INTEGRATED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Dr. Penney (PSY22358) is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Axis’s Chief Integration Officer. She attended the California School of Professional Psychology/Alliant International University and obtained both her Master’s and Doctorate Degrees in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Penney has a warm and interactive approach and works with individuals dealing with a large range of struggles, including depression, anxiety, self-harm, and family conflict. She is also a certified eating disorder specialist. She utilizes a variety of approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and solution focused techniques.

Natalie Kiff (LCSW 27304) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Axis’s Integrated Behavioral Health Clinic Director, specializing in individual and family therapy. She graduated from the University of Michigan with her MSW in 2003 and became licensed in 2006. Natalie works from a strength based perspective, firmly believing every client has the will and motivation to make the changes they need to lead a balanced life. Treating both children and adults, she primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approaches. She treats a wide range of diagnoses including major depression, anxiety, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, with an emphasis in treating women and children who have endured traumatic experiences.

Dr. Sanchez (PSY28064) works collaboratively with patients to help them identify their strengths, and define goals. When she meets a patient for the first time, she “wants to really build a connection.” Her therapeutic style is strengths-based and rooted in mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques. She received her PhD. from Palo Alto University in 2013. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive experience working with adults, including seniors.

Growing up in the Tri-Valley, Asia (LMFT120114) had always known there was a lack of mental health resources in the area. When she became a Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist, she wanted to be part of a system that could give those who truly needed help, the tools to live a meaningful life. In her role at Axis, she is a therapist for the Bridge program and part of the IBH team. With empathy and encouragement, her goal for her patients is to connect them with resources that will fit their short-term and long-term mental health needs. 

Heather (LMFT121414) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Axis. She explains, “I knew from a very young age that I had a passion for helping others and I believe in the work that we do at Axis.” Heather graduated with a BS in Human Services and a Master’s Degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy. She works with patients of all ages with a range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, life transitions, relational conflicts, and substance use disorders. Heather uses cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused techniques to help individuals and families have stronger relationships, achieve their goals, and lead better lives.

Anne (LMFT100181), a licensed marriage and family therapist, attended San Francisco State University, where she graduated with a BS in Psychology, then a Master’s in Counseling at Argosy University. Anne works with patients of all ages, helping them find ways to manage anxiety, everyday stress, and life changes. Her approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She believes in empowering clients by helping them set goals and finding the resources to achieve them.

Bhavna (AMFT 425306) is a dedicated advocate for breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in our community. She guides children, adults, couples, and families toward achieving emotional well-being and resilience. She is deeply committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, strengthen support systems, and ultimately empower themselves to thrive. Bhavna’s passion for promoting mental wellness shines through in her ability to effectively connect with clients and facilitate meaningful change.

Alvin (LCSW 87469) became a therapist to help remove the stigma of mental illness. He explains, “I want to provide the emotional support that helps people know they are not alone in their struggles.” Alvin helps his clients reconnect with the part of themselves that provides emotional strength and well-being even through difficult circumstances. Alvin enjoys being a part of Axis because staff care deeply about their patients’ wellness.

Saha (LCSW103812), an IBH Staff Therapist, received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California. From a young age, she wanted to help those in underserved communities find relief from suffering, fight for justice, as well as improve the quality of life for those in her community. In her role at Axis, she hopes to help patients stabilize their symptoms to improve their overall sense of well-being. Saha is a firm believer in Axis’s integrated behavioral health approach. She says, “I absolutely love the amount of teamwork that goes into helping our patients. I also appreciate that Axis mental health services are an option for all Axis patients.”

Ghazala (LFMT100117), a licensed marriage and family therapist, received her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University.” I became a therapist to help people improve their quality of life and to provide them with a support system.” A true advocate for her patients, her goals are to help them build coping skills and to use different strategies to achieve their goals such as: Cognitive behavioral  Therapy, Dialetctical behavioral therapy, EMDR, play therapy, and solution-based therapy. She works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She treats anxiety, depression, life transitions, and substance use disorders. She speaks Pashto fluently and Urdu/HIndi. Ghazala is passionate about working at Axis due to its’ integrated system and supportive, professional, and friendly environment where she can help her parents thrive and attain their goals.

Aileen (LCSW117808) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Central Florida with a major in Psychology and minor in Sociology and a focus in Behavioral Forensics. She earned her master’s degree in Social Work at California State University, Chico. Aileen has worked with people of all ages and backgrounds. Some of the settings she has worked in are: Inpatient psychiatric facilities (Adolescent, children, adult, and detox), homeless outreach, folks that have been incarcerated, older adults, Child Protective Services, divorce/blended family workshops, and outpatient mental health. She has a passion working with people navigating difficult times in their lives no matter how big or small! Aileen is a big believer of no matter who you are, you deserve to have someone listen to you compassionately and without judgement. Her main priority is client-centered work while providing tailored treatment to each individual.

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Melissa (LCSW110333) is a licensed clinical social worker who attended Sacramento State University where she acquired her B.A. in Psychology. She also attended New York University where she obtained her postgraduate degree in Clinical Social Work. Melissa has experience working with adolescents and children and enjoys collaborative and dyadic work to help support family systems. She works from a trauma-informed lens and strength-based approach highlighting a client’s strengths and resilient qualities to inform the clinical work. After acquiring her license in cosmetology, she decided she wanted to go into therapeutic work after taking note of clients’ abilities to be open and vulnerable to share their life experiences. Melissa believes that all people deserve mental health support. Her goal for all her clients is to empower them to use and acquire strengths to combat negative thoughts and feelings and to learn to unpack past traumas in a way that gives them hope, power, and control over the life they choose to live. 

Even at a young age, Alaina (LCSW8577) knew she wanted to help people. Her background in advocacy, outreach, and sexual assault prevention led her to a career in social work. She enjoys working in community health because it allows her to serve a more diverse population. Her goals are to help patients grow their internal voice, to build therapeutic alliances with patients, and to develop trust and connection. She also works with community youth to support and encourage them.

Dr. Greg Kraft (PSY7492) has been a licensed psychologist for over 30 years, earning his doctoral degree from the University of Northern Colorado. He has worked in a variety of clinical settings providing compassionate, focused, client-centered holistic care for individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. Dr. Kraft works with both adults and adolescents, supporting their autonomy and strengths. He enjoys helping others to realize more of their potential for growth and development. He believes that the power to change resides within the client. His approach to care is integrative and he utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches to support the client’s goals including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy life skills.

Jenny’s (LCSW103812), care work is grounded in valuing collaboration, patient self-determination, safe interconnectedness, and reclaiming mental health to honor healing and authenticity. Her hope is to empower patients to be able to connect and rediscover themselves again with curiosity and compassion. “I love working in community health because we look beyond tending to symptom relief – we provide holistic care to help patients connect with basic human needs in order to promote positive mental health and overall well being”, she says. In solidarity with her patients, she hopes to explore issues such as intergenerational healing, identity exploration, personal growth, and life transitions.

Dr. Reyna (PSY32657) is a bicultural/bilingual Community Clinical Psychologist who is passionate about working with diverse children, adults, and families. She has worked in various community settings such as outpatient community clinics, school-based clinic services, and home-based mental health services. Her experience ranges from providing infant-child mental health services through dyad therapy, play therapy, providing parent support, and being an advocate for children and families.  She received in-depth training in Psychodynamic Therapy and incorporates this, Attachment theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, strength-based strategies, and culturally sensitive practices when supporting children, adults, and families. Dr. Reyna holds a Master’s in Community Counseling and Clinical Psychology, a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, and speaks Spanish.

Anita’s (AMFT 142027) goal as a therapist is to foster her clients’ growth and well-being by utilizing evidence-based practices. She is passionate about supporting individuals, children, families, and couples toward healthier relationships and emotional well-being. Anita commits to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and challenges. Anita specializes in anxiety, trauma, depression, and family relationships. She utilizes evidence-based therapeutic modalities to tailor interventions that suit each client’s needs. Anita aims to empower clients to navigate life’s complexities, foster resilience, and cultivate positive change. She brings an empathetic, compassionate, and client-centered approach to her work, creating a supportive and safe space for her clients to express themselves, self-discover, and personally transform.

Emily (LMFT86690), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2015, received her Bachelors’ Degrees in Sociology and Psychology, and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. Emily strives to support her patients in deepening their understanding of themselves, healing from pain, building connections with others, and cultivating and engaging in meaningful and enjoyable lives. She believes this is done through therapeutic trust and centering patients as the expert in their lives, and by offering a range of clinical interventions, including ACT, DBT, CBT, trauma-processing, solution-focused therapy, and EMDR, and always integrating a trauma-responsive lens. She has vast experience working with those who have been effected by mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, substance use and recovery, grief and loss, psychosis, neurodivergence, LGBTQ+ issues, and the foster care system. Emily enjoys working at Axis because of the collaborative and holistic approach to care.

Growing up Ciara (AMFT 140668/APCC 15394) loved helping others. As a teenager she began to see the high need for mental health services, but unfortunately there was not easy access to obtaining it and there was a stigma towards mental health needs/services. “I enjoy working in community health for a number of reasons, but the first and foremost is being able to get my clients the help and resources’ they need all within one community”, she expresses. Ciara’s goal is to help her clients establish a great support system, build social skills, ease anxiety symptoms, learn healthy ways to communicate and identify their emotions. She also wants to help families feel connected to their child and community.

Melissa (LCSW23559) has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2006. She works to help patients of all ages find healthy ways to manage anxiety, depression, past trauma, and other difficult life changes. She strives to create a safe space where clients feel accepted, and uses different approaches depending on each client’s unique needs: play therapy for children, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Interpersonal Therapy for adolescents and adults. Melissa graduated from CSU Long Beach in 1999 with a BA in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work.

Caitlin (AMFT137409) developed a passion for mental health early in life, driven by a desire to support those facing challenges around her. She thrives in community health settings, where she can engage with a diverse range of patients and collaborate with a dedicated team to help each individual achieve their goals. Caitlin is committed to guiding her patients in developing healthy coping skills and reaching their personal mental health milestones.

Dr. Wood (PSY26948) has been a licensed psychologist since 2015 and a staff member at Axis IBH since 2016. He attended Fuller Graduate School of Psychology where he earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. He uses a friendly, nonjudgmental, and authentic style and enjoys working with adult clients with a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, life transitions, grief and loss, and caregiving challenges. He also has expertise in LGBTQ+ issues and issues of faith/spirituality. His work is trauma-informed and incorporates a variety of evidence-based models (including EMDR, Internal Family Systems, DBT, and CBT) to assist patients in their healing process. He is passionate about helping clients meet their personal goals on their journey toward growth.

Sandra Zavala-Garcia (LCSW114750) is a bilingual/bicultural Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about mental health, advocacy and empowerment. She speaks Spanish and has extensive experience working with children, youth, and families as she was a long time school based-mental health therapist in the East Bay. She decided early on that she enjoyed helping others and discovered a passion for direct service work while doing a lot of community outreach and volunteer experiences while growing up in Oakland. She acquired her Bachelors Degree in Health Education and a Minor in Psychology from San Francisco State University and later obtained her Masters Degree in Social Work from San Jose State University in 2010. Her background experience also includes sexual assault and domestic violence, grief and loss, immigration trauma, trauma and family systems dynamics. She enjoys community advocacy and outreach and providing access to mental health and other resources. Her goal is that patients feel empowered and build healthy relationships with others as they work through their own healing and deepen their understanding of themselves so they can become the best version of themselves.