Jack Kuo, MD
Independent Detox Specialist
Dr. Jack Kuo completed his addiction psychiatry training at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He began working in the field of chemical dependency as a volunteer outreach worker for homeless teens in Waikiki. Dr. Kuo then did residential counseling for both at-risk youth in a group home as well as the homeless mentally ill at a transitional living program. He next worked as a community health outreach worker doing HIV prevention education and needle exchange with injection drug users.
During his medical training he helped start and run both adolescent and adult chemical dependency treatment groups. As an educator, Dr. Kuo teaches a course titled "Biological Perspectives on Co-occurring Disorders" for the UCLA Extension Program. He has also presented annually at the national American Psychiatric Association conference since 2002 on topics ranging from Ethnic Biodiversity in Substance Abuse and Mental Illness to an evidence-based review of Virtual Reality and other forms of Cybertherapy in Substance Abuse and Mental Illness.
Dr. Kuo has published an article on Club Drug Precautions for Pediatricians and has been awarded scholarships by many organizations including the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the American Association of Addiction Psychiatry, the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the American Psychiatric Association, and the California Society of Addiction Medicine. He currently has a private practice in Westwood as well as providing independent psychiatric consultation.
Robert Saltzman, MD
Independent Detox Specialist
Robert L. Saltzman, MD, graduated from New York Medical College with a medical degree in 1971. He obtained his licensure in California and has had a private practice specializing in internal medicine/nephrology since 1976. He is affiliated with St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, Brotman Medical Center in Culver City, and Daniel Freeman Marina Mercy in Marina Del Rey. He is a member of the American College of Physicians and the American Society of Nephrology.
"I believe that Promises provides a positive surrounding for help and healing. My hopes are to foster help and healing for every single patient at Promises. The changes seen in people are often quite dramatic."
Sarah Straub, RN-BC, CCDC, BA
Detox Specialist
Sarah Straub has worked in the field of adolescent and adult addiction treatment since 1988, and is an ANCC board certified specialist in Psychiatry and Mental Health. She coordinates detox treatments and other health issues for clients at Promises.
"The structure of the Promises program allows me to work closely, and at length, with each individual. My goal is to educate and assist each client in achieving optimum health and sobriety. One of my greatest satisfactions is seeing the transformation that takes place physically, psychologically, and spiritually in our clients."
Vivian Dungan, RN, CARN, CCDC
Detox Specialist
Vivian Dugan has over 19 years of Chemical Dependency experience in both hospital and residential treatment programs. She facilitates all client detox procedures and helps begins their transition into sobriety.
"I am excited to be a part of Promises as I continue to help support others emotionally, physically and spiritually through their journey of recovery."
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