Trauma changes the way the nervous system responds to the world. Healing from it takes more than time. At SMHWI, our trauma-informed psychiatrists and therapists offer evidence-based treatment for PTSD and trauma across four locations in Arizona and Texas.
PTSD and trauma don't always announce themselves clearly. For many people, the connection between a past experience and their current symptoms, difficulty sleeping, feeling on edge, pulling away from people, isn't obvious at all. It can look like anxiety, depression, or simply "the way I am."
At SMHWI, our board-certified psychiatrists and therapists approach trauma with care and without judgment. That means taking time to understand your history before recommending anything, and building a plan that fits where you actually are, not a template.
We treat PTSD, Complex PTSD, acute stress disorder, and trauma related to childhood experiences, military service, accidents, medical events, and interpersonal violence. Evidence-based therapies including EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure are available alongside psychiatric medication management at all four of our locations.
Call any location directly or use our patient portal to get started. Most patients are seen within a few days.
Insurance verified before your first appointment. Tricare accepted at all four locations.
Become a Patient →Not all trauma results in PTSD, and not all PTSD looks the same. The type of trauma, how long it lasted, how old you were, and the support you had afterward all shape the way symptoms present. Our clinicians are trained to recognize and treat the full range.
PTSD develops after exposure to a traumatic event and is defined by four clusters of symptoms: intrusion (flashbacks, nightmares), avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in arousal and reactivity. A formal diagnosis requires symptoms lasting more than one month that cause meaningful impairment.
Most Recognized FormComplex PTSD develops from prolonged or repeated trauma, often starting in childhood, such as ongoing abuse, neglect, or captivity. Beyond the core PTSD symptoms, C-PTSD involves deep difficulties with emotional regulation, self-perception, and relationships. It requires a longer-term, specifically tailored treatment approach.
Repeated or Prolonged TraumaAcute stress disorder occurs in the days immediately following a traumatic event. Symptoms overlap with PTSD but are time-limited. Early intervention at this stage can significantly reduce the likelihood of PTSD developing. Getting support soon after a traumatic experience is not an overreaction.
Early InterventionTrauma experienced in childhood shapes the developing nervous system in ways that can persist into adulthood, often surfacing as anxiety, depression, difficulty in relationships, or physical health problems long after the original events. Many adults seeking help for depression or anxiety trace the roots back to early experiences.
Lifelong ImpactCombat exposure, military sexual trauma, and the cumulative stress of service all represent distinct trauma presentations. SMHWI accepts Tricare and works with veterans and active duty service members on trauma treatment that accounts for the specific culture and experiences of military life.
Tricare AcceptedSerious accidents, medical emergencies, natural disasters, sexual assault, and witnessing violence are all recognized causes of trauma-related conditions. The type of event matters less than how the nervous system responded to it. If your symptoms match, the cause is valid.
All Trauma TypesPTSD symptoms are grouped into four clusters. You don't have to experience all of them, and they don't have to be constant. What matters is whether they're persistent, distressing, and getting in the way of your life.
Vivid, unwanted memories of the traumatic event that feel more like reliving it than remembering it. Flashbacks can be triggered by sights, sounds, smells, or situations that remind the nervous system of the original experience.
Actively steering away from people, places, thoughts, or conversations that might trigger memories of the trauma. Avoidance can shrink your world gradually, often without you realizing how much has been given up.
A nervous system stuck in a state of high alert. Scanning for threats, startling easily, being unable to relax even in safe environments. This exhausting state of readiness is the body's attempt to prevent the trauma from happening again.
Recurring nightmares related to the trauma, difficulty falling or staying asleep, and waking up in a state of fear or distress. Sleep problems in PTSD aren't just inconvenient. Poor sleep worsens every other symptom and slows recovery.
Feeling cut off from your own emotions, unable to feel happiness or connection, or going through daily life in a fog. Emotional numbing is the nervous system's attempt to manage overwhelming feelings by turning them down.
Persistent beliefs like "I am damaged," "I can't trust anyone," or "the world is completely dangerous." These distorted thoughts are a direct symptom of PTSD, not accurate reflections of reality, and they respond well to targeted therapy.
If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please reach out now. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) any time of day. Veterans can press 1 after dialing to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. For appointments at SMHWI, call your nearest location or visit our patient portal.
The most effective approach to trauma treatment combines therapy with psychiatric support when medication is appropriate. No single therapy works for every person, and our clinicians will help you understand the options so you can choose what feels right for where you are.
EMDR is one of the most extensively researched and endorsed treatments for PTSD available today. It uses bilateral stimulation, typically guided eye movements, while you briefly recall traumatic memories. This process helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they lose their emotional charge without requiring extended discussion of the event itself.
For many people who have had difficulty talking about their trauma in traditional therapy, EMDR offers a different path to meaningful relief.
CPT is a structured, evidence-based therapy that focuses on identifying and reshaping the distorted beliefs trauma creates about safety, trust, control, esteem, and intimacy. It's particularly effective for people whose PTSD involves significant negative beliefs about themselves or the world.
CPT is typically delivered over 12 sessions and is one of the VA's frontline recommended treatments for veterans with PTSD. It's available in-person and via telehealth at all four SMHWI locations.
Prolonged Exposure is a well-established PTSD therapy that works by gradually and safely reducing the fear response to trauma-related memories and situations. Avoidance keeps PTSD alive. PE systematically reduces avoidance by helping patients approach what they've been steering around in a controlled, therapeutic context.
Medication doesn't treat trauma directly, but it can reduce symptom severity enough to make therapy more accessible. SSRIs like sertraline and paroxetine are FDA-approved for PTSD. Other medications address specific symptoms such as nightmares, hyperarousal, and sleep disruption.
Tricare and most major insurance accepted. EMDR therapy available at all four locations.
Become a Patient →Military-related trauma is distinct in important ways. Combat exposure, moral injury, military sexual trauma, and the cumulative stress of repeated deployments all produce trauma presentations that benefit from a clinician familiar with military culture and the specific pressures of service.
SMHWI accepts Tricare at all four locations, which covers psychiatric evaluations, medication management, individual therapy, and EMDR for eligible service members and veterans. No separate referral is required for most services. Coverage is verified before your first appointment so you know exactly what to expect.
Getting help after service isn't weakness. It's the same discipline that carried you through everything else applied to something that matters just as much.
Tricare covers psychiatric evaluations, medication management, individual therapy, and EMDR when clinically appropriate. Benefits are verified before your first visit.
CPT and Prolonged Exposure, both VA frontline recommendations for PTSD, are available at all SMHWI locations and via telehealth throughout Arizona and Texas.
Therapy and medication management follow-ups are available via HIPAA-compliant telehealth throughout Arizona and Texas, reducing the need for frequent in-person travel.
PTSD and depression co-occur in roughly half of all PTSD cases. Anxiety disorders, substance use, and chronic pain are also common companions. For many people, the depression or anxiety they sought help for first turns out to have deeper roots in unprocessed trauma.
This overlap matters for treatment. Addressing depression or anxiety without recognizing the role trauma plays often leads to incomplete results. And treating trauma without attending to active depression or significant anxiety can make therapy harder to tolerate.
At SMHWI, psychiatrists and therapists work together within the same practice. When multiple conditions are present, your care plan addresses all of them in a coordinated way rather than treating each one in a separate silo.
Depression and PTSD share overlapping symptoms and frequently co-occur. Each condition influences the other, and effective treatment needs to address both rather than assuming one will resolve when the other is treated.
Hypervigilance, panic attacks, and generalized worry are extremely common in PTSD. These anxiety symptoms can persist even after the core trauma symptoms are addressed, and sometimes need their own direct treatment.
Trauma history is significantly more common in people with bipolar disorder. The conditions can worsen each other's course, and medication choices for bipolar disorder need to account for the presence of PTSD.
Concentration problems, emotional dysregulation, and impulsivity appear in both PTSD and ADHD. Disentangling the two requires a careful evaluation, since some ADHD-like symptoms in trauma survivors resolve with trauma treatment.
We understand that reaching out after trauma takes real courage. Here's what the process looks like so there are no surprises.
Your first appointment is a careful, unhurried evaluation. You share what you're comfortable sharing. Your clinician works to understand your symptoms and history without requiring you to relive events in detail before you're ready.
Your psychiatrist and therapist explain the options clearly, including EMDR, CPT, Prolonged Exposure, and medication where appropriate. You have a real say in what direction feels right for your situation and goals.
Effective trauma therapy is not one-size-fits-all in pacing either. Your therapist monitors how you're responding and adjusts the approach based on your feedback. You're not just moving through a protocol. You're working with someone paying attention.
After acute treatment, ongoing sessions help consolidate gains and address anything that surfaces over time. Telehealth follow-ups are available throughout Arizona and Texas so you can maintain continuity of care without the burden of frequent travel.
Tricare, most major commercial plans, and many managed care plans cover psychiatric evaluations, therapy, and medication management for PTSD. Coverage is verified before your first appointment. Call your nearest location to confirm your plan.
SMHWI provides PTSD and trauma treatment at four locations across the Phoenix metro area and North Texas. Telehealth is available throughout Arizona and Texas for therapy follow-ups and medication management.
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
Trauma therapy and psychiatric follow-ups are available via HIPAA-compliant telehealth throughout Arizona and Texas. Covered by most insurance including Tricare. For some patients, starting in a familiar environment can make initial trauma-focused work more accessible.
These are questions people often bring to their first appointment. If yours isn't here, our team is happy to talk it through before you schedule.
Normal stress reactions after a difficult event typically ease over days or weeks as life settles. PTSD involves symptoms that persist beyond one month, occur repeatedly without any clear trigger, and meaningfully interfere with your ability to function at work, in relationships, or at home. If you're regularly experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders, or a constant sense of threat, it's worth a clinical evaluation rather than waiting it out.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer trigger the same intense emotional or physiological response. During a session, your therapist guides your attention with side-to-side eye movements or other bilateral stimulation while you briefly hold a traumatic memory in mind. Over multiple sessions, this process changes the way the memory is stored, reducing its emotional charge. EMDR is endorsed by the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and the VA as a first-line treatment for PTSD.
Not necessarily, and not before you're ready. Some trauma therapies, including EMDR, can be effective without requiring you to give a detailed verbal account of the traumatic event. Your therapist will work at a pace that feels manageable and will never push you further than you're comfortable going. Building safety and trust comes before anything else.
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) typically develops from repeated or prolonged trauma rather than a single event, often involving abuse, neglect, or situations where escape wasn't possible. In addition to PTSD symptoms, C-PTSD often involves significant difficulties with emotional regulation, a deeply negative self-concept, and challenges in relationships. Treatment for C-PTSD tends to be longer and more layered than standard PTSD treatment, with a greater emphasis on stabilization before trauma processing begins.
Yes. SMHWI accepts Tricare at all four locations and works with veterans and active duty service members for PTSD treatment, including EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure, all of which are VA-endorsed treatments. Benefits are verified before your first appointment. You don't need a separate VA referral to be seen at SMHWI; contact any location directly to get started.
Yes. Trauma therapy and psychiatric follow-up appointments are available via HIPAA-compliant telehealth for patients in Arizona and Texas. For some people, beginning trauma work from a familiar environment they control can actually support the therapeutic process. Your therapist will help determine whether in-person or telehealth is the better fit for where you are in treatment.
Not everyone with PTSD needs medication, but it can be a useful part of treatment for many people. FDA-approved medications for PTSD, specifically the SSRIs sertraline and paroxetine, can reduce overall symptom severity. Other medications address specific symptoms like nightmares and sleep disruption. Whether medication is appropriate for your situation is something your psychiatrist will discuss with you based on your symptom profile and treatment goals.
Most major insurance plans, including Tricare, cover psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy for PTSD and trauma-related conditions. SMHWI verifies your coverage before your first appointment so there are no surprises. Call your nearest location or contact us through the patient portal to get started.
Reliable, evidence-based information about PTSD and trauma from organizations that specialize in it.
Contact SMHWI to schedule an evaluation 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.
