EMDR is one of the most thoroughly researched trauma therapies available. At SMHWI, certified EMDR therapists work with adults dealing with PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and depression at four locations in Arizona and Texas, and via telehealth throughout both states.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapy developed to help people process and recover from traumatic memories. It's one of the most extensively researched trauma therapies available, endorsed by the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a first-line treatment for PTSD.
What makes EMDR different from traditional talk therapy is that it doesn't require you to discuss your experiences in depth or complete extensive homework between sessions. Instead, it uses a specific protocol involving bilateral stimulation, most commonly guided eye movements, to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they lose their emotional intensity.
At SMHWI, our EMDR therapists work alongside our board-certified psychiatrists as part of the same practice. When medication is part of your treatment plan, both your therapist and psychiatrist coordinate directly rather than operating independently. EMDR is available at all four locations and via telehealth throughout Arizona and Texas.
Call any location directly or schedule through our patient portal. Most patients are seen within a few days.
Insurance verified before your first appointment. Tricare accepted at all four locations.
Become a Patient →EMDR follows a structured, eight-phase protocol developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro. Each phase has a specific purpose. The treatment isn't linear in the sense that you move through a checklist. Your therapist returns to earlier phases as needed based on how you're responding.
Your therapist reviews your history, identifies target memories, and builds a treatment map. No trauma processing happens at this stage.
You learn stabilization techniques and what to expect during processing. Your therapist ensures you have the tools to manage distress between and during sessions.
A specific target memory is identified along with the negative belief it carries and the positive belief you'd prefer to hold. Baseline distress levels are measured.
The active reprocessing phase. Bilateral stimulation is applied while you hold the memory in mind. Your therapist guides this until the distress level drops significantly.
The positive belief you identified is strengthened and linked to the memory. The goal is for it to feel genuinely true, not just something you're trying to believe.
You scan your body for any remaining physical tension tied to the memory. Trauma is stored somatically as well as cognitively, and this phase addresses the physical residue.
Each session ends with stabilization, regardless of whether processing is complete. You leave with a clear sense of what to do if distressing material surfaces before your next visit.
At the start of each new session, your therapist checks how the previous week went, whether progress held, and what targets to work on next.
When an event is overwhelming, the brain's normal memory consolidation process can be interrupted. The memory gets stored in a raw, unprocessed form, complete with the original emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs, rather than being filed away as a past event. Each time it's triggered, it feels immediate rather than historical.
The back-and-forth eye movements used in EMDR are thought to work through a mechanism similar to what happens during REM sleep, the stage of sleep where memory consolidation naturally occurs. The bilateral stimulation creates a dual-attention state that simultaneously activates the distressing memory while reducing its emotional load, allowing the brain to complete the processing that didn't finish originally.
Across more than 30 controlled studies, EMDR has been shown to significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, often in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy. The WHO, APA, VA, and International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies all recognize EMDR as an effective treatment. Brain imaging studies have documented measurable changes in how traumatic memories are stored and accessed after EMDR treatment.
EMDR was developed originally for trauma and PTSD, and that remains its best-documented application. But the research base has grown considerably. EMDR is now used effectively for several other conditions where distressing memories or beliefs play a central role in keeping symptoms active.
The primary application. EMDR is a first-line treatment for PTSD from single incidents, complex or repeated trauma, childhood experiences, and military or combat exposure.
For anxiety rooted in specific experiences or beliefs, EMDR can target the underlying memories that feed ongoing fear responses, including phobias, panic disorder, and social anxiety.
When depression is linked to past losses, failures, or negative core beliefs about oneself, EMDR can work alongside antidepressant medication or therapy to address those deeper anchors.
Complicated grief, particularly when a loss was sudden, traumatic, or unresolved, can respond well to EMDR. The goal is not to diminish grief but to reduce the traumatic charge that makes it unprocessable.
Deep negative beliefs like "I am not good enough" or "I am fundamentally broken" are often tied to specific memories. EMDR targets those memories directly and installs the adaptive belief that replaced them.
Specific phobias and performance-related anxiety often trace back to a triggering memory or series of experiences. EMDR can reduce the intensity of these responses faster than prolonged exposure alone.
Most people come in with questions about the practical side of EMDR. Here's what to expect from the experience itself, from the first session through active processing.
Your EMDR therapist begins with a thorough history and treatment planning conversation. This isn't a warmup formality. It's essential. Your therapist needs to understand your history, identify which memories to target, and make sure you have the stabilization tools to handle what comes up during processing. You won't be pushed into anything before you're ready.
During active processing, your therapist will guide your eyes from side to side using a moving finger, light bar, or other visual prompt. Some therapists use taps on the hands or tones through headphones instead. The sensation is mild and not disorienting. Your attention is split between the bilateral stimulation and the memory you're holding. Most people describe a gradual softening of the distress rather than any dramatic shift.
Standard EMDR sessions run 60 to 90 minutes. Some therapists offer extended sessions, particularly for processing phases, to allow more complete resolution within a single sitting. Frequency typically starts at once weekly. The number of sessions needed varies considerably depending on the complexity of the trauma, though single-incident trauma often resolves in fewer sessions than complex or childhood trauma.
Processing can continue after a session ends. It's common to notice new thoughts, emotions, or memories in the days that follow, which is a normal part of how EMDR works. Your therapist will give you tools for managing this and will check in on it at the start of your next session. Journaling is often encouraged, though there's no homework requirement the way there is in some other structured therapies.
Progress in EMDR typically shows up as a reduction in the emotional charge a memory carries. The same event may still be recalled, but without the same visceral distress, intrusive quality, or felt sense of present danger. Over time, many patients also notice changes in the negative beliefs tied to those memories, moving from "I am at fault" or "I am not safe" toward something more balanced and accurate.
Online EMDR therapy is available throughout Arizona and Texas. Research supports the effectiveness of telehealth EMDR, and for some patients, beginning trauma work from a familiar environment they control can be genuinely helpful. Your therapist uses digital tools for bilateral stimulation that work through a secure video platform. Tricare and most major insurance plans cover telehealth sessions.
Tricare and most major insurance accepted. EMDR available at all four SMHWI locations.
Become a Patient →If you've looked into therapy options, you've probably seen CBT, traditional talk therapy, and EMDR all recommended. Each has a different mechanism and works better for certain situations. Understanding the differences helps you ask better questions when choosing a path forward.
| Feature | EMDR | CBT | Talk Therapy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary mechanism | Bilateral stimulation to reprocess traumatic memory | Restructuring distorted thought patterns | Verbal exploration and insight |
| Detailed verbal recall required? | No. Memory is held briefly, not narrated | Often yes, to examine cognitive distortions | Yes, usually the central activity |
| Homework between sessions? | Minimal. Journaling encouraged, not required | Yes. Thought records and behavioral exercises are core | Varies by approach |
| Best for | PTSD, trauma with specific memories, anxiety with memory roots | Depression, anxiety, OCD, behavioral patterns | General mental health, relationships, insight-building |
| PTSD evidence base | Extensive. WHO, APA, VA first-line recommendation | Strong. CPT is a CBT-based PTSD treatment also VA-endorsed | Limited for trauma specifically |
| Typical session count for PTSD | 6–12 for single-incident trauma; more for complex | 12–16 for structured CPT | Open-ended; varies widely |
EMDR and CBT are not mutually exclusive, and some clinicians integrate elements of both. At SMHWI, your therapist recommends the approach that fits your specific situation rather than defaulting to a single modality for everyone.
Most major insurance plans cover EMDR therapy when delivered by a licensed therapist for a covered diagnosis. Tricare covers EMDR for eligible veterans and service members. Coverage is verified before your first appointment. Call your nearest location to confirm your plan.
EMDR therapy is available at all four SMHWI locations and via telehealth throughout Arizona and Texas. Scottsdale has the highest local search volume for EMDR in our markets; if that's closest to you, you're in the right place.
8350 E Raintree Dr, Ste 125 & 130
1492 S Mill Ave, Ste 206 & 214
6120 W Bell Rd, Ste 130
810 E Ralph Hall Pkwy, Ste 140
EMDR therapy is available via HIPAA-compliant telehealth throughout Arizona and Texas. Research supports its effectiveness delivered online. Covered by most insurance including Tricare. A secure video platform is used with digital bilateral stimulation tools that replicate the in-office experience.
These are the questions people most commonly bring before their first EMDR appointment. If yours isn't here, call any of our locations and someone can walk you through it.
It varies considerably depending on the nature and complexity of what you're working on. A single-incident trauma that happened in adulthood, such as an accident or an assault, may resolve in as few as six to twelve sessions. Complex or childhood trauma, or situations where multiple events are layered on top of each other, typically require more sessions and a longer stabilization phase before active processing begins. Your therapist will give you a more specific estimate after your first assessment session.
Yes. Complete narrative recall is not required for EMDR to be effective. What matters is that there's a felt sense of the distress, some fragment of the memory, an image, a physical sensation, an emotion, that can be targeted. Many people with fragmented or non-verbal trauma memories, including early childhood experiences, have benefited from EMDR. Your therapist will work with whatever material is available.
EMDR is well-tolerated, but it's not uncommon to feel emotionally fatigued, unsettled, or to notice new thoughts and memories surfacing in the days after a processing session. This is a normal part of how EMDR works, as the brain continues integrating material between sessions. Your therapist prepares you for this, teaches you stabilization techniques, and checks in at the start of each session. Some people also notice vivid dreams during active processing phases, which is similarly normal.
Yes. EMDR and psychiatric medication are often used together, and research suggests that medication can make EMDR more accessible for people with severe symptoms by reducing the intensity of distress enough to engage in processing. At SMHWI, your EMDR therapist and psychiatrist work within the same practice and coordinate directly so both sides of your care stay aligned.
Yes. EMDR therapy is available via HIPAA-compliant telehealth throughout Arizona and Texas. Your therapist uses digital bilateral stimulation tools through a secure video platform. Research supports telehealth EMDR as comparably effective to in-person delivery for most patients. For some people, beginning trauma work from a familiar environment can actually support the process. Tricare and most major insurance plans cover telehealth EMDR sessions.
Your therapist's job is to manage the pacing of sessions so that distress stays within a tolerable range. You will be taught stabilization techniques, including grounding and containment exercises, before any active trauma processing begins. If distress rises above a manageable level during a session, your therapist will pause and apply those techniques. Sessions always end with a closure protocol designed to leave you in a stable state, whether or not processing is complete for that session.
Most major insurance plans, including Tricare, cover EMDR when delivered by a licensed therapist for a covered diagnosis such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression. SMHWI verifies your coverage before your first appointment so you know what to expect. Call any of our four locations or use the patient portal to get started.
They are genuinely different things. EMDR does not involve a trance state, suggestion, or loss of control. You are fully conscious and present throughout the entire session. The bilateral stimulation in EMDR creates a dual-attention state, meaning you are simultaneously aware of the memory and the present moment, which is the opposite of a dissociative or hypnotic state. EMDR has a specific eight-phase protocol with extensive peer-reviewed research behind it. Hypnotherapy does not have the same level of evidence for PTSD specifically.
Authoritative sources on EMDR therapy from the organizations that research, certify, and endorse it.
Contact SMHWI to schedule at any of our four locations in Arizona and Texas. No referral required, 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.
