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Dr. Joseph DeSanto, MD

Dr. Joseph DeSanto is a Board-Certified physician with more than 20 years of Addiction Medicine experience.

In recovery himself, Dr. DeSanto has dedicated his career to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals with substance use disorders.

Dr. Richard Peprah, MD

Dr. Richard Peprah is a Board-Certified physician with a strong focus on Addiction Medicine.

He is dedicated to providing care for individuals with substance use disorders and brings a relationship-centered approach that supports both stabilization and long-term recovery.

Nicko Jaeger, DNP, PMHNP, FNP

Nicko Jaeger is a double board-certified nurse practitioner with experience in Addiction Medicine since 2017.

She is passionate about advocating for her patients and providing compassionate, whole-person care for adults with substance use disorders, with a clinical approach that supports both recovery and broader mental health needs.

Ernesto Paz, MA, LMFT #115411

Ernesto Paz is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience in substance use and behavioral health care.

He is dedicated to delivering individualized, evidence-based treatment, with a clinical approach that emphasizes accountability, therapeutic growth, and long-term recovery outcomes. In his leadership role, he also provides clinical supervision to developing clinicians, supporting the growth of trainees and associates while ensuring high standards of care across the treatment team.

Stephanie Springel, MFT Trainee

Stephanie Springel, MFT Trainee, serves as a clinician at Laguna Beach Recovery.

She brings a compassionate, client-centered approach to supporting individuals navigating substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges. Stephanie provides services under the clinical supervision of Ernesto Paz, MA, LMFT #115411, in accordance with California requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist Trainees, with a therapeutic approach centered on empathy, connection, and meaningful progress in recovery.

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I authorize Laguna Beach Recovery to use the information provided in this form to verify my insurance benefits, contact my insurance provider, review coverage for detox, residential treatment, substance use disorder treatment, and related behavioral health services, and contact me about insurance verification, admissions, treatment options, and expected financial responsibility. I understand that my information may include protected health information and will be handled confidentially in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including HIPAA. I understand that submitting this form does not guarantee admission, insurance coverage, or payment by my insurance provider. I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Laguna Beach Recovery Privacy Policy and Notice of Privacy Practices.

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