A Proven and Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health Services
Therapists and Staff
Keith Valone
Clinical Director and Clinical Psychologist
Keith Valone, Ph.D., Psy.D., M.S.C.P., is a licensed clinical psychologist, a certified psychoanalyst, and a clinical psychopharmacologist who has been in independent private practice for 30 years. Dr. Valone received his doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and he completed a predoctoral internship in clinical psychology at the University of California, San Francisco Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute. Dr. Valone completed a two and one half year National Institute of Mental Health postdoctoral fellowship in research and treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and related disorders at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Valone completed a second doctorate in psychoanalysis at the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis, and a Postdoctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (M.S.C.P.) degree at the California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University. Dr. Valone is a member of the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.
Dr. Valone is on the professional staff at Huntington Memorial Hospital, where he has co-admitting privileges to psychiatric, chemical dependency, and general medical hospital units. He is also a Senior Training and Supervising Psychoanalyst at the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis in Los Angeles, California where he teaches and supervises candidates for the doctoral degree in psychoanalysis. He has had administrative experience at two psychiatric hospitals, has chaired numerous committees in both hospital Medical Staff and academic settings, and he has served on the Medical Executive Committee at two hospitals on several occasions. He is currently serving on the Board of the California Psychological Association (CPA) and also serves on the board of CPA Division V (Clinical Psychopharmacology). He has served as an expert witness in California State Court and Federal Court. Dr. Valone has published several articles in professional journals in clinical psychology, psychoanalysis, and social psychology.
Dr. Valone specializes in the adult and adolescent treatment of the following disorders: Bipolar Disorder, Depression and Treatment-Resistant Depression, Substance Use Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Personality Disorders, Men’s Issues, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Family Therapy, Couples Therapy, Divorce Counseling, Adolescents, College Students and Young Adults, Problems of Professionals, and other related disorders. Dr. Valone is an expert in Alternative Sentencing. Dr. Valone has been practicing psychoanalytic psychotherapy since 1983 and contemporary psychoanalysis since 1995, and is also a specialist in Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) for Depression and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) for Bipolar Disorder, having completed supervision in both forms of treatment. Dr. Valone further specializes in Family Focused Therapy (FFT) for Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia. Dr. Valone also is an expert in differential psychiatric diagnosis, and routinely administers the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV-TR (SCID) in order to determine diagnostic accuracy and precision when questions arise as to a patient's correct psychiatric or psychological diagnosis. Dr. Valone also provides expert consultation and psychological management as a clinical psychopharmacologistfor patients who take psychiatric medications.
Christopher Michael
Clinical Psychologist
Christopher Michael, Ph.D., QME is a licensed clinical psychologist and forensic psychologist. He received his doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology in 2006 from The University of Tulsa. Dr. Michael also holds a degree in music and musical theatre, giving him sensitivity to the lifestyle and concerns of artists and performers. He completed a predoctoral internship in clinical psychology at Patton State Hospital. He then entered and completed a one-year postdoctoral fellowship in forensic psychology at Patton. He worked at Patton State Hospital for over 2 additional years as a staff psychologist, specializing in the long-term treatment and reintegration of persons who have entered the legal system as a result of severe mental illnesses. As a result of his time in forensic and civil inpatient facilities, Dr. Michael gained experience in the assessment and treatment of serious mental illnesses such as Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder, related anxiety and depression and personality disorders such as Narcissistic, Borderline, and Antisocial Personality Disorders.
Dr. Michael is currently an Adjunct Professor/Lecturer at Alliant International University’s doctoral program in Forensic Psychology, the California School of Forensic Studies. He has conducted clinical and forensic evaluations in a state hospital setting and in jail settings for the San Bernardino Superior Court, and also in drug-treatment and outpatient settings. His evaluations have typically focused on diagnosis, criminal issues (Court Competency, Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity), and topics relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act, including academic accommodations, workers’ compensation, and fitness for duty for civilian personnel. He is a state Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME). Dr. Michael is a peer-reviewed author, primarily in the areas of paranoia and psychosis.
Dr. Michael specializes in Psychotic Disorders, Depression, Generalized and Social Anxiety Disorders, Body Dysmorphic Disorder and body image disturbances, cognitive, psychoeducational, and interpersonal group therapy for mental illness and addiction, and Somatoform Disorders (body symptoms that are sensitive to psychological factors). He trained with a private group of therapists in Relational Somatic Psychotherapy, a blended treatment incorporating aspects of body awareness and movement, object relations and interpersonal theories, gestalt approaches, and spirituality. In practice, he draws from psychoanalytic/brief psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, and communications-analytic approaches. Dr. Michael is currently attending a one-year certificate program in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy from the Newport Psychoanalytic Institute, with a two-year option for advanced certification.
Adam Herdina
Clinical Psychologist
Adam Herdina, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist. Dr. Herdina received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of La Verne. He completed graduate training at Aurora Charter Oak Hospital, an acute inpatient psychiatric and drug/alcohol treatment facility, on both the child/adolescent unit and the adult unit, treating complex cases that included Suicide Assessment, Trauma, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Dual Diagnosis. During his inpatient hospital training, he also received intensive training in Family Therapy. Dr. Herdina also completed a one-year predoctoral training program at the Bureau of Prisons at the Federal Correctional Institution - Terminal Island, California. At Terminal Island, Dr. Herdina conducted Threat/Dangerousness Assessments, taught Anger Management courses, and acquired Forensic Diagnostic expertise. Dr. Herdina completed post-doctoral training at SHARPER FUTURE, a forensic outpatient treatment program for Federal and State offenders. Dr. Herdina was trained in intensive Group Therapy with these special populations and obtained assessment and treatment expertise with pretrial and post-conviction sex-offenders.
In addition to serving as a Senior Clinical Associate, Dr. Herdina currently holds the position of staff psychologist with Behavioral Science Services, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). This position includes individual and couples therapy to Department (sworn and civilian) personnel and significant others; Department training on topics such as Suicide Prevention, Stress Management, Anger Management, emotional leadership, and violent criminal behavior; and Debriefings and Defusings following Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) and Categorical Use Of Force (CUOF) fatal and nonfatal incidents. Dr. Herdina is a certified member of the LAPD Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) and responds to hostage negotiation and barricaded suspect situations with Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. Dr. Herdina conducts Organizational Consultation for workgroups within the LAPD: Southeast Police Division (Watts), Robbery and Homicide Division (RHD), Commercial Crimes Division (CCD), and the Addiction Recovery Unit (ARU). Additionally, Dr. Herdina conducts neuropsychological and psychodiagnostic assessments of Department Personnel. Dr. Herdina is an Adjunct Professor of Forensic Psychology at Alliant International University, California School of Forensic Studies where he teaches forensic psychology doctoral students. He has been a guest lecturer at several universities and has numerous publications and presentations in the field of multicultural psychology. Dr. Herdina is on the professional staff at Huntington Memorial Hospital, where he has co-admitting privileges to psychiatric, chemical dependency, and general medical hospital units; he also consults at other psychiatric hospital settings. Dr. Herdina has served as an expert witness in California State Court.
Dr. Herdina specializes in clinical and forensic treatment and clinical/diagnostic psychological assessment and evaluation. Dr. Herdina specializes in the treatment of the following disorders: Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Impulse Control Disorders (e.g. gambling), and Substance Abuse Disorders. Dr. Herdina's expertise further includes the psychological complications of diabetes, authoritarian men, adolescent males, sexual addiction/dysfunction, posttraumatic stress and first-responders, anger management, and peak-performance issues. He provides treatment for children, adolescents, and adults in an individual, couples, and group settings.
Christina Hassija
Clinical Psychologist
Christina Hassija, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. Hassija received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Wyoming, an APA accredited clinical psychology doctoral program. Dr. Hassija’s primary theoretical orientation is cognitive-behavioral and she has obtained extensive training in evidence-based treatments for mental health conditions, particularly mood and anxiety disorders.
During her graduate training, she received specialized training in the theory and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related mental health conditions. As part of this training, she provided evidence-based, trauma-focused psychotherapy to survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. She has received extensive training in evidence-based treatments, such as Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and is very well skilled in their associated techniques, such as coping skills acquisition, relapse prevention, cognitive restructuring, exposure, and mindfulness.
Dr. Hassija completed an APA-accredited, pre-doctoral clinical internship at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division, which provided her with specialized training with diverse Veteran populations with PTSD and comorbid conditions, such as substance use disorders, in residential and outpatient settings. Dr. Hassija received postdoctoral training at the National Center for PTSD - VA Palo Alto Health Care System and obtained specialized experience working with Veteran PTSD populations in outpatient mental health settings and via telemedicine. Dr. Hassija specializes in the treatment of the following disorders: PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. She provides treatment for adolescents and adults in an individual, couples, and group settings.
Greg Stanford
Clinical Psychologist
Greg Stanford, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. Stanford received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology in Alhambra, California, an APA accredited clinical psychology doctoral program. Dr. Stanford specializes in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. He has subspecialties in the treatment of grief and loss, life transitions, and LGBTIQ issues.
During his post-doctoral internship, Dr. Stanford managed a team of clinicians treating recently housed, previously homeless adults at Ocean Park Community Center. He is experienced in crisis intervention, improving activities of daily living (ADLs), developing and conducting trainings relevant to treating severely mentally ill adults, and providing linkage to local resources. Dr. Stanford utilizes desensitization and exposure techniques, helping individuals gain the tools necessary to adapt effectively to their environment.
Dr. Stanford previously practiced at the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center. He performed intensive crisis counseling, couples therapy, group therapy, and long-term individual therapy. Dr. Stanford has also given lectures and training in sexual diversity at community mental health centers and rehabilitation facilities.
James Luzano
Psychiatrist
Dr. James Luzano is a board-certified Psychiatrist who specializes in Addiction providing individualized treatment. He can provide diagnostic assessment and clarification, medication management, psychotherapy, as well as addiction treatment including buprenorphine maintenance. Dealing with mental illness and addiction can be extremely difficult and painful. He understands that not everyone is the same and that a comprehensive diagnosis and flexible treatment plan are important to successful recovery. You will receive his care and compassion in a non-judgmental environment to help you and your loved ones heal.
Dr. Luzano has experience in therapy that promotes empathy, understanding cognitive-behavioral processes, psychodynamics, and motivation for change. Moreover, he has applied these in PTSD and other anxiety disorders, depression and mood disorders.
Dr. Luzano graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University and completed medical school at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He completed his Psychiatry residency at the UCLA - San Fernando Valley Program and completed his Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Nick Ryan
Marriage and Family Therapist, and Psychoanalyst
Dr. Ryan graduated with his Master’s from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and with his doctorate at the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis. He has been in practice for over 16 years providing individual, group and family and specializes in the treatment of trauma in children, adolescence and adults ranging from physical abuse, sexual abuse and severe neglect. Additionally, Dr. Ryan has specialized training and experience working with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals and community. Dr. Ryan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Board Certified Art Therapist and Certified Psychoanalyst.
Jessica Brizuela
Music Therapist
Jessica Brizuela, MT-BC, NMT, is a board-certified music therapist, and certified neurologic music therapist. She graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA with a B.M. in music therapy and a minor is psychology. She is certified through the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) and through the Robert F. Unkefer Academy for Neurologic Music Therapy at Colorado State University. Prior to her certification, Jessica completed clinical internships and practicum work at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Sherrill House Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Children’s Hospital Boston, and McLean Hospital among others. Jessica’s patient care expertise is diverse, having worked in a variety of populations including psychiatrics, geriatrics, pediatrics, special needs, rehabilitation, and medical settings. Jessica is a strong advocate for music therapy, having done international work in various countries and having presented research material at regional and national conferences.
In leading weekly music therapy sessions at The Arroyos Psychological Associates, Jessica uses active music making, lyric analysis, music listening, and discussion among other interventions, to provide an expressive outlet for clients while also helping to promote cognitive and emotional wellness and improve communication among clients.
Who We Treat
We treat patients with a full spectrum of psychological and psychiatric concerns. Many of our patients are high functioning individuals such as business professionals, entertainment industry professionals, physicians, and attorneys, homemakers, and students. Many other patients are suffering from severe emotional and mental disorders that require intensive psychological and psychiatric management. We provide individual, couples, and family therapy to adults and adolescents. Our doctors are also specialists in treating dual diagnosis patients, which are patients with one or more psychiatric diagnoses and a co-occurring chemical dependency disorder. With these patients we provide psychiatric hospital services, inpatient and outpatient chemical dependency services including drug detox. We also provide inpatient psychological management of medical conditions.
Our doctors provide a broad range of services and treatments, as described in more detail on this website. We offer a wide variety of types of psychotherapy. Our psychiatrists offer expert psychiatric medication management and medical management of co-occurring medical conditions. Our doctors also provide specialized skills such as expert differential diagnosis, psychological clinical psychopharmacology, psychological testing and assessment, neuropsychology, forensic psychology (psychology and the law), anger management, and bariatric screening evaluations. Our hospital skills include emergency psychiatric evaluations, involuntary holds (5150), inpatient case management and psychological treatment, and inpatient chemical dependency detoxification.