Fusion Therapy Mental Health: Integrative Care for Mind

In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of the importance of mental health, leading to the creation of many clinics and centres aimed at supporting individuals on their mental health journeys. 

One prominent organization in this area is the Fusion Care Group, which provides a variety of services tailored to each patient’s unique needs. 

Their dedicated team, made up of licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and mental health specialists, works together to deliver comprehensive care. This blog post will explore their services, professionals, and more.

Additionally, accessing mental health services has become easier with platforms like BetterHelp. 

By signing up for BetterHelp, individuals can quickly connect with licensed healthcare providers, allowing them to receive support and guidance whenever they need it. 

This flexibility helps break down barriers to care, making it simpler for people to prioritize their mental health and well-being.

About Fusion Therapy Mental Health

Fusion Care Group is dedicated to improving mental health services by offering caring and high-quality support. 

Founded by cousins Dr. Christiana Silva and Scott Shainman, the group focuses on creating a friendly and comfortable atmosphere with modern technology and soothing office spaces. 

Originally started as SD Psychological Services in Lakeside, CA, in 2007, their mission is to help people of all ages work through tough life challenges.

At Fusion, clients are matched with experienced professionals based on their specific needs. 

They accept different payment methods, including private pay, sliding-scale fees, and insurance. 

Fusion aims to change how people view mental health care, providing a calm environment and comprehensive assistance.

With locations in California and Arizona, Fusion offers both in-person sessions and Teletherapy, making it easy for clients to connect from home or work through a secure online platform. 

Their focus is on ensuring clients feel comfortable and supported while getting the help they need.

Mental Health Services Provided By Fusion Care Group

Fusion Care Group offers a comprehensive range of mental health services to support clients in various aspects of their lives. 

1. Treatment for depression

Depression is a serious mental health issue characterized by ongoing sadness, feelings of worthlessness, irritability, low energy, social withdrawal, sleep problems, and a lack of pleasure in life. 

Fusion Care Group provides effective treatment for depression through therapy, medication, and neurofeedback. 

They use cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients change negative thoughts, develop coping skills, build social support, and create plans for a more fulfilling life, aiming to empower clients on their path to recovery.

2. Treatment of Anxiety

Anxiety is a chronic form of stress characterized by overwhelming concern about future threats or previous experiences. 

The most prevalent types are generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

At Fusion Care Group, the main approach for treatment is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals develop better coping mechanisms.

Additionally, they utilize exposure therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) to reduce anxiety symptoms. 

In some cases, they may recommend medication or neurofeedback as part of the treatment plan.

3. Treatment of stress

Life stress refers to the feelings of being overwhelmed and burdened by daily challenges, such as financial worries, job responsibilities, family obligations, and relationship issues. It is considered a major issue affecting many people today. 

Fusion Care Group offers support for managing life stress by providing a listening ear and a supportive environment. 

They help clients identify stress patterns in their lives and develop effective strategies to reduce stress, promoting a sense of balance, harmony, and happiness. 

4. Treatment for Anger Management

Anger is a normal emotion that signals when something feels unfair or threatening. However, it becomes a problem when expressed in harmful ways. 

Chronic anger can negatively affect physical health, mental well-being, career success, and personal relationships. 

Fusion Care Group offers support and tools for managing anger, helping individuals understand the underlying causes of their anger and learn healthier ways to express it, ensuring it doesn’t control their lives or damage their relationships.

5. Treatment for ADHD

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, is a condition that affects a person’s ability to focus, remember things, and control impulses. 

It has three types: inattentive, where individuals struggle to concentrate; hyperactive-impulsive, where they are very restless and have difficulty waiting their turn; and combined, which includes traits from both types. 

Fusion Care Group helps individuals with ADHD by assessing their specific needs and providing a mix of medication, neurofeedback, and therapy. 

They work with children to teach them behavior management and support parents in creating a positive home environment. 

For adults, Fusion Care Group focuses on improving organization, reducing impulsivity, and encouraging healthier life choices.

6. PTSD treatment

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, like violence, accidents, or losing a loved one. 

People with PTSD may try to avoid reminders of the trauma but often have flashbacks, nightmares, and troubling thoughts. 

Fusion Care Group offers treatments for PTSD, including cognitive-behavioural therapy to help change negative thoughts and coping strategies. 

They also use exposure therapy to help clients face their fears gradually. 

7. Treatment for autism

Autism is a brain-based condition that affects a child’s communication, social skills, and sensory processing. 

Children with autism may struggle to talk, listen, understand, play, and learn due to difficulties in interpreting sensory information. 

Symptoms can vary in severity, with some needing minimal support and others requiring significant assistance. 

Fusion Care Group offers various treatments for autism, including occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychotherapy, and social skills training. 

They focus on creating personalized treatment plans to support high-functioning autistic children, emphasizing parent education, and communication skills, and managing related issues like anxiety and depression.

8. Psycho-Educational Evaluations

Psychological testing is a process that helps evaluate a person’s mental health and academic abilities through interviews, rating scales, and various cognitive tests. 

It’s useful for identifying strengths and areas needing support, especially for issues affecting school or work. 

The testing involves an initial interview followed by 2 to 4 hours of in-person assessments that look at different skills. 

Afterwards, a report is created to explain the findings. Fusion Therapy Mental Health offers these tests in person and can provide remote consultations. 

They focus on assessments for ADHD, learning disabilities, mental health diagnoses, and other areas to help guide treatment and support.

9. Psychiatric and Medication Management

Psychiatric and medication management involves assessing a person’s mental health needs to create a personalized treatment plan. 

At Fusion Therapy Mental Health, a team of doctors and nurse practitioners works together with therapists to help individuals with issues like anxiety, depression, mood swings, and PTSD. 

The process starts with an evaluation to understand a person’s concerns and medical history. 

Based on this, they develop a plan that may include medication and other therapies, aiming to find the right balance for the individual’s well-being.

Founders & Therapists At Fusion Therapy Mental Health

1. Founders

1.1 Dr. Christiana Silva

Dr. Christiana Silva, PhD, is the Chief Behavioral Health Officer at Fusion Care Group, where she uses her extensive knowledge to connect with children and adults. 

She specializes in ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and trauma, making her a relatable clinician.

Dr. Silva earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from UC San Diego. 

Her research focused on dysfluent speech in abused children, showing her dedication to understanding mental health issues.

Before founding Fusion Care Group, she created SD Psychological Services, which provided mental health care in San Diego for 13 years. 

She also worked for over 14 years at the Center for Autism Research, where she trained professionals to support children with Autism. 

Her experience includes various therapies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and play therapy, allowing her to help clients aged 3 to 55.

Dr. Silva’s passion for her work and commitment to her clients is evident in her role at Fusion Care Group, where she aims to make a positive impact on their lives.

1.2 Scott Shainman

Scott Shainman is the Chief Executive Officer of Fusion Care Group, committed to improving mental health care by enhancing its social acceptance and client experiences. 

With over 20 years in technology and business, he has successfully managed organizations in North America and internationally, focusing on delivering excellent customer service.

Before joining Fusion Care Group, Scott held leadership roles at companies like Intermec and General Dynamics and served as President of Getac North America, where he helped grow the company into a leading maker of rugged laptops and tablets. 

He also created Custody Connection, an early iPhone app for managing custody schedules that became popular in the App Store. 

Scott’s leadership and vision are crucial to Fusion Care Group’s mission of providing effective mental health solutions.

2. Therapists

2.1 Erika Allen- Andere

Erika Allen-Andere, LCSW, is a California-based therapist who offers compassionate, strengths-based support, focusing on clients’ dignity and self-worth. 

She helps individuals, families, and groups understand their mental health challenges and develop tools for positive change. 

Using approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, Erika supports clients dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. 

With a background in social work and theology, she also integrates spirituality into her care for those who find it meaningful. 

2.2 Jennifer Velazquez

Jennifer Velazquez, LCSW, is a therapist with over 10 years of experience helping children, families, and military families. 

She has worked with foster youth, homeless individuals, and people facing end-of-life challenges. 

2.3 Yezenia Vargas

Yezenia Vargas, LCSW, is a bilingual therapist with 10 years of experience, specializing in Autism, anxiety, depression, anger, and grief. 

With a Master’s in Social Work from UC Berkeley, she has worked in the foster care and court systems. 

Yezenia uses DBT and EMDR techniques to help clients develop coping skills and prioritize self-care.

2.4 Jonathan Bethel

Jonathan, LCSW, is a therapist with five years of experience in community mental health, crisis care, and hospice settings. 

With a Master’s in Social Work from Cal State Fullerton, he supports elderly clients, adults, and teens, using a strength-based, solution-focused approach. 

Jonathan is committed to helping people overcome life’s challenges with empathy and encouragement.

2.5 Jennifer Tang

Jennifer Tang, LMFT, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over nine years of experience helping children, teens, adults, and families.

She works with various issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction.  

She provides personalized, compassionate care using techniques like cognitive-behavioural therapy and solution-focused approaches, believing that each person’s emotional experience is unique.

2.6 Jolia Awadallah

Jolia Awadallah, RPA, is a Registered Psychological Associate who provides therapy in English and Arabic for various issues, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, self-esteem challenges, and difficulties related to academics and work. 

She specializes in supporting individuals with Autism and ADHD, using a mix of therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Biofeedback for a holistic approach. 

Jolia has a Bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in clinical psychology and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in health psychology. 

With experience in rehab centres and community mental health clinics, she focuses on integrating the mind, body, and spirit in her treatment.

2.7 Dr. Candace Ward- McKinlay

Dr. Candace Ward-McKinlay, PhD, has over 20 years of experience helping adults, teens, couples, and families dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression. 

She works with schools and psychiatric clinics to develop programs for those struggling with everyday challenges. 

A graduate of San Diego State University and Alliant International University, Dr. McKinlay specializes in EMDR therapy for trauma, especially with military personnel and their families. 

She uses a goal-oriented, solution-focused approach that connects clients’ past experiences to their current growth, guiding them toward a healthier future.

2.8 Rebeka Davidson

Rebeka Davidson, LMFT, is a licensed therapist experienced in community mental health and private practice. 

She focuses on helping clients heal from complex PTSD, attachment issues, and developmental trauma using approaches like EMDR and Internal Family Systems. 

Rebeka also employs Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support clients in making positive changes. 

Additionally, she has specialized training in treating eating disorders, and providing compassionate support to individuals in recovery. 

Her goal is to empower clients to reconnect with their inner strength and live more fulfilled lives.

2.9 Jessica Anorve

Jessica Anorve is a licensed psychotherapist in California and Idaho, specializing in helping high-functioning adults with anxiety, depression, grief, OCD, and boundary issues. 

She creates a safe and compassionate space for clients to explore their challenges and work toward positive change. 

Jessica focuses on building resilience and clarity, guiding clients to improve their relationships with themselves and others.

Her goal is to provide the support and tools needed for personal growth and empowerment.

Want to know more about mental health hospitals, check these out:

1. Sol Mental Health: Guiding You Toward Brighter Days
2. Beachway Mental Health: Your Path to Healing
3. Reproductive Mental Health and Wellness: Supporting Mind

Different Locations and Contact Information

Fusion Care Group offers multiple convenient locations to better serve clients across various states, including California, Arizona, Idaho, and New York. 

In California, you can visit their offices in Santee at 1/8772 Cuyamaca St., Suite 103; Alpine at 2271 Alpine Blvd., Suite A; and La Mesa at 9029 Park Plaza Dr., Suite 101. 

Arizona locations include Mesa at 7254 E Southern Ave., Suite 106, and Phoenix at 14001 N 7th St., Suite D107. 

In Idaho, you can find them in Sandpoint at 1218 N. Division Ave., Suite 217. 

For clients in New York, the office is located at 275 North Street, Harrison, NY 10528. 

For more details on their locations, please check their official website.

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