions focused on assertiveness, relationship issues, cognitive-behavioral skills, and women’s issues.
Jennifer works closely with her clients to build a constructive, trusting relationship, and encourages them to become actively involved in their treatment. Her depth of education and experience allow her to draw upon a variety of therapeutic approaches to help her clients.
In addition to her responsibilities at The Delray Center for Healing, Jennifer is currently researching the effects of burnout and wellness on the counseling profession while pursuing her Doctoral degree in counseling at Florida Atlantic University.
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
- Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling – Florida Atlantic University
- Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year – Department of Counselor Education at Florida Atlantic University
Clara’s teaching experiences and love for education led her to pursue a deeper interest in helping families beyond the confines of the classroom. As a therapist, she has substantial experience treating a variety of social-emotional challenges, behavior issues, developmental disorders, anxiety, depression, and addiction. Clara has also worked in the areas of life-skills training for persons with disabilities, parent training, and marriage and family relationships.
At The Delray Center for Healing since 2006, Clara provides valuable input into the development and operation of the Comprehensive Addiction Treatment (CAT) Program. Her main objective is to create an individualized treatment experience that fits the unique needs of each participant. Additionally, she has designed a popular series of educational workshops and parent support groups that provide valuable resources for parents and families in the community.
Clara’s approach to therapy is guided by her belief in creating a constructive partnership with her clients. She draws from an eclectic array of traditional therapies, behavioral skills training, cognitive behavioral therapy, psycho-education, and expressive art therapies.
- Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Education with a special focus on Mental Disabilities – University of Central Florida
- Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with a special focus on Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy – Palm Beach Atlantic University
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
- Licensed Educator – State of Florida
- Certified Addictionologist
- Active supporter of Very Special Arts (VSA), Special Olympics, and Autism Speaks
A licensed Dietitian and Nutrition Therapist, Christie is passionate about teaching her clients to eat intuitively and joyfully. She has been practicing in South Florida since 1996 – providing individual and group nutrition therapy at a prominent eating disorder facility and later establishing a successful private practice. Providing more than just meal planning and nutritional consulting, Christie encourages her clients to look deeply into their attitudes about food and identify the underlying issues that create poor habits and obstacles to wellness. Using a warm and supportive approach, she empowers her clients to take control of their health and develop a positive yet practical relationship with food. Christie is respected in her field and is often invited to share her expertise with national media and professional associations, including CNN, Sun Sentinel, The Renfrew Center and Boca Raton Community Hospital.
Christie is highly qualified to manage a diverse range of nutritional health issues and has a wealth of experience in the treatment of eating disorders, addictions, weight management, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Christie offers her expertise to individuals and also works as part of a therapeutic team contributing nutritional strategies to the comprehensive wellness plans designed for clients with a variety of health issues. The Delray Center has greatly benefited from Christie’s expertise since 2009.
- Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics with a minor in Psychology – University of North Dakota
- Registered & Licensed Dietitian
- Young Dietitian of the Year (1998) – Florida Dietetic Association
- Young Dietitian of the Year (1998) – American Dietetic Association
- Member – International Academy of Eating Disorder Professionals
- Member – The American Dietetic Association
- Member – Florida Dietetic Association
- Member – Sports, Cardiovascular, Wellness & Eating Disorder Nutritionists
Doreen has been passionately working in the healing arts for over 25 years. Before coming to Florida in 2003, she operated a busy private practice as a massage therapist in Los Angeles while expanding her knowledge of holistic medicine. After her move, she became certified as an Acupuncture Physician and immediately her practice grew as she expertly treated her clients with a combination of eastern healing treatments. Skilled in Acupuncture, Massage Therapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Doreen is able to help people who suffer from a variety of ailments including sports injuries, chronic pain, headaches, digestive complaints and stress. She capably draws from many techniques to create a natural and effective treatment for each client.
As part of her comprehensive acupuncture practice Doreen provides a variety of unique services such Anti-aging and Facial Rejuvenation and Smoking Cessation Therapy. Doreen is also experienced in the NADA Protocol for Addictions, collaborating with the Comprehensive Addiction Treatment (CAT) team to provide one-on-one and group sessions for the treatment of various addictions.
In addition to her acupuncture services, Doreen is a Certified Bates Method Teacher and author of Natural Vision Enhancement. Drawing from her book, she offers workshops and one-on-one instruction to help people naturally improve their eyesight and eye health using a series of eye exercises combined with breathing and relaxation techniques.
Doreen’s warm and personal approach to healing reflects her commitment to helping people discover the many benefits a holistic path to optimum health and wellness.
- Bachelor’s degree in Psychology – California State University
- Certified Massage Therapist – Santa Barbara School of Massage
- Advanced Certifications in Neuromuscular, Deep-tissue, Hot Stone, and Medical Massage
- Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) (Summa Cum Laude) – Emperor’s College of Oriental Medicine
- Diplomate in Acupuncture – National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
- Licensed Acupuncture Physician – State of Florida
- Certified Bates’ Method Teacher
With a warm smile and a calm, peaceful demeanor, Kathy brings an immediate sense of comfort and relaxation to her clients. Specializing in both Deep-Tissue and Swedish Massage, she capably eases a wide variety of muscle aches and stress-related concerns, expertly blending a variety of therapeutic techniques including Myofascial Release, Reflexology, and Trigger Point Massage with aromatherapy and musical elements. Compassionate to her client’s individual needs, she intuitively adjusts each treatment to provide the ideal balance of relaxation and deep-tissue therapy.
- Certified Massage Therapist & Body Worker
Jamie’s extensive qualifications and credentials are surpassed only by her passion for helping people achieve their fitness goals. At the Delray Center for Healing’s fitness studio (Performance Fitness & Nutrition), she provides valuable support to our philosophy: “Balance in Lifestyle”. Through group fitness classes or individualized training, her contagious energy and personal approach motivate clients to discover their physical potential. Jamie’s diverse background allows her to train with a variety of fitness techniques and complements her efforts to support each client in their quest for wellness. Jamie is committed to helping people enjoy fitness and achieve long-term health.
- Certified Personal Trainer – National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- Certified Personal Trainer – American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- Corrective Exercise Specialist – NASM
- Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant – ACE
- CPR Certified – American Red Cross
- Certified Tae Bo Instructor (Studied under Billy Blanks)
- Graduate – American Culinary Federation
- 2nd Place 1993 San Diego International Duathlon
- Golden Glove Award Participant- San Diego Union Tribune
With a degree in Exercise Physiology and a strong background in physical therapy, Tanya initially began practicing yoga to relieve chronic back pain from gymnastics. What she found was spiritual healing. This self-transformation inspired her to reach out to others and share the many gifts of yoga. Tanya is trained in Hatha Vinyasa and Kundalini Yoga under such masters as Deva Kaur, James Kigar and Judy Weaver. Her extensive knowledge is balanced by her energy and enthusiasm to help every client become centered in their own true nature. As a teacher, Tanya creates a calming and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for motivating her students to reconnect to a grounded, blissful state of being. At Delray Center for Healing, Tanya’s classes offer students a progressive and powerful flow focusing on breath, alignment and detoxification, breathing exercises and meditation.
- B.S. in Exercise Physiology
- Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (200 Hour Certification)










