Getting an accurate ADHD diagnosis takes more than a quick checklist. At SMHWI, our psychiatrists take time to understand what's actually going on before recommending treatment. Both stimulant and non-stimulant options are available at all four locations in Arizona and Texas.
Most people picture a hyperactive child when they think of ADHD. But for many adults, the picture is quieter than that: a career full of near-misses, relationships strained by forgetfulness, and a constant feeling of being "behind" that no amount of effort seems to fix.
Adult ADHD often shows up as chronic disorganization, difficulty starting tasks, trouble managing time, and a restlessness that's more internal than visible. It gets missed for years because adults have developed workarounds, and because conditions like anxiety and depression can look similar.
At SMHWI, our board-certified psychiatrists take a thorough approach before any treatment decisions are made. That means ruling out other conditions first, reviewing your full history, and building a treatment plan around what you're actually dealing with. Both stimulant and non-stimulant medications are available, along with therapy at all four locations.
Call any location directly or use the patient portal to get started. Most patients are seen within a few days.
Most patients are seen within a few days. Insurance verified before your first appointment.
Become a Patient →ADHD symptoms in adults tend to be less obvious than in children. Hyperactivity often becomes internal restlessness. Inattention shows up as difficulty sustaining focus on tasks that feel unrewarding, even when the stakes are high.
Missed appointments, lost items, and to-do lists that grow faster than they shrink. Not laziness, but a brain that struggles with executive function.
Knowing exactly what needs to get done but being unable to start. Procrastination tied to ADHD is about self-regulation, not motivation.
Hours lost in one activity while everything else falls behind. Hyperfocus is a less-discussed ADHD symptom that often surprises people expecting only inattention.
Speaking before thinking, making quick decisions that need undoing, or difficulty waiting. In adults, this often damages relationships more than anything else.
Strong emotional reactions that feel out of proportion, difficulty returning to calm, or sensitivity to perceived criticism. Common in adult ADHD and often misread as a mood disorder.
Forgetting what was just said, losing track of multi-step instructions, and struggling to hold information in mind while completing a task. A core cognitive symptom of ADHD.
ADHD can look a lot like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Before any diagnosis is made, our psychiatrists take time to review your full history and rule out other conditions. The right treatment depends on the right diagnosis first.
No two people with ADHD respond the same way to treatment. Our psychiatrists consider your full picture before recommending a path forward. Medication is often part of that, but it doesn't have to be the only part.
Stimulant medications like amphetamine salts and methylphenidate are the most well-studied ADHD treatments available. They work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine activity in the brain's prefrontal cortex, improving attention and impulse control.
Our psychiatrists monitor closely for side effects and adjust dosing based on how you're actually responding, not a standard protocol. Both immediate-release and extended-release formulations are available.
For adults who can't tolerate stimulants, have a history of substance use, or simply prefer to avoid them, non-stimulant medications are an effective path. Options like Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv, and Qelbree work differently but can produce meaningful improvement in focus and emotional regulation.
Non-stimulants typically take longer to reach full effect, which our team walks you through clearly so expectations are realistic from the start.
Medication manages the neurological side of ADHD. Therapy helps with the habits, thought patterns, and coping strategies that medication doesn't address on its own.
Our therapists work with adult ADHD patients using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focused on organizational skills, time management, and managing the frustration and low self-esteem that often build up over years of undiagnosed ADHD. Available at all four locations and via telehealth.
ADHD rarely shows up alone. Many adults also carry anxiety, depression, or a history of trauma that complicates the clinical picture. At SMHWI, your psychiatrist and therapist work within the same practice and coordinate directly so both conditions get addressed in the same care plan.
Tricare and most major insurance accepted. No referral required for most services.
Become a Patient →More than half of adults with ADHD have at least one other mental health condition. This isn't a coincidence. ADHD affects emotional regulation, stress tolerance, and self-esteem in ways that make anxiety and depression more likely over time.
It also means that treating ADHD alone doesn't always resolve everything. And treating anxiety or depression without addressing ADHD often produces incomplete results.
At SMHWI, our psychiatrists are trained to recognize when ADHD is part of a more complex picture. We assess and treat the full presentation together, not condition by condition in isolation.
Many adults with ADHD experience persistent anxiety. Both require treatment, and they interact with each other in ways that affect which medications work best.
Years of struggling without understanding why often leads to depression. Addressing the ADHD can reduce depressive symptoms, but sometimes depression needs direct treatment as well.
Trauma can produce attention and concentration problems that look like ADHD. Our psychiatrists assess for both before making a diagnosis or prescribing medication.
ADHD and bipolar disorder can both cause impulsivity and mood instability. Stimulant medications prescribed for ADHD can worsen bipolar symptoms, making accurate diagnosis critical.
Getting started is straightforward. Here's what the process looks like from your first contact to ongoing care.
Your first appointment is a comprehensive evaluation. Your psychiatrist reviews your full history, current symptoms, and rules out conditions that can look like ADHD before any treatment is considered.
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your psychiatrist works with you on a plan. Medication type, dosage, therapy, and follow-up frequency are all decided together based on your specific situation.
ADHD medication takes time to dial in. Early follow-ups are closer together so your provider can track how you're responding and make changes before issues become persistent.
Once things are stable, visits shift to ongoing medication management. Therapy continues alongside medication as needed. Telehealth is available for follow-ups throughout Arizona and Texas.
Coverage is verified before your first appointment. Call your nearest location to confirm your specific plan.
Adult ADHD treatment is available at all four SMHWI locations, plus via telehealth statewide in Arizona and Texas. Every location offers the full range of psychiatric services including medication management, therapy, and psychiatric evaluations.
North Scottsdale: ADHD Psychiatry, Medication Mgmt & Therapy
Mill Ave: ADHD Psychiatry, Medication Mgmt & Therapy
Bell Road: ADHD Psychiatry, Medication Mgmt & Therapy
Dallas-Fort Worth: ADHD Psychiatry, Medication Mgmt & Therapy
Can't make it to a clinic? SMHWI's HIPAA-compliant telehealth services are covered by most insurance plans including Tricare. ADHD evaluations, medication management follow-ups, and therapy available virtually throughout Arizona and Texas.
Questions about ADHD medication, diagnosis, and what to expect at your first appointment.
Reliable, evidence-based information about ADHD from organizations that specialize in it.
Contact SMHWI to schedule an evaluation at any of our four locations in Arizona and Texas. No referral needed, and insurance is verified before your first appointment.
Deborah was a nurse for 19 years before becoming a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Deborah became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2004 and then graduated as a Registered Nurse with her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing in 2012 from Excelsior College. In 2019 Deborah earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Capella University. Then Deborah graduated from Walden University in 2022 where she received her Master of Science in Nursing/Psychiatric Mental Health.
Before starting her journey of 7 years as an RN in mental health, Deborah worked in a variety of medical settings such as ER, Urgent Care, Oncology, Hospice, Med-Surg., Phone Triage, etc. But it was while working in the jail setting as a traveling nurse that she found her interest and passion for mental health since the prevalence of mental disorders within its population is high.
She then realized that many of the inmates were incarcerated for behaviors caused by their mental illness and that these types of facilities are not meeting the demand for treatment of psychiatric disorders. After finishing her travel assignment, Deborah decided to start working as a Psychiatric nurse and worked for institutions including Banner Behavioral Health, Phoenix Childrens Hospital, and Arizona State Hospital where she obtained experience with the children, adolescents, and adult population.
Deborah is passionate about mental health since she believes that individuals’ mental well-being is just as important as physical health. She has seen the impact it can have on individuals and society. Mental health is an often an overlooked aspect of overall health, and she believes that it is time for society to pay attention to it. Deborah believes that through advocacy she can work towards reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, ensuring that individuals receive the help they need without judgment or discrimination.
Deborah is eager to empower individuals to seek help, promote early intervention, and foster a supportive environment where her patients can thrive mentally and emotionally.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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, 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 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.
