Top-Rated Rehab in Orange County 
6,000+ Lives Changed | 4.8★ Google Rating

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“Honoring 10 years of service to the community”

Meet our Leadership Team at California Prime Recovery

Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Orange County CA

Leadership at California Prime Recovery

At California Prime Recovery, our leadership team brings together decades of experience in behavioral health, addiction recovery, and mental health services. Their combined vision, clinical insight, and dedication to ethical, evidence-based care have shaped our reputation as one of the top Joint Commission-accredited treatment centers in Orange County, California.

Our leaders guide every aspect of treatment delivery, client care, program development, and organizational integrity—ensuring that every individual we serve receives the highest standard of support on their journey to lasting recovery. Leadership works in close collaboration with clinical directors and medical providers to support regulatory compliance, ethical decision-making, and consistent quality of care.

Executive & Organizational Leadership

Karynne Witkin, MLA Chief Executive Officer (See Bio)

KARYNNE WITKIN, MLA, ALM

Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Alejandro Alva, M.D – Medical Director at California Prime Recovery

Dr Alejandro Alva, M.D

Medical Director & Psychiatrist

Clinical Director | C-DBT EMDR Certified

KAYLI SULLIVAN

Executive Director

KALEY PERALTA

Director Of Business Development

BRITTANY ASTROM, LMFT

Clinical Supervisor

Antonia Peccole, SUDCC

Admissions Specialist

Cheyenne Tafoya

Operations Manager

Anita Grimes, SUDCC

Program Director

Sara Preston

Admissions Director

A Foundation of Clinical Integrity

Our leadership team works hand-in-hand with licensed therapists, case managers, and program directors to create a seamless continuum of care. All clinical services are overseen by our Clinical Director and Board-Certified Psychiatrist to ensure adherence to ethical standards, patient safety, and medical best practices.

Why Leadership Matters in Recovery

Effective leadership in a treatment setting goes beyond management—it provides vision, consistency, and accountability. At California Prime Recovery, leadership sets the tone for compassionate care and clinical excellence, helping ensure that every individual receives treatment they can trust.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you’re considering treatment for yourself or a loved one, we invite you to learn more about our leadership and the programs they oversee.

Call us at 844-349-0077 to speak with our team or verify your insurance today.

FAQS

Our treatment programs are overseen by our Clinical Director, Alyssa Mueller, LCSW, and our Medical Director, Dr. Alejandro Alva, M.D., ensuring all care meets the highest clinical and ethical standards.

The leadership team manages everything from clinical oversight to business development and operational support, working closely with clinical staff to ensure continuity of care.

You can visit our Meet the Team page for a full list of clinical staff, support personnel, and leadership bios.

Yes, several leadership members, including our Clinical Director and Medical Director, are directly involved in overseeing care delivery and supervising clinicians.

Our primary treatment centers are located in Fountain Valley and Costa Mesa in Orange County, CA. View all locations here.

Inpatient rehab provides 24/7 care in a residential setting, ideal for severe addiction, while outpatient rehab allows clients to live at home while attending scheduled treatment sessions weekly

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Stephen Carmel

Founder & CEO

Embarking on my recovery journey in 2011, I made the transformative move from New York to California. This transition not only marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life but also ignited a profound compassion for individuals grappling with sobriety. Through the challenges and lessons of my Californian sojourn, I experienced significant personal growth, ultimately attributing my success to this pivotal move.

Motivated by my own recovery, I established California Prime Recovery (CPR) as a platform to engage with individuals in recovery on a daily basis. What began as a professional endeavor evolved into a profoundly beautiful mission. Over time, I’ve come to recognize that my own happiness and sustained recovery are intrinsically linked to actively participating in the lives of others on their recovery journeys.

At CPR, we understand that helping others recover is fundamental to numerous successful treatment programs, and it forms the core of our approach. Contributing to the well-being of those still facing challenges is not just a practice; it’s the essence of preserving the hard-earned gains in our own journey. Join us on this empowering path of recovery and communal support, where giving back becomes the key to preserving and enhancing the richness of our shared experiences.

Catherine Edelstein , LMFT

Clinical Director

Catherine Edelstein is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from California State University, Long Beach. Catherine brings over 11 years of experience working in the mental health and addiction treatment field, with a clinical focus on complex trauma, addiction, and professional burnout. Grounded in collaboration, trust, and individualized care, Catherine believes effective therapy honors each person’s unique experiences and strengths while fostering safety, empowerment, and meaningful change.

Catherine specializes in trauma-informed care and is certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), with advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She is deeply passionate about destigmatizing mental health treatment through advocacy and education, with a strong commitment to expanding access to quality care for underserved communities. Catherine has extensive experience providing therapy across diverse clinical settings and works from a client-centered approach that emphasizes resilience, autonomy, and long-term emotional well-being.

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Admissions Coordinators are available 24/7. Your call is 100% confidential and HIPAA-compliant. Call us today!

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