Thelma McMillen Recovery Center

10/09/2025

October is National Substance Use Prevention Month, which reminds us how grateful we are for our own Dr. Donnie Watson. We thank you for your hard work and dedication to reaching adults and students throughout the South Bay with prevention education and inspiration to live a drug and alcohol-free life. 🤩

10/07/2025

Lee Fitzgerald, our Communications Manager (at right), enjoyed her coffee meet up with the South Bay Consortium of Therapists. What a great group!

09/24/2025

We can't get enough of the butterflies. Staff members Barbara Mignosi, Dana Donahoe, James Ludka, Dr. Watson, and Ashley Heldman joined teens and families for a beautiful day at South Coast Botanic Garden, where they explored the butterfly exhibit and took part in a garden scavenger hunt.

Moments like these remind us that recovery is not only about hard work—it’s also about finding joy, building connection, and healing together. Stepping outside the traditional therapeutic space offered everyone a chance to laugh, bond, and be in nature.

09/22/2025

"Pinning butterflies asks teens to slow down, steady their hands, and focus in the moment. Each display becomes a symbol of transformation and resilience. In our program, activities like this aren’t just hobbies — they help teens discover new passions and carry confidence with them long after treatment," Ashley Heldman, MSW, Teen Counselor. 🦋

Learn more about our transformative intensive outpatient teen program: https://www.thelmamcmillenrecoverycenter.com/tmrc/treatment/teen/

09/12/2025

Registration is still open for our September 16th Frontiers in Addiction event with Peter Fowler, B.C.A.S.E., presenting "Understanding the Complex Landscape of School Stress in Teen's Mental Health." Sign-up today!

Adolescents today are navigating a rapidly evolving educational environment marked by heightened academic expectations, social pressures, and structural inequities. These all contribute to a significant increase in school-related stress. This presentation explores this multifaceted issue of school s...

09/08/2025

Dr. Donnie Watson loves showing off The Thelma McMillen Teen Outpatient Program to visitors. Thanks to Glynis Franz and Basel Shadfan, from Blume Behavioral Health, for stopping in! https://www.thelmamcmillenrecoverycenter.com/tmrc/treatment/teen/

09/04/2025

Our Annual Thelma McMillen Alumni Picnic, an event for graduates of our recovery program, brought together 50 participants to experience a day of connection, support and relaxation. This is a favorite event for Dr. Watson, Program Director, and counselors Jean Carfagno and Barbara Mignosi because it highlights the progress and resilience of our clients. What a great day it was!

09/02/2025

We kick off , observed in September since 1989, by celebrating one our teens who recently graduated from our intensive outpatient program. At intake, families often come to us exhausted, fearful, and unsure of what the future holds. After six months of hard work and healing, we witness transformation — strength, hope, and renewed connection.

Graduation isn’t the end of the journey, it’s the beginning of a life in recovery.

To learn more about our transformative teen program, visit: https://www.thelmamcmillenrecoverycenter.com/tmrc/treatment/teen/

08/27/2025

HUGE congrats to Dr. Moe Gelbart for receiving Sierra Tucson's Lifetime Achievement Award, and to Lee FitzGerald for receiving the Hope Recognition Award, honoring a professional who has contributed to prevention and education. All of us at Thelma couldn't be prouder!

08/25/2025

Registration is now open for our September 16th Frontiers in Addiction event with Peter Fowler, B.C.A.S.E., presenting "Understanding the Complex Landscape of School Stress in Teen's Mental Health." https://thelma-mcmillan-recovery-center.ce-go.com/understanding-the-complex-landscape-of-school-stress-on-teens-mental-health

08/23/2025

Important information for parents about ma*****na. Dr. Moe Gelbart shares about the developing teen brain and the high potency of today's cannabis. Learn the facts and protect your teen.

Increased availability and potency of ma*****na are leading to a higher risk of psychiatric conditions and substance use disorder in young people with developing brains.

08/15/2025

The seeds we sow. 🌱
Teens are enjoying the fruits of their labor—harvesting tomatoes, corn, and even watching a vibrant orange watermelon grow!

From seed to harvest, the garden has become a powerful metaphor for recovery. It’s helped teens slow down, notice their progress, and realize that the small changes they make each day are already bearing fruit—and will continue to throughout their lives.