SMHWI - Scottsdale Practice (2024)

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Dr. Roland Segal, M.D.,

Managing Partner, Scottsdale Psychiatrist

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

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

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

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

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Dr. Ehab Abdallah, M.D.,

Managing Partner, Tempe Psychiatrist

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

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

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

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Dr. Bahar Altaha, M.D.,

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

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

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Dr. Fariba Pfitzner, M.D.,

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

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

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

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Dr. Andrea Raby,

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.

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Dr. Gargi Dwivedi, M.D.,

Dr. Gargi Dwivedi, M.D., embarked on her medical journey at M.G.M. Medical School, Mumbai, India in 1999. Answering her calling, she completed her residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2005, earning her board certification in Family Medicine. With nearly two decades of devoted service, she has become an integral part of the Scottsdale community, providing comprehensive office-based integrated care.

Dr. Dwivedi’s commitment extends to ensuring continuity of care, spanning multiple generations within families. Her passion lies in women’s health, advocating for mind-body wellness and championing lifestyle modifications and integrated medicine. Beyond her medical practice, she finds joy in quality time with her three children, indulging in her love for cooking, music, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through activities like yoga. Dr. Dwivedi embodies a holistic approach to healthcare, enriching the lives of her patients and their families.

As our Primary Care Provider, Dr. Dwivedi is at the heart of our commitment to your well-being. With a deep dedication to comprehensive, integrated care, she brings decades of experience to the Scottsdale community. From adolescent to adulthood, our provider specializes in delivering personalized healthcare with a focus on women’s health and lifestyle modifications. We eagerly anticipate partnering with you on your journey to optimal health, offering support, continuity of care, and a holistic approach to wellness.

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Tara M. Iacono, DMSc, PA-C,

Allow us to introduce Tara Iacono, a nationally certified physician assistant with a profound specialization in psychiatry and addiction medicine. Graduating with honors from the St. John’s University Physician Assistant program in 2006, Tara has established herself as a dedicated professional in the field. Her commitment to advancing her expertise led her to achieve a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) with a focus on healthcare administration and leadership from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2021.

More than just a healthcare provider, Tara is a compassionate advocate for her patients, especially during their most challenging times. Her approach to patient care is characterized by a holistic perspective, collaboration, and a genuine sense of compassion. Tara Iacono stands as a trusted specialist, ready to guide individuals on their journey to mental health and recovery in the realms of psychiatry and addiction medicine.

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Victoria Emanuelson, MPAS, PA-C,

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

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

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Samantha Willen, DNP, PMHNP-BC,

Meet Samantha Willen, a dedicated Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Samantha embarked on her academic journey, earning a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences from Oregon State University in 2012. Subsequently, she pursued a master’s in science, Entry to Nursing in 2013 and achieved a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatric/Mental Health in 2018 from the University of Arizona.

With a background that includes two years at Maricopa Integrated Health Services (now Valley wise) and the past year at Lifewell Behavioral Wellness, Samantha has focused on working with individuals diagnosed with Serious Mental Illness (SMI). Samantha employs an individualized approach to mental health, utilizing evidence-based medicine to deliver high-value care to those she serves.

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Emina Foci, PMHNP-BC,

Emina Foci holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice with a specialization in Adult Psychiatric/Mental Health, complemented by a master’s in science and leadership. As a board-certified Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, she brings a wealth of expertise to her practice.

Commencing her career as an RN in 2003 at Barrow Neurological Institute, Emina gained invaluable skills as a healthcare professional. In 2010, she transitioned into the role of a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, concurrently stepping into the realm of academia as a professor to pursue her passion for teaching and patient care simultaneously.

Throughout her career, Emina has worked across diverse areas of the mental health field, including inpatient, crisis, outpatient, SMI, and general mental health. Drawing from her extensive experience and natural problem-solving abilities, she approaches even the most complex cases with eagerness.

Emina’s genuine empathy and deep understanding of human experience manifest in her humanistic and down-to-earth approach. She is dedicated to improving your quality of life, emphasizing evidence-based practices to ensure your care is both safe and efficacious. With Emina Foci, rest assured that your mental health journey is met with compassion, understanding, and a commitment to evidence-based excellence.

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Logan Carton, NP PMHNP-BC,

Meet Logan Carton, a dedicated Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Logan earned his bachelor’s in nursing from Grand Canyon University in 2014 and furthered his education by obtaining a Master’s of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric Mental Health in 2022.

Logan’s professional journey includes two years as an ACT nurse at Terro’s before transitioning to the inpatient setting at Banner Behavioral Health Hospital. At Banner, he progressed from a floor nurse to a unit manager and eventually a house supervisor. Passionate about adopting a patient-centered approach, Logan is committed to being an integral part of a treatment team that contributes to individuals’ healing processes.

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Laura Hickman, FPMHNP-BC,

Meet Laura Hickman, a dedicated Board-Certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (FPMHNP-BC). Laura’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from the University of Iowa in 2002, followed by the attainment of a Master’s of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN) from Saint Louis University in 2013.

Laura’s extensive training includes medication management internships at various private practices in Minnesota from 2009-2013, where she also received substantial training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy. With nearly a decade of experience, Laura has been providing evidence-based medication management and therapy care to adolescents and adults across the lifespan.
Having worked in Community Mental Health clinics and private practices in both Phoenix and Tucson, Laura brings a diverse and comprehensive perspective to her practice. Additionally, she has received training in advanced techniques such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT).

Laura’s provider approach is centered on empowering patients through team-based care, emphasizing collaboration between herself and the individual. She strives to instill hope and motivation, working alongside her patients to maximize the road to wellness. With Laura Hickman, rest assured that your mental health journey is met with expertise, compassion, and a commitment to comprehensive care.

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Deborah Baum, PMHNP,

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Sara Johansen, FNP-BC,

Sara Johansen is a highly skilled Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and an esteemed member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. In 2012, she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Brigham Young University, marking the beginning of a diverse and impactful career in healthcare.

Throughout her professional journey, Sara has garnered extensive experience in various hospital settings, including medical, surgical, oncology, and orthopedic floors, as well as the ICU. Her outstanding contributions were recognized with three Daisy award nominations during her tenure in the hospital setting. Sara’s commitment to advancing her expertise led her to graduate magna cum laude with a master’s degree from Frontier Nursing University.

Driven by a passion for psychiatric and mental health, Sara is actively pursuing board certification in this specialty. Her experience in family medicine has fueled her desire to bridge the gap in primary care, providing comprehensive healthcare that addresses both physical and mental well-being.

Sara takes a patient-centered approach, prioritizing lifestyle changes to mitigate chronic illnesses. She emphasizes education and open discussion to create personalized and effective health and wellness plans with her patients.
Originally from northern California, Sara has lived in Utah, Hawaii, and has called Arizona home since 2015. In her leisure time, she enjoys a variety of outdoor activities such as running, hiking, camping, skiing, and paddleboarding. Traveling and spending quality time with her children, family, and friends are also cherished aspects of Sara’s life.

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Jose A. Rodriguez, PMHNP-BC,

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

Specializing in treating patients across their lifespan, Jose is particularly passionate about supporting military veterans dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. With 9 years of experience as a critical care nurse and crisis nurse in Boise, Idaho, and a total of 18 years in the United States Army Infantry, including six years in active duty, Jose brings a unique and comprehensive perspective to his practice.

Currently serving as a Sergeant First Class in the Oregon Army National Guard, Jose recently relocated to Arizona with his wife and two sons, eager to explore the wonders of the “Grand Canyon State.” Beyond providing evidence-based pharmacological therapies for mental health challenges, Jose adopts a patient-centered approach that tailors the plan of care to everyone.

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