Ali Faris, PsyD
My passion for working closely with medical teams has lead me to my work in hospital and outpatient medical settings, including in the field of oncology. In my work I have directly witnessed the struggles of healthcare professionals and have learned how to support these providers through the many challenges they face in their professional and personal lives.
My approach focuses on honoring your knowledge in the hope of creating an empowering environment where you benefit from freedom to discover your strengths, resiliencies, and courage. It is important to me that we consider culture, history, and identity in the context of what you are struggling with. I truly appreciate the beautiful complexity that makes each of us who we are.
I specialize in working with clinicians struggling with burnout, stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, grief/loss, relationship struggles, existential crisis, transitions, performance challenges, self-worth, and perfectionism. In additional I have experience working with clinicians with serious medical conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, brain and spinal cord injuries.
When not working, I can be found doing many physical activities including circus arts and spending time catching up with friends and family.
Andrew Smith, PhD
I am a clinical psychologist and I served for over a decade alongside medical colleagues as faculty in a family medicine residency at a safety-net hospital. During this time I saw the many stressors physicians and trainees face. A primary focus of my work has been physician burnout prevention and amelioration at both an individual and a system-wide level.
In my work with patients I bring a practical approach to helping health professionals manage their work day and find a more effective work-life balance. One of my areas of expertise and interest is working with trainees with work-related traumatic stress who have engaged in ineffective coping strategies, including substance use issues.
Outside of work I strive for my own balance with my meditation and Buddhist practice. I also enjoy being an empty-nester and pet dad to our cats and dog, learning new piano pieces, playing disc golf, and cheering on the Sacramento Kings.
In my work with patients I bring a practical approach to helping health professionals manage their work day and find a more effective work-life balance. One of my areas of expertise and interest is working with trainees with work-related traumatic stress who have engaged in ineffective coping strategies, including substance use issues.
Outside of work I strive for my own balance with my meditation and Buddhist practice. I also enjoy being an empty-nester and pet dad to our cats and dog, learning new piano pieces, playing disc golf, and cheering on the Sacramento Kings.
Jennifer Ayres, PhD, ABPP
I have been practicing as a licensed psychologist for 20 years and began working in medical settings 25 years ago as a graduate student. I have worked in hospitals, primary care, community mental health centers, schools, shelters, and residential facilities. My approach is authentic, practical, collaborative, trauma-informed, integrative, and begins with a gentle invitation: “Tell me what’s bringing you here and how I can help.” I am board-certified in clinical psychology and am a trained teacher of mindfulness and Mindful Self-Compassion. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, reading, writing, and exploring new places with my twin sons and our dogs.
Jeremy Joseph, PhD
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with a decade of experience in medical and research settings. Working alongside medical residents and professionals has given me the opportunity to understand some of the hurdles faced on a daily basis. I get how career uncertainty, heavy workload, relocation, and witnessing pain and suffering can impact you and your loved ones.
I have specialized training in posttraumatic growth, couples dynamics, and mindfulness. Please don’t let the antiquated stigma around mental health hold you back from getting support. Consider scheduling an initial consultation so you can “interview” me to determine our goodness of fit. Let’s work together on building your mental and emotional fitness to a level that feels right for you.
While I’m a California native, I wandered to the Midwest for my undergraduate degree at the University of Chicago and then migrated to the University of Wyoming for my graduate degree, before returning to the Golden State. In my spare time, I enjoy riding my ebike, learning about horology, and kayaking with my wife and our Dalmatian.
I have specialized training in posttraumatic growth, couples dynamics, and mindfulness. Please don’t let the antiquated stigma around mental health hold you back from getting support. Consider scheduling an initial consultation so you can “interview” me to determine our goodness of fit. Let’s work together on building your mental and emotional fitness to a level that feels right for you.
While I’m a California native, I wandered to the Midwest for my undergraduate degree at the University of Chicago and then migrated to the University of Wyoming for my graduate degree, before returning to the Golden State. In my spare time, I enjoy riding my ebike, learning about horology, and kayaking with my wife and our Dalmatian.
Michelle Barahman, PhD
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and I provide compassionate and evidence-based care to healthcare professionals. I have experience working with diverse populations in various clinical settings, including hospitals, community mental health centers, and private practice. My expertise includes working with people struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma-related conditions, reproductive health, and relationship difficulties. I believe in creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to foster personal growth and healing.
I have both personal and professional experience helping healthcare workers. I have worked at a cancer center caring for trainees and early career attendings. I have also been fortunate to immerse myself in the fast-paced primary care environment in the VA Healthcare System. Supporting healthcare professionals is a huge part of my personal story as well. I have supported my spouse through his medical training giving me inner knowledge of the complexities of healthcare jobs and the unique challenges faced by those in the medical professions.
My volunteering efforts have involved the creation of play therapy-based interventions and working with students who are caring for migrant refugees and asylum seekers. In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends as an avid foodie, silly dancer, pretty slow hiker, too-much-luggage traveler, and arts & crafts Pinterest Mom Wannabe.
I have both personal and professional experience helping healthcare workers. I have worked at a cancer center caring for trainees and early career attendings. I have also been fortunate to immerse myself in the fast-paced primary care environment in the VA Healthcare System. Supporting healthcare professionals is a huge part of my personal story as well. I have supported my spouse through his medical training giving me inner knowledge of the complexities of healthcare jobs and the unique challenges faced by those in the medical professions.
My volunteering efforts have involved the creation of play therapy-based interventions and working with students who are caring for migrant refugees and asylum seekers. In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends as an avid foodie, silly dancer, pretty slow hiker, too-much-luggage traveler, and arts & crafts Pinterest Mom Wannabe.
Tina Runyan, PhD, ABPP
I have been a clinical health psychologist for over 20 years and have spent my entire career working in medical settings. I began caring exclusively for health professionals, primarily physicians, in 2017. My other passion is practicing and teaching mindfulness and I am a Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) teacher at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Healthcare Center for Mindfulness.
If I can be outdoors, I will be – walking, hiking, cycling, kayaking, or lying in the grass reading. I am a proud mother of two amazing kids who bring me joy beyond measure.
For existing patients: meet with Tina.
Tina is not taking new patients at this time.
Medication Support
Deborah Steinberg, MD
I am a board-certified psychiatrist who also completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry. I received my undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan and my medical degree from Ohio State University. I did my psychiatry internship at NYU Medical Center and the remainder of my psychiatric training at the Menninger Clinic. I have worked in a variety of settings including community health settings, VA hospitals, and private practice. In addition to my professional background, I come from a family of healthcare providers and am aware of the unique challenges they face.
I enjoy working with people who struggle with mood and anxiety disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder. Although I provide traditional pharmacologic treatment, I bring a holistic approach to my work with clients. I have had training in many approaches to therapy including Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, DBT and EMDR. In my approach I consider lifestyle factors and non-pharmacologic interventions when working with my patients.
Outside of work my interests include hiking, traveling, cooking, reading and spending time with beloved family, friends and pets.
I enjoy working with people who struggle with mood and anxiety disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder. Although I provide traditional pharmacologic treatment, I bring a holistic approach to my work with clients. I have had training in many approaches to therapy including Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, DBT and EMDR. In my approach I consider lifestyle factors and non-pharmacologic interventions when working with my patients.
Outside of work my interests include hiking, traveling, cooking, reading and spending time with beloved family, friends and pets.
Tina Runyan, PhD, ABPP
We love staying connected to our community.