Avi is a doctor of clinical social work , and a licensed CBT, Schema and advanced EMDR practitioner specializing in the treatment of trauma, addiction, and co-occurring mental health disorders. Avi is a strong proponent of the belief that treating the underlying causes and trauma concurrently while addressing symptoms is the true holistic path to healing. Avi strives to synthesize skills based therapies, cognitive retraining, and mindfulness with a deep trauma informed theoretical foundation to treat the whole person and their system; past, present, and future.
After earning degrees in pre-med and educational psychology, Avi went on to earn his Masters of Clinical Social Work from Long Island University Brooklyn and his Doctorate of Clinical Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Avi has over thirty years of experience in adolescent and adult education focusing on treating trauma and anxiety as well as self-esteem and stage of life struggles. Avi trained at the prestigious Hazelden Center for Youth and Family, gaining invaluable experience working with substance abuse and behavioral addictions. Avi then spent years training and working at Hebrew University Hadassah Hospital in the Cognitive Behavioral outpatient clinic. Avi is the founder and former clinical director of the PsychoTrauma and Crisis Response Unit of United Hatzalah. Avi is an advanced in-field medic with decades of experience responding to critical incidents, including terrorist attacks and mass casualty events. Avi has led international rescue missions to natural disasters and critical incidents around the globe. Along with serving as in-field commander, Avi designed the educational syllabus and treatment protocols for the PsychoTrauma and Crisis Response Unit and trained EMS responders in countries throughout the world.
