About MLOM Rehab
Our Story
MLOM Rehab began inside a university lab. A group of behavioral health researchers spent years studying why certain addiction treatment protocols produced lasting results while others fell short. Their published findings drew attention from clinicians, hospitals, and families alike, but the data stayed locked in academic journals, helping no one on the ground.
In 2009, the lead investigators decided to translate their research into a working clinical facility in Sunnyvale, CA. They leased space on El Camino Real, hired a multidisciplinary team, and opened a 69-bed center where every treatment decision would be guided by the evidence they had gathered. Seventeen years later, MLOM Rehab has served more than 16,400 patients, grown to 135 staff members, and maintained a culture where outcome data and human empathy carry equal weight.
That academic foundation still shapes daily operations. We track patient progress with validated instruments, adapt protocols based on emerging research, and pair every clinical metric with a personal check-in. Science told us what works. Compassion tells us how to deliver it.
Our Mission
MLOM Rehab exists to make high-quality addiction treatment accessible to every corner of the Sunnyvale community, regardless of income, background, or insurance status. We believe that equitable access to care is not a privilege but a public health imperative. Our mission is to close the treatment gap by combining research-driven clinical methods with sliding-scale options, multilingual staff, and outreach partnerships that meet people where they are.
We measure success not only by individual recovery milestones but by the collective well-being of the neighborhoods we serve. When one person stabilizes, families strengthen, workplaces benefit, and the entire community moves forward. That ripple effect is the outcome we pursue every day.
Treatment Philosophy
Our treatment philosophy rests on three pillars that emerged from years of clinical research and patient feedback:
Strengths-Based Recovery
Rather than focusing solely on deficits, we identify each patient's existing competencies, professional skills, personal resilience, and social connections, then build treatment plans that amplify those assets. Research consistently shows that patients who recognize their own capacity for change sustain recovery at higher rates.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Stable employment is one of the strongest predictors of sustained sobriety. Our vocational rehabilitation track includes resume workshops, interview coaching, skills assessments, and partnerships with local Sunnyvale employers. Patients leave not only sober but prepared to contribute meaningfully to their professional lives.
Creative Expression as Healing
Art therapy, music sessions, and writing workshops in our Creative Arts Studio give patients non-verbal pathways to process trauma and emotion. Peer-reviewed studies link creative engagement during treatment to reduced anxiety and improved emotional regulation, and our own outcome data confirms those findings.
Our Team
Dr. Leonard Matsuda, MD, FASAM
Medical Director
Board-certified in addiction medicine and internal medicine, Dr. Matsuda spent eight years in academic research before co-founding MLOM Rehab. He oversees all medical protocols, supervises detox safety, and leads the facility's ongoing outcomes-tracking program. His published work on medication-assisted treatment has been cited in over 40 peer-reviewed journals.
Camille Ortega, PsyD, LMFT
Clinical Director
Dr. Ortega specializes in co-occurring disorders and trauma-focused care. She designed MLOM Rehab's dual diagnosis curriculum and trains clinical staff in somatic experiencing and psychodrama techniques. With 14 years in behavioral health, she brings both research depth and direct patient rapport to every treatment plan.
Raymond Achebe, LCSW, CADC
Director of Outpatient Services
Raymond manages the outpatient and IOP tracks, coordinating care transitions so patients step down from residential treatment without losing momentum. His background in community social work drives MLOM Rehab's equity-focused outreach initiatives across Sunnyvale and neighboring cities.
Nina Petrovic, RN, BSN
Nursing Supervisor
Nina leads the 24/7 nursing team responsible for detox monitoring, medication administration, and patient wellness checks. Her calm, methodical approach to crisis intervention has earned her recognition from both patients and peers. She holds advanced certifications in psychiatric nursing and substance use disorder care.
Devon Hargrove, CPRS
Peer Recovery Coordinator
A person in long-term recovery himself, Devon facilitates morning community meetings, coordinates peer mentorship pairings, and runs the alumni engagement program. His lived experience and certification as a Peer Recovery Specialist make him a trusted bridge between clinical staff and patients navigating early sobriety.
Testimonials
"I paused my sophomore year to get help at MLOM Rehab. The clinicians explained the science behind my cravings, which made them feel manageable instead of terrifying. The peer mentors, especially those close to my age, made all the difference. I am back in school now with a clear head and a plan."
— Priya S., College Junior, Patient (2025)
"I came in at 24, convinced I had time to figure things out on my own. The community meetings each morning proved me wrong in the best way. Hearing others share openly gave me permission to do the same. The vocational workshops helped me land a job within weeks of completing the program."
— Marcus L., Age 24, Patient (2024)
"As a financial analyst, I spent years masking my addiction behind performance metrics. MLOM Rehab treated me with clinical precision and personal respect. They protected my privacy, addressed my anxiety alongside my substance use, and helped me return to work stronger than before."
— Sharon K., Financial Analyst, Patient (2025)