Our Philosophy

Sahara Behavioral Health couples quality care with compassion and understanding of our patients and their families. We involve our patients from the very beginning of treatment and work together to find a treatment regimen that is right for you.

Our providers stay up-to-date with the latest advances in the field of psychiatry and utilize only evidence based treatment modalities. Here, we are dedicated to staying on the cutting-edge of mental health and substance abuse medicine. Sahara Behavioral Health believes in meeting the complete needs of our patients. Our qualified staff includes the providers listed below, as well as our dedicated ancillary staff that help achieve this goal everyday

Get in touch

At Sahara Behavioral Health we know that finding the right mental health professional to assist you is a not a choice to be taken lightly. Our practice includes providers with an array of different specialties and backgrounds to suite our patients needs.

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Psychiatry Providers

Satinder S. Purewal, MD

**Medical Director of Psychiatry**
Dr. Purewal opened Sahara Behavioral Health in 1998 to further his commitment to providing quality mental health care to his patients. Dr. Purewal specializes in chronic psychiatric illness and finds innovative solutions for patients with a variety of needs. His compassion and commitment to patients coupled with his expertise in psychiatric medicine results in exceptional outcomes for his patients.
**Locations- Glendale-Thunderbird, Peoria, Anthem, Surprise, Sedona, Scottsdale, Surprise, Tucson, and Televideo**
**Ages-** 18+
**Languages**- English, Punjabi, and Hindi
**Specialties-** Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, Psychosis, Mood Disorders, PTSD, Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
• American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
•American Medical Association
• Arizona Psychiatric Association

Rosekamal McKinney, MD

**Medical Director of Addiction Medicine**
Dr. McKinney is Board Certified in both Addiction Medicine and Pediatric medicine. She is passionate about the study and treatment of addiction and dependency, particularly in adolescents. Dr. McKinney utilizes her unique experiences in both adolescent and adult addiction medicine to craft personalized strategies to combat addictive disease states for patients in all stages of life while supporting them through the recovery process.
**Locations- Glendale-Thunderbird, Surprise, Televideo**
**Ages-** 13+
**Languages-** English and Punjabi
**Specialties-** Child and Adolescent Addiction Medicine, Adult and Geriatric Addiction Medicine, Pediatric Medicine, and Opioid Disorders.
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
• Academy of Pediatrics
• American Board of Preventative Medicine
• Society of Addiction Medicine

Sahib Purewal, MD

**Psychiatrist**
Dr. Purewal has a strong passion for a whole-person approach to mental healthcare. He completed a year of Internal Medicine training prior to his Psychiatric training and draws on both to develop a personalized and evidence based treatment plan to support his patients on every stage of their mental health journey.
**Locations- Televideo (Offers evening appointments)**
**Ages-** 12+
**Languages-** English, Punjabi
**Specialties-** Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, Mood disorders, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective disorder, and Addiction disorders
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
• American Medical Association
• Arizona Psychiatric Association

Jasbir Bisla, MD

**Psychiatrist**
Dr. Bisla specializes in neurology and psychiatry and has practiced for over 20 years. Dr. Bisla approaches psychiatric illness with compassion and care. He provides innovative solutions for patients with a variety of needs. His commitment to patients wellness in conjunction with his expertise in psychiatric medicine, results in exceptional outcomes for his patients.
**Locations- Glendale-Thunderbird, Surprise, Televideo**
**Ages-** 12+
**Languages**- English, Punjabi, and Hindi
**Specialties-** Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, Psychosis, Mood Disorders, PTSD, Adult, Adolescent and Geriatric Psychiatry
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
•American Medical Association
• Arizona Psychiatric Association

Muhammad Ashraf, MD

**Psychiatrist**
Dr. Ashraf has worked to provide effective and caring psychiatric services for several decades in Arizona. Dr. Ashraf has been practicing at Sahara Behavioral health since 2013. He believes medication should be used as a support to a comprehensive recovery approach including physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
**Locations- Chandler, Televideo**
**Ages-** 18+
**Languages-** English and Urdu
**Specialties-** Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, and Adult Psychiatry
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
• American Medical Association
• Arizona Psychiatric Association
• American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

Nicole Garber, MD

**Psychiatrist**
Dr. Garber is triple board certified in general psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, and obesity medicine. Because of this, Dr. Garber provides a comprehensive developmental perspective that enhances her work with patients of all ages. Her passionate motivation for helping to improve patients lives drives her work.
**Locations- Surprise, Televideo (Offers weekend appointments)**
**Ages-** 6+
**Languages-** English
**Specialties-** Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Child and Adult Psychiatry, Addiction, Eating Disorders, Mood Disorders
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
• American Medical Association
• Arizona Psychiatric Association
• American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

Karnail Dhillon, MD

**Psychiatrist**
Dr. Dhillon has worked to provide effective and caring psychiatric services for several decades in Arizona. He believes medication should be used as a support to a comprehensive recovery approach including physical, emotional, and spiritual health. He is passionate is about providing care and concern for each patient while they work through recovery together.
**Locations- Glendale-Peoria, Televideo**
**Ages-** 18+
**Languages-** English, Punjabi, Hindi, German
**Specialties-** Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Adult Psychiatry, Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia, and psychosis.
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
• American Medical Association
• Arizona Psychiatric Association

Valencia Garcia, MD

**Psychiatrist**
Dr. Garcia is a board-certified psychiatrist who provides evidence-based care for adults with a range of mental health concerns. She takes a collaborative, individualized approach to treatment and works with patients to develop treatment plans that reflect their needs and goals. Dr. Garcia is a seasoned psychiatrist provides effective and compassionate psychiatric services in Arizona. Dr. Garcia is an expert in her field and her work is well recognized.
**Locations- Televideo (Offers evening and weekend appointments)**
**Ages-** 18+
**Languages-** English
**Specialties-** Adult Psychiatry, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia, Psychosis, and Addiction
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
• American Board of Psychiatry
• American Medical Association
• Arizona Psychiatric Association

Kennedy Phillips, DO

Dr. Phillips provides compassionate, patient-centered psychiatric care for adolescents and adults in Arizona. She believes mental health treatment is most effective when patients feel heard, understood, and actively involved in their care.
**Locations- Televideo (Offers weekend appointments)**
**Ages-** 16+
**Languages-** English
**Specialties-** Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Adult Psychiatry, Adolescent Psychiatry, Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia, and psychosis.
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
• American Medical Association
• Arizona Psychiatric Association

Lizy Windsor, DNP, PMHNP

**Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner**
Lizy takes a patient centered, comprehensive approach to care. She considers the whole person including physical, emotional, and spiritual health, and works with the patient to find solutions that work for their needs and goals. She is a Doctor of Nursing, PMHNP, and a United States Air Force Reserve Command Deputy Chief Nurse, she uses her experience and expertise to help her patients reach their health goals.
**Locations- Scottsdale, Chandler, Glendale-Thunderbird, Televideo**
**Ages-** 10+
**Languages-** English, Hindi, Urdu, and Malayalam
**Specialties-** Military Veterans and Active-Duty, PTSD, Adolescents, LGBTQ, ADHD, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, and Addiction Medicine
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
•American Association of Critical Care Nurses
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners
•Member, Simulation Curriculum Committee University of Arizona, College of Medicine- Phoenix
•Field Officer of the Year / Humanitarian Service Medal/ Air Force Medal

Chen Pei Hung, DNP, PMHNP

**Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner**
Chen Pei provides an integrated approach to health, considering the entire person including their physical, emotional, and spiritual health. She works with patients to develop treatment strategies that meet their individual needs and goals. She has more than 30 years of experience treating patients for a variety of disorders.
**Locations- Anthem, Chandler, Surprise, Televideo**
**Ages-** 6+
**Languages**- English, Mandarin, and Taiwanese
**Specialties**- Child, Adolescent, Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, PTSD, Mood Disorders, Symptoms related to Autism
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
• American Psychiatric Nurses Association
• Association of Nurse Practitioners

David Tanis, DNP, PMHNP

**Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner**
David provides care focused on each individual and their family with a treatment approach tailored to their specific dynamics and need. David specializes in difficult to navigate disorders including Eating disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, Addiction, and Trauma. His supportive approach facilitates sobriety, recovery, serenity, and relief from anxiety, depression, and trauma.
**Locations- Anthem, Sedona, Televideo (Offers Evening and Saturday Appointments)**
**Ages-** 6+
**Languages**- English
**Specialties**- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry, Eating Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, PTSD, Mood Disorders, Sexual Addiction, and Symptoms related to Autism.
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
• American Psychiatric Nurses Association
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners

Cassandra Diaz De Leon, DNP, PMHNP

**Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner**
Cassie provides care focused on each individual and their specific needs. She works collaboratively with patients to develop treatment plans that will offer the most successful outcomes for each patients goals. Cassie offers culturally inclusive care for Spanish speaking patients in their native language allowing for better communication and care. Cassie has an extensive background working with pregnant women to manage mood and other pregnancy related issues. Her expertise in psychiatry and addiction partnered with her compassionate and caring approach, facilitate medication stability and long term positive outcomes for her patients.
**Locations- Peoria and Televideo (Offers Saturday Appointments)**
**Ages-** 6+
**Languages**- English, Spanish
**Specialties**- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry, Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, PTSD, Mood Disorders, Perinatal Psychiatry.
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
• American Psychiatric Nurses Association
• American Association of Nurse Practitioner

Andrea Brunson, PMHNP

**Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner**
Andy has been providing psychiatric care in Arizona for over 25 years. She approaches care with genuine concern and compassion and focuses on symptom reduction so that her patients may lead functional and happy lives. She collaborates with families, taking a holistic approach considering the physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of the patient to ensure outcomes that support healthy families.
**Locations- Televideo**
**Ages-** 5+
**Languages-** English
**Specialties- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry,** Adult Psychiatry, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Mood Disorders, Symptoms related to Autism, SMI and Chronic illness, LGBTQ, Active Military and Veterans,
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
•American Psychiatric Nurses Association
•American Association of Nurse Practitioners
•Arizona Nurse Practitioner Council
•American Nurses Credential Center

Kristy Grupe, PMHNP

**Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner**
Kristy approaches treatment with the belief that “the least amount of medication is the best amount of medication,” and that the medication you are taking should not create more complications than the problem you started taking medication for in the first place. Kristy treats patients across life’s stages and often treats multiple members of a family. Her lived experience raising children with ADHD and Autism gives her a unique advantage when serving patients and families affected by these disorders.
**Locations- Televideo**
**Ages-** 6+
**Languages-** English
**Specialties-** ADHD, Clinical Symptoms of Autism, Pregnant and Postpartum, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Psychosis, and Mood Disorders.
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
• American Psychiatric Nurses Association
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners
• Nurse Practitioner Council

Sarbjit Singh, PMHNP

**Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner**
Sarbjit has several years experience working with patients and families in need of mental health and addiction support. He provides care with an integrated approach considering the physical and therapeutic needs of each person. His goal for each patient is to achieve optimal physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
**Locations- Surprise, Glendale-Thunderbird, Televideo**
**Ages-** 18+
**Languages-** English, Punjabi, and Hindi
**Specialties-** Adult Psychiatry, Adult Addiction and Alcoholism, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Mood Disorders, Symptoms related to Autism, SMI and Chronic illness
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
•American Psychiatric Nurses Association
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners

Courtney Tafoya, PMHNP

**Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner**
Courtney provides care with a whole person approach considering the emotional, mental, and physical health of each patient. She listens to her patients concerns and develops a plan to help patients best achieve their personal goals. Her extensive background in physical health, nursing and crisis care makes her especially equipped to manage patients chronic illness and help them move towards healthier lifestyles.
**Locations- Televideo**
**Ages-** 13+
**Languages-** English
**Specialties-** Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, Psychosis, and Schizophrenia
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
• American Psychiatric Nurses Association
• Association of Nurse Practitioners

Priya Balan, PMHNP

**Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner**
Priya is energetic, creative, and personable in her treatment approach. She has over 10 years of experience treating mental health and addiction disorders in a variety of settings with diverse adult patient populations. She believes that a person is a “whole person”, and practices medicine with this in mind. She has a thoughtful approach and uses evidence based medicine to compassionately help others.
**Locations- Chandler, Glendale-Peoria, Televideo**
**Ages-** 18+
**Languages-** English, Hindi, Malayalam
**Specialties-** Adult Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, Psychosis, Addiction Medicine, Eating Disorders, Alcoholism, Mood Disorders, Pregnant and Postpartum.
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
• American Psychiatric Nurses Association
• Association of Nurse Practitioners
•Arizona Nurse Practitioner Council
•American Nurses Credential Center
•American Association of Critical Care Nurses

Heather Baugh, PMHNP

**Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner**
Heather strives to offer client centered care that is sensitive to the individual needs of each of her clients. She feels that a holistic and integrated approach to treatment is important. She has over 22 years of experience managing care for clients across the lifespan, with a heavy emphasis in coordinating treatment needs in clients with complex chronic illnesses. She considers physical and emotional health needs to provide treatment with optimal outcomes for each patient while supporting them throughout their health journey.
**Locations- Surprise, Televideo**
**Ages-** 6+
**Languages-** English
**Specialties-** Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, Psychosis, Alcoholism, Mood Disorders,Chronic and complex illness.
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
• American Psychiatric Nurses Association
•Arizona Nurse Practitioner Council

Barbara Kayiira, PMHNP

**Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner**
Barbara provides client centered care that is individualized for needs of each patient. She has an extensive background working with patients suffering chronic psychiatric conditions. She works to address mental and emotional health needs to provide treatment with optimal outcomes for each patient while supporting them throughout their health journey.
**Locations-Peoria, Televideo**
**Ages-** 18+
**Languages-** English, Luganda, Runyoro, Ugando, Rutooro
**Specialties-** Anxiety, Depression, Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry, Adult and Geriatric Addiction, Substance and Alcohol Abuse, Mood Disorders, SMI, Chronic Illness
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
• American Psychiatric Nurses Association
•Arizona Nurse Practitioner Council
•Association of Nurse Practitioners

Roya Nayeri, PMHNP

**Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner**
Roya approaches care with a patient centered approach. She applies psychopharmacology knowledge with mental health best practices to ensure positive outcomes for her patients. She has extensive experience working with patients suffering from acute symptomology. She has impeccable outcomes for patients requiring stabilization and maintenance.
**Locations-Thunderbird, Scottdale, Televideo**
**Ages-** 17+
**Languages-** English, Farsi
**Specialties-** Anxiety, Depression, Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry, Adult and Geriatric Alcohol Abuse, Mood Disorders, SMI, Chronic Illness
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
• American Psychiatric Nurses Association
•Arizona Nurse Practitioner Council
•Association of Nurse Practitioners

Paris Mandy, PMHNP

**Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner**
Paris approaches treatment by listening to her patients concerns and develops a plan to help patients achieve their personal goals. Her extensive background in nursing, pediatric, and military care makes her especially equipped to manage patients illness, balance responsibilities such as service, employment, and school, and help them move towards healthier, happier lifestyles.
**Locations- Glendale-Peoria, and Televideo**
**Ages-** 6+
**Languages-** English
**Specialties-** Military and First Responders, LGBTQ Affirming, Bipolar, Anxiety, Depression, Child, Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry, Mood Disorders, PTSD, ADHD, SMI, Chronic Illness
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
• American Psychiatric Nurses Association
•Arizona Nurse Practitioner Council
•Association of Nurse Practitioners

Lakshmi Nair, FNP, PMHNP

**Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner**
Lakshmi Nair Ph.D (c), MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing high-quality, evidence-based care across the lifespan for mood disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and substance use disorders. She specializes in heart rate variability biofeedback and is an expert speaker on medications for mood and psychotic illnesses.
**Locations- Glendale-Thunderbird, Televideo**
**Ages-** 6+
**Languages-** English, Hindi, Malayalam
**Specialties-** SMI, general mental health, depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD, Substance use disorders.
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
• American Psychiatric Nurses Association
•Arizona Nurse Practitioner Council
•Association of Nurse Practitioners
•Arizona Indian Nurses Association (President)

Yvonne Mata, PMHNP

**Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner**
Yvonne brings extensive expertise in the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. With more than 23 years of experience in mental and behavioral health, her diverse clinical background provides her with a comprehensive understanding of behavioral health across the lifespan.
Yvonne is fluent in English and Spanish and is committed to delivering culturally responsive care that honors each patient’s unique experiences, values, and goals. She emphasizes collaborative treatment, patient education, and evidence-based interventions to promote recovery, resilience, and lasting wellness.
**Locations- Glendale-Peoria, Surprise, Televideo**
**Ages-** 8+
**Languages-** English, Spanish
**Specialties-** Childhood, Adolescent, Adult & Geriatric Psychiatry; Addiction Medicine; Mood Disorders; Depression; Anxiety; ADHD; PTSD; Psychosis; Schizophrenia
**Board Certifications & Affiliations**
• American Psychiatric Nurses Association
•Arizona Nurse Practitioner Council
•Association of Nurse Practitioners

Rini Cherian, PMHNP

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Rini takes a collaborative, patient-centered approach to psychiatric care. She strives to create a safe, supportive space where patients feel heard, understood, and empowered to take an active role in their care. She works closely with each patient to understand their individual needs and goals and develop a treatment plan that supports their overall well-being.

Locations- Televideo

Ages- 6+

Languages- English, Malayalam

Specialties- SMI, General Mental Health, depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD, Substance use disorders.

Board Certifications & Affiliations

• American Psychiatric Nurses Association

•Arizona Nurse Practitioner Council

•Association of Nurse Practitioners