Logo
Become a Patient
Mental Health Awareness

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month: Closing the Care Gap in BIPOC Communities

Every July, the country pauses to recognize a difficult truth: mental illness affects every community, but access to quality mental health care does not. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month exists to change that — and the work begins with understanding what so many people have been carrying in silence.

Dr. Roland Segal, MD
Roland Segal, MD Adult & Forensic Psychiatrist  ·  Synergy Mental Health & Wellness Integrated

What Is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month?

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every July in the United States. Congress established it in 2008 to highlight the unique struggles that racial and ethnic minority communities experience in accessing mental health care, and to honor the people who have spent decades pushing the conversation forward.

The month is officially known as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, named after the author, journalist, and advocate whose work helped lay the foundation for how the country talks about mental health in Black and other underrepresented communities today.

If you have ever felt that standard mental health advice did not quite fit your life — or that the providers available to you did not seem to understand the cultural, religious, or historical context shaping what you were going through — you are not imagining it. The data backs you up. And this month is, in part, about making sure that data leads to action.

Why It Matters

One in three Americans identifies as a member of a racial or ethnic minority group, yet these communities are significantly less likely to receive mental health treatment and significantly more likely to receive lower-quality care when they do. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is one piece of a broader effort to close that gap.

Bebe Moore Campbell and the History Behind July

Bebe Moore Campbell was a bestselling author, NPR commentator, and tireless advocate who co-founded the National Alliance on Mental Illness Urban Los Angeles (NAMI Urban LA). Her advocacy was deeply personal. After her daughter was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Campbell witnessed firsthand how stigma and limited culturally informed resources shaped the experience of seeking care in Black communities.

She channeled that experience into books such as 72 Hour Hold and Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry, and into years of advocacy aimed at expanding access, dismantling stigma, and centering the voices of families navigating mental illness.

Campbell passed away in 2006. Two years later, in 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives formally designated July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. The resolution recognized that effective mental health treatment must take into account the cultural, social, and historical context of the people it serves.

Almost two decades later, the month she inspired continues to grow in visibility and reach. The themes change year to year, but the core mission has stayed steady: honest conversation, better access, and care that meets people where they actually are.

Mental Health Disparities by the Numbers

The phrase "mental health disparities" can sound abstract until you see the data behind it. The figures below come from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the American Psychiatric Association.

39% Of white adults with mental illness received treatment — compared to substantially lower rates across most BIPOC groups
2× Black and Hispanic adults are about half as likely as white adults to receive mental health treatment
23.9% Of Asian American adults with mental illness received treatment — the lowest rate of any major racial group

The disparities are not limited to whether people receive treatment. They extend to the quality and continuity of care. Patients from minority communities are more likely to be misdiagnosed, more likely to discontinue treatment early, and more likely to first encounter the mental health system through an emergency room or the criminal legal system rather than through routine outpatient care.

None of this reflects a difference in how often mental illness occurs. Conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders affect every racial and ethnic group at broadly similar rates. The gap is in access, recognition, and the kind of care people actually receive.

How Mental Health Shows Up in BIPOC Communities

Mental health does not look the same in every community. Cultural context shapes how distress is expressed, how families respond, and how healing is understood. Recognizing those differences is part of providing care that actually works.

Black Mental Health

Generations of medical mistreatment, racial trauma, and economic exclusion have shaped how many Black Americans relate to the healthcare system. Mental health concerns are sometimes expressed through physical symptoms, framed in spiritual language, or kept within the family rather than brought to a clinician. When Black adults do seek care, they are more likely to be misdiagnosed with conditions like schizophrenia and less likely to receive a diagnosis of mood disorders, even when symptoms point to depression or anxiety.

Hispanic and Latino Mental Health

Familial bonds, faith, and the value of familismo are often central to how Hispanic and Latino communities approach emotional struggle. Strengths like community connection and intergenerational support coexist with real barriers — including language access, immigration-related stress, and a shortage of bilingual providers. Roughly half of Hispanic adults with mental illness do not receive treatment in a given year.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Mental Health

Asian American adults have the lowest rate of mental health treatment of any major racial group in the United States. Cultural emphasis on academic and professional achievement, expectations around emotional restraint, and the persistent "model minority" stereotype can make it difficult to acknowledge struggle — let alone seek help. Underdiagnosis is the norm rather than the exception.

Indigenous and Native American Mental Health

Native and Indigenous communities face some of the highest rates of suicide, PTSD, and substance use disorders in the country, rooted in centuries of historical and intergenerational trauma. At the same time, traditional healing practices, tribal community structures, and Indigenous-led mental health initiatives offer pathways to care that purely Western models often miss.

The Barriers Standing Between People and Care

The reasons people in minority communities do not get the mental health care they need are rarely about willpower or awareness. They are structural. Naming them honestly is part of dismantling them.

  • Stigma at the family and community level. In many communities, mental illness is still framed as weakness, a personal failing, or something to be handled privately. That framing keeps people from naming what they are experiencing, even to themselves.
  • A shortage of providers who reflect the communities they serve. Fewer than 5 percent of U.S. psychologists identify as Black or Hispanic. The math alone makes it difficult for many patients to find a therapist or psychiatrist who shares their background.
  • Language access gaps. Patients who are most comfortable in Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole, or another language often cannot find providers fluent in the language where their experience actually lives.
  • Mistrust of medical systems. Documented histories of mistreatment — from the Tuskegee study to forced sterilizations to ongoing bias in pain management — have left an entirely rational hesitance to engage with clinical systems.
  • Cost and insurance gaps. Minority adults are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured, and out-of-network mental health care is often financially out of reach.
  • Misdiagnosis and undertreatment. Even when patients do reach care, implicit bias in clinical settings can lead to symptoms being misread, dismissed, or treated less aggressively than they would be for white patients with identical presentations.

What Culturally Responsive Mental Health Care Looks Like

Culturally responsive care — sometimes called culturally competent care — is not a slogan and it is not a marketing label. It is a clinical practice. It means that the provider in front of you understands that race, ethnicity, language, faith, immigration history, and lived experience are not background details. They shape how distress shows up, how it is named, and how it heals.

In practice, culturally responsive care includes:

  • Intake that asks about context, not just symptoms. Family structure, immigration history, religious life, experiences of discrimination, and the cultural meaning a patient assigns to their symptoms are all part of an accurate picture.
  • Evidence-based treatment adapted to fit. Cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, and other approaches work across cultures — but the language, examples, and pacing can be adjusted so the work feels relevant rather than foreign.
  • Provider training in racial and intergenerational trauma. Clinicians who have done this work recognize that some of what a patient is carrying did not begin in their lifetime — and they know how to treat it without minimizing it.
  • Coordinated psychiatric and therapy care. When medication is part of the plan, a culturally informed prescriber considers pharmacogenetic differences across populations and respects patient questions, history, and hesitation rather than pushing past them.
  • Telehealth as an equity tool. Geography is one of the biggest barriers to finding a clinician who fits. Telehealth psychiatric and therapy appointments at SMHWI let patients work with the right provider rather than the closest one.
What to Ask a New Provider

"Can you tell me about your experience working with patients from my background?" is a fair question and a useful one. A provider who answers it honestly — including acknowledging the limits of their experience — is showing you the kind of self-awareness that strong clinical care requires.

Intergenerational and Racial Trauma in Treatment

Intergenerational trauma refers to the way psychological wounds, survival patterns, and unresolved grief can move from one generation to the next — sometimes shaping a person's nervous system, relationships, and worldview before they have ever experienced a direct traumatic event themselves. Research in epigenetics, attachment, and family systems has helped explain what many communities have understood for a long time: history lives in the body.

Racial trauma is a related but distinct experience. It refers to the psychological injuries that result from direct and vicarious encounters with racism — including discrimination, harassment, violence, and the chronic vigilance required to move through systems that were not built with you in mind. Racial trauma can present clinically as PTSD, anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, sleep disturbance, and chronic physical symptoms.

Effective treatment does not pathologize the response. It validates it. Therapies such as EMDR, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and somatic approaches have strong evidence behind them for trauma recovery — and they work best when delivered by a clinician who understands the broader context the patient is living in. For some patients, advanced options such as TMS therapy and Spravato become part of the plan when traditional approaches alone have not produced enough relief.

How to Find a Therapist or Psychiatrist Who Gets It

The search for a provider who feels like a fit can be one of the more discouraging parts of the process, especially when the first few attempts do not work out. A few practical strategies make it easier.

  1. Use directories built by and for your community. Therapy for Black Girls, Therapy for Black Men, Latinx Therapy, the Asian Mental Health Collective, Inclusive Therapists, and the Indian Health Service directory are all designed to help patients find clinicians who already understand important context.
  2. Look beyond your zip code. Telehealth has expanded the field considerably. If your state license rules allow it, the right clinician may be hours away rather than down the street.
  3. Read provider bios carefully. Look for explicit references to cultural responsiveness, racial trauma, intergenerational trauma, immigration-related stress, or training in approaches like EMDR. Specificity is a good signal.
  4. Ask the practice directly. A reception or intake team should be able to tell you which clinicians have relevant experience, which speak the languages you prefer, and how the practice handles requests for a culturally responsive match. SMHWI's intake team is available to answer these questions before your first appointment.
  5. Give yourself permission to switch. A first appointment is a fit check, not a contract. If a provider does not feel right, that information is useful — and you are allowed to act on it.

When Therapy Alone Is Not Enough: Advanced Treatment Options

For many patients, talk therapy paired with appropriate medication is enough. For others — particularly those living with treatment-resistant depression, severe anxiety, or PTSD that has not responded to standard care — the next step involves treatments that work on the brain through a different pathway.

TMS Therapy

TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment that uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate brain regions involved in mood regulation. Sessions are outpatient, require no anesthesia, and produce no systemic side effects. TMS is approved for major depressive disorder, anxious depression, and OCD — and is covered by most major insurance plans.

Spravato (Esketamine)

Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation. It works on the glutamate system rather than serotonin, which is why it can be effective when traditional antidepressants have not been. Treatment is administered in-office under medical supervision across SMHWI's Arizona locations.

Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine-based therapy has shown rapid antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects for patients who have not responded to other treatments. At SMHWI, ketamine options are available in coordination with our psychiatric team and are offered as part of a comprehensive, integrated treatment plan.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

For patients who need more support than weekly therapy provides — but do not require inpatient hospitalization — SMHWI's Intensive Outpatient Program offers structured, evidence-based treatment meeting multiple days per week. IOP is available in Tempe, Glendale, and Scottsdale, with virtual IOP options for those across Arizona and Texas.

These treatments are not a replacement for talk therapy or relationship-based care. They are tools that, used alongside therapy and psychiatric support, can shorten the distance between where someone is and where they are trying to get to.

Dr. Roland Segal, MD — Adult and Forensic Psychiatrist at SMHWI
Roland Segal, MD
Adult & Forensic Psychiatrist  ·  Synergy Mental Health & Wellness Integrated

Dr. Segal is Medical Director at SMHWI's Scottsdale location, specializing in treatment-resistant depression, forensic psychiatry, and advanced interventional treatments including TMS and Spravato. View full profile →

Care That Sees the Whole Person

SMHWI's board-certified psychiatrists and licensed therapists provide therapy, psychiatric medication management, TMS therapy, Spravato, and IOP across Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, and Rockwall — with telehealth available throughout Arizona and Texas. Scheduling a first appointment is a conversation, not a commitment.

Become a Patient

Frequently Asked Questions

When is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month?
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every July in the United States. It was formally established by Congress in 2008 to honor the work of author and advocate Bebe Moore Campbell and to draw attention to the mental health needs of Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color.
Why is it called Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month?
Bebe Moore Campbell was an author, journalist, and co-founder of NAMI Urban Los Angeles who spent much of her career advocating for mental health support in Black and other underrepresented communities. After her death in 2006, Congress designated July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in recognition of her advocacy and the disparities she worked to address.
What are the biggest barriers to mental health care in minority communities?
The most common barriers include cultural and community stigma around mental illness, a shortage of therapists and psychiatrists who share patients' racial or cultural backgrounds, language access gaps, mistrust of medical systems rooted in historical harm, lack of insurance or in-network providers, and limited culturally responsive treatment options. These factors contribute to lower rates of diagnosis and treatment, even when symptoms are present.
What is culturally responsive mental health care?
Culturally responsive care is mental health treatment that recognizes how race, ethnicity, language, religion, immigration history, and lived experience shape both the cause of distress and the path to healing. In practice, it means providers who ask about cultural context, screen for racial trauma and intergenerational patterns, adapt evidence-based therapies to your worldview, and coordinate care without asking you to leave parts of your identity at the door.
How do I find a therapist or psychiatrist who understands my background?
Start by looking for practices that explicitly describe culturally responsive care, ask about provider training in racial trauma and intergenerational trauma, and review clinician bios for relevant lived experience and language fluency. National directories such as Therapy for Black Girls, Latinx Therapy, the Asian Mental Health Collective, and the WeRNative directory can help narrow the search. SMHWI also offers telehealth across Arizona and Texas so you can match with a clinician who fits rather than the closest one geographically.
Does insurance cover therapy and psychiatric care at SMHWI?
Most commercial insurance plans, Medicare, and many Medicaid plans cover therapy, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and advanced treatments such as TMS therapy and Spravato when medically necessary. SMHWI accepts most major insurance plans across our Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, and Rockwall locations. Coverage varies by plan — our intake team can help clarify your benefits before your first appointment.
Lamia Abdouni, PMHNP

Lamia Abdouni,
PMHNP-BC

My name is Lamia Abdouni, and I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a background in both family and psychiatric nursing. I became a Registered Nurse in 2007 after earning my nursing degree from Mercy College of Northwest Ohio. In 2016, I obtained my Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Walden University, and in 2019, I earned my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree from Binghamton University. I have been working in the field of mental health since 2014.

I specialize in the evaluation and treatment of a wide range of psychiatric disorders, with a particular focus on depression, anxiety disorders, and trauma-related conditions. I consider myself an interventional healthcare provider and believe in utilizing comprehensive treatment approaches tailored to each individual’s needs. My areas of focus include higher levels of care such as Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and residential treatment. I also have a strong interest and focus in innovative psychiatric treatments, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and ketamine therapy.

I chose this profession because I have always been passionate about helping people navigate some of the most challenging periods of their lives. I believe that mental health care requires compassion, understanding, and a commitment to finding effective, individualized solutions. The most rewarding part of my work is witnessing patients regain hope, improve their quality of life, and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey.

Outside of work, I enjoy swimming, roller skating, and strength training. These activities help me maintain balance, resilience, and energy, allowing me to continue providing thoughtful and compassionate care to my clients.

Danielle Siragusa, LSCW

Danielle Siragusa,
VP of Behavioral Health, LCSW

Danielle Siragusa, LCSW, is a behavioral health leader with a strong track record of building and scaling high-impact clinical programs. As Vice President of Behavioral Health, she brings a unique blend of clinical expertise, operational strategy, and people-centered leadership to her work, with a focus on delivering accessible, high-quality care.

Danielle began her career as a clinician, which continues to shape her leadership approach today. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she has extensive experience working with individuals and families across a range of behavioral health needs. Her clinical foundation allows her to design programs that are not only evidence-based, but also practical, compassionate, and responsive to the real-world needs of clients and providers.

Throughout her career, Danielle has held progressive leadership roles, where she has led multidisciplinary teams, developed integrated care models, and overseen complex behavioral health operations. She is known for her ability to translate vision into execution, whether that’s launching new service lines, optimizing clinical workflows, or driving system-wide improvements in quality, access, and outcomes. Her operational strengths include program development, financial and performance management, regulatory compliance, and building scalable infrastructure to support growth.

A collaborative and mission-driven leader, Danielle is passionate about developing high-performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. She values strong partnerships, both internally and across communities, and is committed to advancing behavioral health solutions that are sustainable, impactful, and person-centered.

Jeremy Edwards

Jeremy Edwards, DNP, PMHNP-BC

My name is Jeremy Edwards, I am board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in the behavioral health field, working across a wide range of settings including schools, group homes, residential treatment centers, outpatient clinics, and inpatient hospitals. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree from Creighton University.
 
My passion for mental health care is deeply rooted in my own life experiences. Having overcome significant adversity, I was inspired to become part of the solution and to support others on their healing journeys. I take great pride and joy in helping individuals discover their strengths and reach their full potential. I strongly believe that each patient’s journey is unique, and I am committed to meeting patients where they are. Through collaboration, empathy, and patient-centered care, I work with each individual to develop a personalized treatment plan that supports growth, resilience, and long-term well-being.
Barbara Reed

Barbara Reed,
MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC

My name is Barbara Reed, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC, and I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Synergy Mental Health & Wellness in Rockwall, Texas. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from Saint Louis University in 2014, building upon earlier years of service as a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Naval Reserve.

I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, and mood disorders, working primarily with adults, and veterans. My approach to care is collaborative, holistic, and strengths-focused, and I often use medication management, CBT-informed strategies, motivational interviewing, and supportive therapy to support my clients.

I chose this profession because I believe every person deserves compassionate, dignified, and scientifically grounded mental health care, and I find it most rewarding to partner with clients in their healing journey—helping them rediscover stability, confidence, and the ability to thrive in their daily lives.

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, learning new things, staying active with my family, staying current with psychiatric research, and attending AANP Health Policy Conferences, and I believe these activities help me stay balanced and energized to support my clients.

Ngozi Theresa Onyia

Theresa Ngozi Onyia,
MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

My name is Theresa Ngozi Onyia, and I am a Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Synergy Mental Health & Wellness Integrated in Rockwall, Texas. I earned my Master’s and post-master’s degrees from Walden University and hold certifications in Family/Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with AANP and ANCC.

I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, adolescent care, working primarily with adults, teens, families, veterans. My approach to care is patient-centered, collaborative, evidence-based, and strengths-focused, and I often use CBT, DBT, mindfulness-based interventions to support my clients.

I chose this profession because I believe in the uniqueness of every patient and, thus, the importance of individualized patient needs and care. My goal is to apply the uniqueness of each patient to their treatment recommendations to address their health issues best for a greater outcome. Each patient deserves the most optimal mental well-being.

Alejandra Vasquez

Alejandra Vasquez, PMHNP-BC

Meet Alejandra Vasquez, a dedicated board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner passionate about providing holistic and trauma-informed care to individuals across the lifespan. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Northern Arizona University and brings years of experience in psychiatric nursing, including crisis stabilization, detox and recovery, inpatient, and outpatient community mental health.

Alejandra has a special interest in supporting young adults as they navigate life transitions and mental health challenges. Her integrative and collaborative approach blends evidence-based psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and lifestyle interventions to promote emotional balance, recovery, and wellness. Guided by compassion, empowerment, and education, Alejandra strives to create a safe and supportive environment where patients feel heard, valued, and actively involved in their care, helping them build resilience and achieve lasting wellness.

Outside of her clinical work, Alejandra values mindfulness, connection, and balance in her own life. She believes that healing is a journey best supported by compassion, self-awareness, and collaboration. Her passion for mental health stems from witnessing the profound impact of empathy and strength of resilience, inspiring her to walk alongside patients as they build meaningful, fulfilling lives.

Dr. Andrea Raby,

Dr. Andrea Raby, M.D.,

Dr. Andrea Raby is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Psychiatry, holding additional certifications in Tele-Mental Health and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Her educational journey commenced with a Psychology and Chemistry Undergraduate degree at Arizona State University, where she was a distinguished member of the Honors College. Dr. Raby furthered her medical training at the University of North Texas Health Science Center and completed her residency at Maricopa Integrated Health/County Hospital.

With over fifteen years of clinical experience in both community and hospital-based psychiatry, Dr. Raby brings a wealth of expertise to our team. Her commitment to the field is demonstrated through her provision of forensic evaluations and court testimonies. Currently serving as an Inpatient Attending at Valley Hospital, she showcases her broad proficiency in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Raby’s life is enriched by her love for family, including her five children, and her dedication to endurance running. Her commitment to excellence and passion for improving lives make her an integral part of our exceptional team of psychiatrists at Synergy Mental Health and Wellness Integrated. We eagerly anticipate the privilege of serving you and guiding you on your journey to mental well-being. Your path to healing and hope begins with us.

Dr. Fariba Pfitzner, M.D.,

Dr. Fariba Pfitzner, M.D.,

Dr. Fariba Pfitzner is a distinguished board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult, child, and adolescent psychiatry. Her illustrious career began with medical training at Ludwig-Maximillian University School of Medicine in Munich, Germany, laying the foundation for her impressive expertise. Driven by a commitment to continuous learning, she pursued a residency in adult psychiatry and a two-year subspecialty fellowship program in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY.

Dr. Pfitzner’s professional journey includes a pivotal role as the Director of the Adolescent Inpatient Unit at the Arizona State Hospital. With extensive experience in community mental health clinics, she provided psychiatric services within a multidisciplinary team, fostering collaborative and comprehensive care. Dr. Pfitzner’s treatment approach emphasizes teamwork, involving patients, families, and other healthcare providers in the decision-making process.

Fluent in several languages, Dr. Pfitzner has earned a strong reputation in the Valley, where her contributions significantly support the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program at Synergy Mental Health and Wellness Integrated. Her dedication to teamwork and collaborative care reflects her commitment to providing exceptional psychiatric services and enhancing the well-being of her patients.

Dr. Bahar Altaha, M.D.,

Dr. Bahar Altaha, M.D.,

Dr. Bahar Altaha is an esteemed member of the Synergy Mental Health and Wellness Integrated team, bringing with her a triple board certification in General Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Psychosomatic Medicine. With a diverse medical background that encompasses training at the University of Hamburg School of Medicine in Germany, she has refined her expertise in Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital and in General Adult and Child-Adolescent Psychiatry at West Virginia University.

Dr. Altaha’s accomplishments are noteworthy, including the receipt of the Community Service Award for Outstanding Leadership from the WVU Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry. Her influence extends to both national and international psychiatric spheres, contributing to publications such as the Sage Encyclopedia of Abnormal and Clinical Psychology and Current Psychology. Dr. Altaha’s multilingual abilities, encompassing English, German, Farsi, and French, significantly enhance her capacity to provide exceptional care to our patients. Her wealth of experience and dedication underscores our commitment to delivering comprehensive and outstanding mental health care at Synergy Mental Health and Wellness Integrated.

Victoria Emanuelson, MPAS, PA-C,

Victoria Emanuelson, MPAS, PA-C,

Meet Victoria Emanuelson, a nationally certified Physician Assistant, whose expertise enriches our team. Victoria’s professional journey took her from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, to the vibrant Phoenix area. Throughout her training, she acquired invaluable experience working with diverse patient populations across various clinical and geographic settings.

Passionate about patient care, Victoria specializes in serving individuals aged 17 and older. Her comprehensive services encompass psychiatric assessments, diagnoses, treatment plans, and medication management. Proudly affiliated with the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Arizona State Association of Physician Assistants, Victoria is recognized for her empathy and collaborative approach to patient care. She places a special emphasis on patient education and strives to enhance the overall quality of life for those under her care. Welcome to the compassionate and dedicated support provided by Victoria Emanuelson, where your well-being is at the forefront of her commitment.

Jose A. Rodriguez, PMHNP-BC,

Jose A. Rodriguez, PMHNP-BC,

Meet Jose A. Rodriguez, a dedicated board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Jose earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oregon Health & Science University in 2013, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric Mental Health in 2021 from Frontier Nursing University.

Specializing in treating patients across their lifespan, Jose is particularly passionate about supporting military veterans dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. With 9 years of experience as a critical care nurse and crisis nurse in Boise, Idaho, and a total of 20 years in the United States Army Infantry, including six years in active duty, Jose brings a unique and comprehensive perspective to his practice.

Jose is an Army Infantry Combat Veteran and retired Honorably as a Sergeant First Class from the United States Army after 20 years of faithful service.  He spent time in the Middle East, Korea, and numerous places in the United States.

Not only does Jose provide evidence based pharmacological therapies to help patients struggling with their mental health, but he also utilizes a patient centered approach which individualizes the plan of care to the patient.

Samantha Willen, DNP, PMHNP-BC,

Samantha Willen, DNP, PMHNP-BC,

My name is Samantha Willen, and I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at SMHWI. I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Arizona and am board certified in Psychiatric-Mental Health.

I specialize in anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, working primarily with adults with co-occurring disorders. My approach to care is collaborative and strengths-focused, emphasizing each client’s unique resilience and capacity for growth. I often use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based interventions to help clients build insight and develop practical coping skills.

I chose this profession because I have a family member who struggled with mental health challenges, and that experience showed me how important compassion and understanding are in the healing process. I find it most rewarding to build meaningful relationships with my clients and help them feel better and more hopeful about their lives.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters, and indulging in my guilty pleasure of watching Bravo shows.

Angela Ross, MS, LPC,

Angela Ross, MS, LPC,

Angela Ross, MS, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a proud Arizona native. She earned her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University in 2020. Angela has extensive experience working with individuals facing mental health challenges in both outpatient and inpatient settings. She specializes in working with adolescents, adults, and families, utilizing a variety of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, DBT, EMDR, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy.

With a robust background in both individual and group counseling, Angela creates a supportive, collaborative space where clients feel safe to engage in meaningful self-exploration and growth. Her authentic and non-judgmental approach fosters strong therapeutic relationships, empowering clients to reach their full potential.

Outside of her professional work, Angela enjoys spending time outdoors, embracing the serenity and beauty of nature. She is deeply committed to helping individuals enhance their well-being, guiding them toward greater clarity, fulfillment, and overall quality of life.

Dafna Oz, LCSW,

Dafna Oz, LCSW,

My name is Dafna Oz and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Synergy Mental Health & Wellness Integrated. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of New England and hold certifications EMDR and couple’s counseling.

I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma and working primarily with adults. My approach to care is working together as a team to navigate challenges and achieve a healthier life, and I often use CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing interventions to support my clients.

I chose this profession because of my deep belief in compassion, resilience and the power of human connection, and I find it most rewarding to witness my client’s growth and healing, seeing them gain insight, strength and hope as they create positive changes in their lives.

Outside of work, I enjoy music, exploring new places and spending time with my family. and I believe these activities help me stay balanced and energized to support my clients.

Dr. Roland Segal, M.D., Managing Partner, Scottsdale Psychiatrist

Dr. Roland Segal, a distinguished psychiatrist, holds the role of Managing Partner and MD Psychiatrist at Synergy Mental Health and Wellness Integrated. Graduating from the University of Arizona, College of Medicine, he pursued his general psychiatry training at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Segal further refined his skills through a forensic psychiatry fellowship at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine.

Dr. Segal has more than 10 years of clinical, administrative, executive and forensic experience. With double board certification in General and Forensic Psychiatry, Dr. Segal brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team. He served as the Chief Medical Officer at Valley Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, president of the Arizona Psychiatric Society, chair of the legislative committee and a member of multiple state and national boards, committees and organizations. Dr. Segal is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Arizona, College of Medicine, where he regularly teaches medical students and residents.

Dr. Segal serves as a psychiatry expert consultant for a number of superior and regional courts including Salt River, Maricopa and Yuma County; city governments including Phoenix, Lake Havasu and Mesa; and organizations including the United Postal Service, Social Security Administration, Immigration Health Services, US Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security.
Dr. Segal values objectivity, morality, ethics, mindfulness, and cultural awareness in a diverse society.

Dr. Segal’s unwavering commitment to comprehensive psychiatric care serves as a testament to his dedication to enhancing the lives of his patients across the state of Arizona and beyond.

Dr. Ehab Abdallah, M.D., psychiatric physician profile

Dr. Ehab Abdallah, M.D., Managing Partner, Psychiatrist

Dr. Ehab Abdallah serves as the Managing Partner and MD Psychiatrist at Synergy Mental Health and Wellness Integrated. A distinguished professional, he earned his medical degree from Alexandria University in Alexandria, Egypt, and completed his psychiatry residency training at West Virginia University. Dr. Abdallah holds triple board certifications in General Psychiatry, Consultation-Liaison (Psychosomatic) Psychiatry, and Addiction Psychiatry and Medicine.

An expert in addiction medicine, Dr. Abdallah is experienced in treating psychiatric illness for those with complex medical and psychiatric conditions. Dr. Abdallah is an invaluable asset to our team with a commitment to providing quality care that is reflected in his unwavering dedication to the well-being of his patients.

Dr. Abdallah is also fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry with the University of Arizona where he teaches medical students and residents.