House of Freedom

Our Medical Staff

An important component of our program is evaluating and monitoring the “acute withdrawal symptoms”, since in many cases, the abrupt abstinence from drugs/alcohol can cause physical distress. Also, other co-existing medical conditions may be present and must be attended to during the course of treatment. During the initial medical exam, routine blood work, tuberculosis test, and sexually transmitted tests are performed in order to engage in preventing and/or treating other diseases while in treatment.

Below is a list of our medical staff and/ or program advisors:

Jorge Esteban Garayua, M.D.

Medical Director

Jorge Esteban Garayua, MD was trained at UCC Internal Medicine in Bayamon, Puerto Rico where he completed his Residency in Internal Medicine. He then went on to receive his Doctor’s degree at the Central del Caribe University in Bayamon Puerto Rico back in June 2002. Dr. Garayua is House of Freedom’s medical director providing health counseling to all persons served, in addition to being House of Freedom’s primary health care physician taking care of all persons served medical needs. Dr. Garayua is also a member of the American College of Physicians / American society of Internal Medicine Association.

Vivian Charneco, M.D.

Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist

Vivian Charneco, MD was trained at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA where she completed her Residency in General, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. In addition, she trained at the Philadelphia Psychoanalytic Institute where she studied psychoanalysis and the role of the subconscious mind and its manifestations in daily human functioning.

Jose A. Rivera, BS, CAP, CBHT

Medical Consultant

Jose A. Rivera has been an essential part of our team since joining House of Freedom back in 2003. During his tenure at House of Freedom Jose has held various positions such as big brother, junior staff, teacher, and at the moment is our medical consultant, a primary counselor and the residential unit supervisor. Jose had the privileged and honor of being mentored by the founder of House of Freedom Rev. Esteban Morales which taught him how to provide service that exceeds all expectations. Jose earned a Bachelor’s degree in General Sciences at the University of Puerto Rico back in 1997 and is a Certified Addictions Professional (CAP) and a Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT) who is a recovered addict who went thru House of Freedom’s residential program and has been sober since 1999.