Synergy: Mental Health & Wellness Integrated of Arizona

09/12/2025

Meet the Provider: Laura Hickman, FPMHNP-BC ✨

We’re excited to introduce Laura Hickman, a Board-Certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at SMHWI Arizona. With nearly a decade of experience, Laura specializes in evidence-based medication management and therapy for adolescents and adults.

Her background includes advanced training in DBT, TMS, and MAT, and she’s worked in both community mental health and private practice settings across Phoenix and Tucson. Laura’s approach is collaborative—empowering patients with compassion, expertise, and a commitment to whole-person care.

To schedule an appointment with one of our amazing mental health providers, please visit:
https://www.valant.io/prospectivepatient/SynergyMentalHealth

09/08/2025

Meet the Provider: Alexandra “Lexy” Thomas ✨

We’re excited to introduce Alexandra “Lexy,” a dedicated psychiatric provider at Synergy Mental Health and Wellness Integrated in Arizona. Since 2020, Lexy has been caring for children, adolescents, and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Her academic journey began at the University of Arizona, where she studied psychology and Spanish. She went on to complete a master’s in biomedical sciences at Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ, before earning her PA master’s degree at Chapman University in California. It was there that Lexy discovered her passion for mental and behavioral health— gaining experience in drug and alcohol rehabilitation, acute inpatient psychiatry, and adolescent psychiatry.

Outside of work, Lexy enjoys staying active outdoors, exploring Phoenix’s culinary scene, and spending time with her family, friends, and her French Bulldog.

To schedule an appointment with one of our amazing mental health providers, please visit:
https://www.valant.io/prospectivepatient/SynergyMentalHealth

09/03/2025

We loved hosting our Charcuterie Cup Workshop for our Arizona community partners last month! This special event raised awareness about our Eating Disorder Program, 'Empowered Eating' and gave mental health professionals the chance to connect, network, and learn more about how we can come together to support others who are struggling. 💜

In the photo above, we are joined by our amazing team:

✨ Practice Administrator, Kyra Coates
✨ ED IOP therapist, Kathryn Kruithoff LMSW
✨ ED IOP Dietician, Manda Radulovic RDN
✨ Clinical Director, Amy Sword LCSW
✨ Regional Marketing Manager, Lauren Brachfeld

Thank you so much to everyone who attended and contributed to our growing understanding and support of the ED community.

To learn more about our ED IOP, please visit: https://smhwi.com/eating-disorder-iop/

08/29/2025

✨ Mind Matters with Dr. Segal ✨

What happens when standard depression treatments don’t bring relief?

In this episode, Dr. Roland Segal, Adult Psychiatrist and Managing Partner at SMHWI Arizona, explains how TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) offers new hope. Studies show that over 60% of patients experience full remission from depression with TMS.

If you’re struggling with treatment-resistant depression, TMS therapy can be life-changing.

Learn more about our therapy options here: https://smhwi.com/

08/25/2025

Welcome to the first episode of 'Mind Matters with Dr. Segal' — a video series where Dr. Roland Segal, Adult Psychiatrist and Managing Partner at SMHWI Arizona, shares his thoughts on important mental health topics. 🧠✨

Today, he’s talking about treatment-resistant depression and three innovative options: TMS, Ketamine, and Spravato. These breakthrough treatments are performed right in our office with our caring team — offering minimal side effects, little to no downtime, and the potential to be truly life-changing.

Our priority is simple: to help you feel your best, fast!

Learn more about our therapy options here: https://smhwi.com/

08/22/2025

Tips for a Healthy School Year 🎒🧠

✅ Prioritize Sleep

Preschoolers (3–5): 10–13 hrs (including naps)
School-age (6–12): 9–12 hrs
Teens (13–18): 8–10 hrs

✅ Keep a routine – Consistency reduces stress and improves focus.
✅ Encourage relaxing activities – Reading, art, music, or quiet time to recharge.
✅ Talk positively about school – Highlight exciting opportunities and friendships.
✅ Celebrate achievements – Big or small, recognition boosts confidence.
✅ Seek support – Counselors and mental health professionals are here to help.

This year, let’s value emotional well-being as much as academic success.

Healthy minds build brighter futures!

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the back to school season, our SMHWI team provides a variety of mental health services to support you in this transition. Please visit the website below for more information: https://smhwi.com/

08/13/2025

We’re excited to welcome Brian Paris to our SMHWI Rockwall team as our new Business Development Specialist! 🙌✨

Brian is a dedicated advocate for mental health and addiction recovery. With over 21 years of experience in healthcare business development — including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and behavioral health — Brian brings a mix of strategy, compassion, and operational knowledge. He’s passionate about building strong partnerships with providers, referral sources, and community leaders to connect individuals and families to the care they need.

With a B.S. in Occupational Therapy and an Executive MBA, Brian combines clinical insight with business expertise to drive meaningful impact.

As a father of two, Brian is committed to building a better world for the next generation, one family at a time. 💙

Join us in welcoming Brian!

To learn more about our services at SMHWI Rockwall, please visit: https://smhwi.com/rockwall-tx-coming-soon/

Rockwall Get in Touch Rockwall OfficeSynergy Mental Health and Wellness Integrated 810 E Ralph Hall Pkwy, Ste 140Rockwall, TX 75032 Phone: (469) 707 – 9603Fax: (469) 981 – 7864 Searching for top therapists and psychiatrists in Rockwall, TX? Our dedicated team in the Rockwall area is ready to sup...

08/07/2025

Our team from SMHWI in Rockwall, Texas was honored to attend this year’s Female Survivors of Violence Conference last month. It was a powerful day filled with learning, connection, and deep reflection and we are so grateful to have been a part of it.

We’re especially proud of Rockwall native and award-winning Indigenous leader Willow Blythe-Carroll, who delivered a moving message on the art of healing and the strength that comes from using your voice to uplift others and create lasting change. Thank you Willow for sharing your wisdom and inspiring so many people!

08/04/2025

At our Tempe clinic, mental health professional Kathryn is helping shed light on an often silent struggle in our community: eating disorders.

With over 28 million Americans expected to experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, the impact is far more widespread than many realize. These disorders don’t always look the way we expect—and you never know who may be silently struggling.

Let’s lead with compassion, stay informed, and remember: kindness can make all the difference. 💛

At SMHWI Tempe, we offer specialized therapy services to support those facing eating disorders. Please visit our website to learn more about our eating disorder program: https://smhwi.com/eating-disorder-iop/

Was there a statistic that surprised you? Let us know in the comments below. 🗨️