Lucida Treatment Center(SM) Expands Clinical Staff With Two New Hires

Dr. Heather Kuhl Will Be Lead Therapist for Dual Diagnosis Program and Maria A. Avila, Director of Family Programs


LANTANA, FL--(Marketwired - Jul 24, 2014) -  Lucida Treatment Center(SM), a comprehensive substance abuse and mental health treatment center located in Palm Beach County, is proud to announce the expansion of their clinical personnel staff to include Dr. Heather Kuhl and Maria A. Avila, a licensed marriage and family therapist. Opening their doors in 2013, Lucida Treatment Center(SM) blends evidence-based and alternative therapies, personalized care, and offers resort-style amenities in a safe, private location just steps from the Intracoastal Waterway in Florida.

"We are extremely pleased that Maria and Dr. Kuhl have joined the Lucida family. We pride ourselves in hiring the right individuals who possess the necessary skills, diversity and qualifications to guide our patients and their families through the healing process," said Terry Shapiro, Executive Director of Lucida Treatment Center. "Dr. Heather Kuhl's clinical endeavors at Miami Children's Hospital, Nova Southeastern University, and South Miami Hospital have led her to be our Lead Therapist for the Dual Diagnosis Program and Maria's 16-year background in designing, delivering comprehensive addiction treatment programs also at South Miami Hospital is a valuable asset as we strive to deliver the best treatment for our clients."

Before becoming Lucida's Lead Therapist, Dr. Kuhl merged her passion for working with horses and people by becoming a Certified Equine Assisted Therapist through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA). Equine therapy has been proven to help patients with empathy, impulse control, and problem solving skills, and Dr. Kuhl supports its proven healing benefits. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Kuhl is an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University for the Master's in Mental Health Counseling and Master's in Child Protection programs.

Prior to joining Lucida, Maria A. Avila was the clinical supervisor of South Miami Hospital's Addiction Treatment and Recovery Center, where she was responsible for the creation, management, execution and ongoing oversight of evidenced-based clinical services. She ventured into the world of academia as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami where she taught substance abuse classes to graduate students in the School of Education and Psychological Studies. Maria's keen insights on coping with addiction and therapy practices have been featured in: The Journal of Adolescent Health and Addiction Professional 2013. 

To learn more about Lucida's new hires and our treatment approach, please call (855) 463-6369 or visit www.lucidatreatment.com. En Español llama (562) 731-2480.

About Elements Behavioral Health:

Elements Behavioral Health is a family of behavioral health care programs that also includes Promises Treatment Centers, The Ranch, The Sexual Recovery Institute, Right Step and The Recovery Place. Elements offers comprehensive, innovative treatment for substance abuse, sexual addiction, trauma, eating disorders and other mental health disorders. We are committed to delivering clinically sophisticated treatment that promotes permanent lifestyle change, not only for the patient but for the entire family system. For more information about Elements Behavioral Health, visit www.elementsbehavioralhealth.com.

Contact Information:

Adriana Sol
Vine Communications Inc.
P: 305.447.8670