Destinations Staff

Dr. Gabbay is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who specializes in the following: substance abuse and eating disorders; adolescent mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders. Dr. Gabbay earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics and also underwent medical school training at UCLA.
After medical school he completed both general adult psychiatry residency and fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. He has had extensive training within the realm of emergency psychiatry room, inpatient, residential and outpatient treatment settings. His clinical experience encompasses medication management and therapy services to a diverse range of clients, with specialized intensive clinical training with dual diagnosis clients. Prior to joining Destinations to Recovery, Dr. Gabbay served as Attending Psychiatrist for Center for Discovery Adolescent Group residential homes in the South Bay. He also has extensive experience treating low socioeconomic and foster care patients through The Help Group and Penny Lane Mental Health Centers.
Dr. Gabbay currently works as Destinations’ Chief Medical Officer where he is passionate about the care he provides and strives to constantly self-educate through continuing medical education trainings/self-directed learning, as well as teaching his colleagues. Dr. Gabbay’s philosophy towards medication management follows a holistic, interdisciplinary approach. Clinical information is gathered from multiple sources (client, family, school, therapist, nursing and outside referral sources) in order to make an informed decision regarding a definitive diagnosis and appropriate medication recommendations. Dr. Gabbay evaluates all clients whether they are prescribed medication or not. In his spare time, Dr. Gabbay loves to swim and play basketball. He frequently will spend spare time hiking with his wife. He is a huge fan of comic book movies (both Marvel and DC Comics) and 1980’s popular music. His family has been known to chuckle on more than one occasion at his Spotify music list.

Melissa Sanderson holds a Master of Science, with an emphasis in Counseling Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy from California Lutheran University. She is trained in providing evidence-based treatment for anxiety, depression, mood changes, and other mental health difficulties, including addiction and dual diagnoses and often works with clients who are struggling in their relationships and dealing with difficult life events. Melissa conceptualizes systemically, primarily from an Attachment Therapeutic lens, working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Melissa also draws upon cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), insight development, mindfulness, and group therapy to provide a safe and supportive space from an integrative, interpersonal therapeutic approach, tailored to each unique client. Included within Melissa’s graduate studies, was a specialization in family mediation, as it pertains to varied nuclear family structures, which may include the family court system. Melissa is passionate about providing a comprehensive, multi-culturally competent, and LGBTQ+ affirming environment.

Melissa is currently working as an AMFT with individuals and families under the supervision of Allison MacIntyre, with Destinations for Teens. Melissa is also a twin mom and used to be a singer/songwriter.