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Providers

Experience, Education, and Expertise…

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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 Purewal, MD

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, Anthem, 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, Addictionologist, Addiction Medicine, MAT provider

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

Jasbir Bisla, MD, psychiatrist

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, muslim psychiatrist, Chandler mental health

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

Nicole Garber, MD

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

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

Karnail Dhillon, MD

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

Lizy Windsor, DNP, PMHNP, military psychiatrist, adolescent psychiatrist, Air Force medical

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- 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, FNP, Mandarin, Taiwanese, Psychiatrist

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, 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, child psychiatrist, addiction medicine, Anthem psychiatrist, eating disorder treatment

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, Glendale-Peoria, 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, child psychiatrist, Spanish mental health, Spanish psychiatrist

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- Tucson 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

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

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

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, 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

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- Glendale-Peoria, 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

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, child psychiatrist, Surprise mental health, geriatric psychiatrist

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

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, Rutoora

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

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, Peoria, 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

Kari Robinson, PMHNP

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Kari 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 achieve their personal goals. Her extensive background in health, nursing and elder care makes her especially equipped to manage patients illness and help them move towards healthier, happier lifestyles.

Locations- Surprise, Televideo

Ages- 18+

Languages- English

Specialties- Anxiety, Depression, Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry, Adult and Geriatric Alcohol Abuse, and Mood Disorders

Board Certifications & Affiliations

• American Psychiatric Nurses Association

•Arizona Nurse Practitioner Council

•Association of Nurse Practitioners

Christopher Hansen, PA-C, Pharm D

Chris Hansen, PA-C, Pharm D

Physician Assistant

Chris is a registered pharmacist and physician assistant in the state of Arizona. Chris takes an integrated approach to providing services with his unique background in psychopharmacology and psychiatric medicine. During his physician assistant training Chris focused his studies on the veteran community with an emphasis on both psychiatry and addiction medicine. His vast knowledge of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics allow him to provide creative solutions with lasting outcomes.

Locations- Glendale-Thunderbird, Televideo

Ages- 16+

Languages- English

Specialties- Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Veterans and Active-Duty Military, Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry

Board Certifications & Affiliations

•Arizona Association of Physician Assistants

•The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

•Arizona Medical Board

Jon Martinson, PA-C

Jon Martinson, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Jon approaches care with a patient centered approach. He applies his psychopharmacology knowledge with mental health best practices to ensure positive outcomes for his patients. 

Locations- Glendale-Thunderbird, Televideo

Ages- 18+

Languages- English

Specialties- Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry

Board Certifications & Affiliations

•Arizona Medical Board

•Arizona Association of Physician Assistants

•The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

 
Kimberly Nelson, PA-C

Kimberly Nelson, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Kim enjoys working closely with her patients to help navigate them through life’s difficulties. Kim believes that psychiatry is a truly rewarding profession and takes great joy in assisting her patients as they find their way towards success in life.

Locations- Glendale-Thunderbird, Televideo

Ages- 18+

Languages- English

Specialties- Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry

Board Certifications & Affiliations

•Arizona Medical Board

•Arizona Association of Physician Assistants

•The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

Bradley Stiefel, PA-C

Bradley Stiefel, PA-C

 Physician Assistant

Bradley provides treatment with care and compassion considering all of the patients needs and concerns. He is focused on wellness across spectrums from crisis to ongoing wellness approaches.

 Locations- Glendale-Thunderbird, Televideo

Ages- 18+

Languages- English

Specialties- Adult Psychiatry, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, PTSD, Mood Disorders, Symptoms related to Autism

Board Certifications & Affiliations

•Arizona Association of Physician Assistants

•The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

•Arizona Medical Board

Anish Patel, PA-C

Anish Patel, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Anish approaches care with a focus on measurable positive outcomes. He applies his education and experience along with mental health best practices to ensure positive outcomes for his patients. Anish specializes in medication solutions tailored for elder patients needs.

Locations- Glendale-Thunderbird, Televideo

Ages- 18+

Languages- English

Specialties- Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry

Board Certifications & Affiliations

•Arizona Medical Board

•Arizona Association of Physician Assistants

•The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

Stephanie Tavener, PA-C , child psychiatry, adult psychiatry, Chandler mental health

Stephanie Tavener, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Stephanie approaches care with compassion and investment in positive outcomes for each of her patients. She has over 10 years experience providing emergency, internal medicine and psychiatric health care. Her experience and empowering approach guide patients toward their desired health goals. Stephanie treats ages across the spectrum of life and help patients manage transitions and achieve stability.

Locations- Chandler, Televideo

Ages- 6+

Languages- English

Specialties- Child, Adolescent, Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, Symptoms related to Autism, and Mood Disorders.

Board Certifications & Affiliations

•Arizona Medical Board

•Arizona Association of Physician Assistants

•The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

Steve Skiano, PA-C, military mental health, Tucson Psychiatrist

Steve Skiano,

PA-C

Physician Assistant

Steve is a 10 year US Air Force Pararescue veteran with multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as a former police officer. His unique background has given him a wide perspective, and deep compassion for people in all walks of life. He creates an environment of openness free of judgment in order to help you have fulfillment and good health. He aims to achieve your desired outcome with an integrative approach, using the least number of medications, and lowest doses possible. He will listen to your input and past experiences to personalize your care, with an understanding that everyone is different, and with your personal interest prioritized.

Locations- Tucson, Televideo

Ages- 6+

Languages- English

Specialties- Adolescent, Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry, PTSD, Military and First Responders, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, , ADHD, Mood Disorders and Addiction.

Board Certifications & Affiliations

•Arizona Medical Board

•Arizona Association of Physician Assistants

Reggie Nichols, PA-C, Tucson Psychiatrist, Mormon psychiatrist, Mormon mental health provider

Reggie Nichols, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Reggie approaches care with compassion and investment in positive outcomes for each of his patients. He has extensive experience providing psychiatric health care. His empowering approach guides patients toward their desired health, emotional, and spiritual goals.

Locations- Tucson, Televideo

Ages- 6+

Languages- English

Specialties- Adult Psychiatry, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction, PTSD, Mood Disorders, Symptoms related to Autism, ADHD

Board Certifications & Affiliations

•Arizona Medical Board

•Arizona Association of Physician Assistants