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, 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
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
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- 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
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
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
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
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
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, 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- 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
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
Russell Horning, PMHNP
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Russell is a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who has been supporting patients in the Phoenix area for the past 20 years. He is experienced with treating patients across the life-span starting at age 6 though older adulthood. He is skilled in treating a variety of mental health and substance use conditions and uses creative approaches and medications to address patients needs. He aims to create a safe place where people feel heard and can work together with him to improve their overall wellbeing.
Locations- Peoria, Televideo
Ages- 6+
Languages- English
Specialties- Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry, Geriatric Psychiatry, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, Psychosis, Alcoholism, Addiction, Mood Disorders,Chronic and complex illness, Veteran and active duty populations.
Board Certifications & Affiliations
• American Psychiatric Nurses Association
•Arizona Nurse Practitioner Council
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
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
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
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
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
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
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