Psychiatry Team

Dr. Adler grew up in the American Southwest. She completed her medical degree at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and completed a residency training in Psychiatry at New York University and Stanford. She is board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).

Dr. Adler is experienced in treating a wide range of mental health complaints. Her practice philosophy embraces a whole person approach which includes thoughtful assessment and treatment interventions ranging from medication management to nutrition and behavioral interventions and referral to psychotherapy. She has special clinical expertise in anxiety and treatment resistant depression, student and professional mental health, psychiatric illness in patients with co-occurring medical illness and women's mental health.
​
Dr. Adler practices psychiatry by targeting all components of wellness including sleep, dietary and lifestyle interventions and working to strengthen important relationships, promote balance and self-care. In addition she provides evidence-based pharmacologic interventions when appropriate and makes referrals for psychotherapy as indicated. She has a special interest in student and professional mental health, including care for fellow physicians.

Dr. Ross has lived in several US states and all over the world, but her favorite place is still New Mexico. She obtained her medical degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and completed her psychiatry training at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. She is an ABPN (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology) certified adult psychiatrist with additional training and experience in addiction medicine. She speaks fluent Spanish, and likes to think that one day she will be fluent in French.

​

Dr. Ross has experience working with a wide variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. She has had training in CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), prolonged exposure therapy, family therapy, group therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and ECT (electroconvulsive therapy). Additionally, she is now able to offer TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) to patients at Southwest Neuropsychology and Behavioral Health for the treatment of severe Major Depressive Disorder.

​

Dr. Ross believes in the healing powers of the therapeutic relationship and evidence-based treatments. She will endeavor to create an individualized treatment plan for each of her patients based on their needs, values, and goals of treatment. Dr. Ross will collaborate with your care team to provide you with quality psychiatric treatment while you work towards your wellness goals. She believes in a holistic approach that may involve dietary changes, exercise recommendations, psychotherapy services, and treatment of underlying medical conditions that could be impacting your mental health.

Dr. Arizaga earned her medical degree at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  In 2008, she graduated from her Psychiatric Residency, also at the University of New Mexico.  She is board certified in Psychiatry (American Board of Psychiatric and Neurology) and Addiction Medicine (American Board of Preventive Medicine).  Additionally, she has training and experience in Integrative Psychiatry and is a certified practitioner from the Integrative Psychiatric Institute in Boulder, Colorado.

Dr. Arizaga integrates care from multiple modalities, including but not limited to nutrition modification, mind-body practice recommendations (such as meditation and yoga), exercise recommendations, psychotherapy and medications when needed.  She addresses underlying conditions that could be impacting your mental health.  She is dedicated to collaborating with you and your care team.  Dr. Arizaga personalizes health care, in order to improve your quality of life, not only by mental health symptom management and reduction but achieving wellness according to your identified goals and values.

Dr. Pokorny is an outpatient psychiatrist with experience treating a broad range of mental health concerns. She grew up in Iowa, earning her bachelor’s degree at Drake University and her medical degree at the University of Iowa.

She moved to Texas for her residency training in psychiatry at the University of Texas Health at San Antonio where she served as a chief resident. Her background includes working with depression and anxiety disorders, college students, veterans, military members and their families, and she has a particular interest in complex cases and conditions involving psychosis, like schizophrenia.

Dr. Pokorny values working collaboratively with patients to provide personalized treatment. She offers medication management, talk therapy, and addresses lifestyle factors that may be contributing to medical and mental issues. Her patients appreciate her kind, thoughtful approach and her dedication to helping them achieve their goals.

Dr. Hemmat is a board-certified adult psychiatrist.  She obtained her bachelor’s degree in French and Spanish from the University of Missouri and her medical degree at the University of Iowa. She completed her psychiatry residency at Tulane University.

After her training, Dr. Hemmat worked with patients with a variety of mental health issues at a community health clinic in New Orleans. She is particularly interested in mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and postpartum and has worked providing perinatal mental health consultation to healthcare providers across the state of Louisiana.

Dr. Hemmat has experience working with patients using cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, interpersonal therapy and mindfulness. Her approach is holistic, integrating lifestyle changes, therapy and medications when indicated. She speaks Spanish and strives to create an atmosphere of trust and respect, valuing each person’s unique background.

Dr. Robinson was raised in New Jersey, but moved out west for college, earning a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO. She then went on to attend medical school at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Carolina, where her family has roots. After earning her medical degree, she moved to Albuquerque to complete adult psychiatry residency at the University of New Mexico, and stayed for two more years to complete her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship. She was co-chief fellow in her final year of training there.

Dr. Robinson has dual ABPN board certification in Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. With over fifteen years of clinical experience, Dr. Robinson is well versed in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, trauma spectrum and psychotic disorders across the lifespan, and has particular expertise in the evaluation and management of childhood behavior, developmental and school problems.

Having lived and worked in a variety of different practice settings and cultures, Dr. Robinson is open to working with patients and families from all backgrounds, religious affiliations and gender/sexual orientations. She is an avid runner with a lifelong interest in exercise, fitness, nutrition and a research background in obesity and eating disorders.

Dr. Robinson considers her approach to patient care holistic and individualized, using a combination of psychotherapy, psychopharmacology,  and lifestyle interventions,  mindful that each person has a story and set of circumstances vital to who they are and how they'll respond to treatment.

Dr. Cruz-Ortiz is a board-certified psychiatrist in general psychiatry and geriatric psychiatry. She is passionate about improving patient’s mental health from age 18 to 100. She believes improving mental health is a journey that involves improving our social connections, our nutrition, exercise and sleep routines and may involve adding pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions when needed. Dr. Cruz-Ortiz is experienced in working with adults, women throughout their pregnancies and older age adults.

Dr. Cruz-Ortiz completed her Bachelors of Science at the University of Florida and then went on to complete her medical degree at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. She completed her general adult psychiatry residency at the University of South Florida. She later completed her geriatric psychiatry fellowship at the University of Miami. She has experience in working with many patients of different cultures, backgrounds and beliefs. She is also fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Noël is a board-certified adult outpatient psychiatrist who completed her medical training at Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, California. Following her medical education, she moved to Oregon to complete her Psychiatry residency at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis, Oregon.

Dr. Noël pursued Osteopathic medical training for its holistic approach to healthcare. This training emphasizes identifying root causes of problems and treating the whole person, considering all aspects of their lifestyle to optimize well-being. She fully embraces this approach with each and every patient.

In addition to her primary training, Dr. Noël sought further expertise in Integrative Psychiatry through the Integrative Psychiatry Institute in Boulder, Colorado. She has a special interest in both nutrition and physical fitness, which she integrates into her practice. Dr. Noël draws from her diverse training and interests to help patients achieve their health goals.

While she advocates for lifestyle modifications and pharmaceutical-grade supplements, she also recognizes the importance of standard pharmaceuticals and uses them when necessary based on patient needs and preferences. Dr. Noël is honored by the trust her patients place in her and is dedicated to partnering with them on their journey to optimal health.

Dr. Verzi was drawn to the unique beauty of New Mexico’s high desert landscape over 20 years ago, and has enjoyed living here since then. Dr. Verzi is a Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with experience in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. She has many years of experience in multiple settings including: inpatient psychiatry, outpatient psychiatry, substance abuse treatment, community detox program, forensic psychiatry, psychiatric emergency services, psychiatric urgent care and clinical psychiatry liaison.

Dr. Verzi graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from the University of New Mexico, her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree in Leadership and Health Care Systems from Grand Canyon University and her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Dr. Verzi is also board certified by ANCC to treat the mental health needs from children to older adults.

Dr. Verzi has the passion and desire to serve her community and promote mental health and wellness using an integrative and holistic approach. She provides evidence-based treatment including medication management and lifestyle interventions such as sleep, exercise, and nutritional approaches. Her practice philosophy incorporates a holistic and individualized approach to promote overall mental, spiritual, social, and emotional wellness in all areas of your life.

Dr. Verzi is also an outdoor enthusiast and an avid runner. She takes full advantage of the four seasons, sunshine, and great weather we enjoy in New Mexico. Some of her favorite activities include gardening, cooking, hiking, biking, and kayaking with her husband year-round.