CHARTE Center History
The CHARTE Center, Inc. was founded by therapists Callie Cooper and Howard Dobrushin in June of 2000. Howard and Callie envisioned an organization that would be unique while following all of their professional goals and ethical standards. The basis of this identity for the CHARTE Center came by way of a slight one of Callie's college professors used, who said, “psychotherapy was an artificial environment and cannot compete with the hair dresser, bartender, or morning coffee klatch”. This concept became the inspiration for providing therapeutic services, with a focus on “professionalism with a human touch”. It opened the door to looking at the potential for new views with an eclectic approach based on the client's needs. These were related to the many years of experience that was brought to the table at a variety of facilities by both co-owners. The name for the organization was created as an acronym:
Comprehensive Holistic Assessment Rehabilitation Treatment Education (CHARTE) Center. This was a vision, goal, and aspiration to change the traditional approaches typical of this realm of practice, one that's small enough to put the client first and brings an even, if not more experienced team the table than our contemporaries.
On April 1, 2001 the door to the CHARTE Center officially opened, absorbing contracts from 'Howard P. Dobrushin Consulting' which included services provided through Life Projects, St. Francis Hospital, Mon-Valley Supports, and Staunton Clinic. Wrap-Around services in Allegheny County were provided by the Family Psychological Associates. At this time both clinicians and the agency were contracted to CCBHO and Value Insurance providing services to medical assistant clients and the accreditation to approximately 9 commercial insurances. This led to a growth and a continuation in the provision of Behavioral Supports, Habilitation Aide services, and individual therapy for the autistic and developmentally delayed population which remains the focus of the CHARTE Center today.
Meet the Team
Howard Dobrushin
LPC,CCBT,NCC
CEO, Clinician
Howard has been a providing psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and consultation to mental health and developmentally disabled populations since 1973. He has also directed both adult and children's partial hospital programs for consumers from the ages of 4-60+. The experience that accompanies him is emergency work with the authorities following natural disasters, recovery program development for children following tornado's with longevity follow-up, staff development with local agencies and counseling training, and to government agencies for interventions with sexual offenders, drug & alcohol, and behaviorally problematic consumer's who show co-morbid diagnostic areas.
Howard is trained in family therapy, Transactional Analysis, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and group therapy. As acting CEO, Howard oversees all in-house operations.
Callie Cooper
LSW
Director of Dailly Operations, Clinician
Callie is a graduate of Washington & Jefferson College and the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. Callie has extensive experience with children and adults with special needs including autistic spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities as well as working with individuals of all ages with mood and or behavioral disorders. Prior to co-founding The CHARTE Center, Callie worked at Allegheny Neuropsychiatric Institute, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic, and served as the Parent Educator for a grant funded project at The Child Development Unit at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Alexis is an alumna of Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. Alexis is a licensed social worker and is currently working toward receiving full clinical licensure in the state of Pennsylvania (LCSW). Alexis uses a strength-based approach and her skills rest primarily in the evidence-based practices of CBT. Previously an outpatient therapist at Pittsburgh Mercy, Alexis has worked with individuals of all ages, providing an inviting and non-judgmental therapeutic environment. Alexis has experience with individuals struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, and a wide range of other mental health needs.
Alexis Griffin
LSW
Clinician