Bipolar disorder needs more than a prescription pad. At SMHWI, our psychiatrists take the time to distinguish Bipolar I from Bipolar II, rule out look-alike conditions, and build a long-term plan that stabilizes both the highs and the depression that usually causes the most damage.
Most people picture bipolar disorder as dramatic swings between mania and depression. In reality, the depressive episodes last much longer than the manic ones, and for many adults the depression is what actually brings them in for help. Untreated, bipolar disorder tends to get worse over time as episodes become more frequent and harder to control.
Bipolar I involves at least one full manic episode. Bipolar II involves hypomania paired with recurrent, often disabling depression. The two look different, respond to different medications, and are easy to confuse with unipolar depression, ADHD, or borderline personality disorder if the evaluation is rushed.
At SMHWI, our board-certified psychiatrists spend the time it takes to get the diagnosis right the first time. From there, we build a treatment plan around mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and, for the depressive side, evidence-based options like TMS and Spravato when standard medications aren't enough. Therapy is available at all four locations to help you spot early warning signs and stay well between episodes.
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 →Bipolar disorder shows up in patterns, not single moments. What follows are the symptoms our psychiatrists see most often during evaluations for adult patients across our Arizona and Texas locations.
Elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, rapid speech, and inflated self-confidence. Hypomania is milder and often feels "productive" until the crash arrives.
Deep, prolonged low periods with fatigue, hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, and loss of interest in things that used to matter. Often the most disabling side of the illness.
Needing far less sleep during highs, or being unable to get out of bed during lows. Sleep changes are one of the earliest warning signs of an incoming mood episode.
Spending sprees, sudden job changes, sexual impulsivity, or reckless decisions during manic or hypomanic phases. Often reversed once the episode ends, but the fallout can be lasting.
Depressive symptoms and manic energy at the same time : agitation, irritability, and racing thoughts alongside hopelessness. Mixed states carry the highest suicide risk in bipolar disorder.
Trouble concentrating, memory lapses, and slowed thinking during depression; racing thoughts and distractibility during highs. Between episodes, some cognitive residue often lingers.
Bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed as unipolar depression. Antidepressants prescribed without a mood stabilizer can trigger mania or destabilize the illness. That is why an accurate diagnosis has to come first, and why our psychiatrists spend the time it takes to get it right.
Effective bipolar treatment usually combines a mood stabilizer, sometimes an atypical antipsychotic, targeted treatment for the depressive episodes, and therapy to hold the plan together over the long run.
Lithium remains the most-studied treatment for bipolar disorder and is one of the few medications shown to reduce suicide risk. Other mood stabilizers — valproate (Depakote), lamotrigine (Lamictal), and carbamazepine, are used depending on whether mania, depression, or rapid cycling is the biggest concern.
Our psychiatrists monitor lithium levels and other labs on a schedule that matches your dose, and adjust proactively as your body changes over time.
Medications like quetiapine (Seroquel), lurasidone (Latuda), aripiprazole (Abilify), and cariprazine (Vraylar) are effective for acute mania, mixed episodes, and — in select cases — bipolar depression. They can be used alone or added to a mood stabilizer.
These medications carry meaningful side-effect profiles, so our psychiatrists select carefully based on your history, weight, sleep needs, and metabolic risk.
The depressive side of bipolar disorder is often the hardest to treat and where patients spend the most time. When mood stabilizers and antidepressants alone don't produce enough relief, we consider TMS and, in appropriate cases, Spravato (esketamine).
Both are always paired with a mood stabilizer to protect against manic switching. Not every patient with bipolar depression is a candidate. Your psychiatrist will walk you through eligibility and risks before you start.
Medication controls the illness. Therapy is what most patients say keeps them functioning day to day. Our therapists work with adults using CBT, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and psychoeducation focused on identifying early warning signs, protecting sleep, and building routines that prevent relapse.
Tricare and most major insurance accepted. No referral required for most services.
Become a Patient →Most adults with bipolar disorder have at least one other psychiatric condition. Anxiety, substance use, ADHD, and PTSD are the most common, and each one changes how bipolar disorder should be treated.
Treating bipolar disorder in isolation often produces disappointing results, because the co-occurring condition keeps destabilizing the mood plan. It also works the other way: treating anxiety or ADHD without recognizing an underlying bipolar diagnosis can make things dramatically worse.
At SMHWI, our psychiatrists are trained to see the full picture and build a plan that addresses everything at once, not one condition at a time.
Anxiety is the most common co-occurring condition in bipolar disorder. It affects which medications are safe to use and often needs its own treatment track.
Alcohol and stimulants can trigger mood episodes and undo an otherwise stable treatment plan. Integrated substance use and mood care work better than either in isolation.
These conditions share symptoms like impulsivity and mood shifts, but stimulant medications used for ADHD can worsen bipolar disorder. Accurate diagnosis is critical before any prescribing decision.
Trauma histories are common in adults with bipolar disorder and can amplify mood instability. Trauma-focused therapy is often part of a comprehensive plan.
From your first phone call to long-term stability, here's how care unfolds.
Your first appointment is a full psychiatric evaluation. Your psychiatrist reviews your mood history, family history, medication history, and rules out conditions that can mimic bipolar disorder.
Once the diagnosis is clear (Bipolar I, Bipolar II, or another mood presentation), your psychiatrist works with you on a plan built around mood stabilizers, targeted depression care, and therapy.
Early follow-ups are close together while medication is titrated and labs are monitored. The first goal is to bring the current episode — mania, depression, or mixed — under control.
Once stable, visits shift to maintenance medication management and therapy focused on preventing relapse. 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.
Bipolar disorder treatment is available at all four SMHWI locations, plus via telehealth statewide in Arizona and Texas. Every location offers psychiatric evaluations, medication management, mood stabilizer monitoring, and therapy.
North Scottsdale: Bipolar Psychiatry, Medication Mgmt & Therapy
Mill Ave: Bipolar Psychiatry, Medication Mgmt & Therapy
Bell Road: Bipolar Psychiatry, Medication Mgmt & Therapy
Dallas-Fort Worth: Bipolar 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. Bipolar evaluations, medication management follow-ups, and therapy available virtually throughout Arizona and Texas.
Questions about diagnosis, medication, and what to expect from long-term bipolar care at SMHWI.
Reliable, evidence-based information about bipolar disorder from organizations that specialize in mood disorders.
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.
