Grant DeFrancisco, DO

Deborah Gross, MD, earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and completed her psychiatric residency at the University of Washington. She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and has extensive experience treating mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, addiction, disordered eating, and personality disorders in both outpatient and inpatient settings. She is also ASAM-certified in addiction medicine and holds a lifetime certificate from the American Board of Addiction Medicine. Dr. Gross is the author of a three-book series supporting women with disordered eating.

Dr. Gross creates a warm, supportive environment where patients feel heard and respected. As a writer, she values each patient’s story and uses it to better understand their challenges and guide treatment. She prioritizes open communication and collaborates closely with patients to establish clear, meaningful goals.

Dr. Gross begins with a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She develops individualized treatment plans aligned with those goals and remains attentive as care progresses, adjusting strategies as new insights emerge.

Tony Gunn II is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Alabama and Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. He is the Founder and Clinical Director of PULSE Counseling and Consulting, LLC, providing telehealth and in-person services. His background includes outpatient therapy, community mental health, and behavioral health leadership. He is EMDR-informed, a board-certified specialist in transgender-affirming care, a Substance Abuse Professional, and is pursuing a PhD in Clinical Sexology. He works with adolescents, adults, couples, and families using CBT, ACT, trauma-focused, and relapse prevention approaches.

Tony Gunn II provides care grounded in dignity, respect, and cultural humility. He offers a structured, goal-oriented approach balanced with warmth and authenticity. He values direct, honest communication and encourages conversations that may feel uncomfortable but necessary for growth. Sessions focus on measurable progress and meaningful change. He integrates trauma-informed and EMDR-informed principles when appropriate and supports clients navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, identity development, relationship concerns, and life transitions.

Tony Gunn II begins with a comprehensive intake to understand each client’s history, strengths, stressors, and goals. He collaborates to establish clear, measurable objectives and develops an individualized treatment plan aligned with the client’s values. Using evidence-based interventions, he provides practical tools for use between sessions, monitors progress regularly and adjusts care as needed. When appropriate, he coordinates with other providers to promote long-term stability, resilience, and sustainable change.

Dr. Kaur is an adult psychiatrist dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. She completed her undergraduate studies in Exercise Science and Public Health at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and earned her medical degree from the University of Medicine and Health Sciences in St. Kitts. Dr. Kaur completed her transitional year residency at Coliseum Medical Center/Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, with focused training in Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Emergency Medicine, and Neurology. She then pursued her general adult psychiatry residency at Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center in Ohio. She further specialized by completing a fellowship in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, with emphasis on psycho-oncology, women’s mental health, and Med-Psych.

Dr. Kaur is passionate about delivering thoughtful and comprehensive care for individuals experiencing depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma-related disorders, bipolar spectrum disorders, ADHD, anxiety, stress and adjustment difficulties, insomnia, and maternal mental health conditions. Her clinical approach incorporates recognized and effective treatment modalities, including neuropsychopharmacology and neuroimaging. She has extensive experience working with undergraduate and graduate students, older adults, the LGBTQ community, and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Central to Dr. Kaur’s practice is the belief that empathy and understanding form the foundation of an effective therapeutic relationship. She views each patient as a whole person, shaped by interconnected mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, social, and environmental factors. With a holistic, patient-centered philosophy, she aims to support healing at every level to help individuals achieve and maintain optimal well-being.

Dr. Kaur is fluent in Punjabi and Hindi.

Dr. Velda Pugh-Kinsey is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with over three decades of experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings. She earned her medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at University Hospital. She has previously served as Chief of Mental Health at a VA Hospital and has maintained a successful private practice focused on medication management and supportive therapy.

Dr. Pugh-Kinsey values open communication and believes in building a warm, respectful environment where patients feel heard. She works collaboratively with patients to set clear treatment goals and tailors her approach to meet each person’s unique needs. Her practice emphasizes both medication management and supportive therapy to promote long-term well-being.

During initial sessions, Dr. Pugh-Kinsey takes time to understand each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. She uses a team-based approach, partnering with patients in treatment planning and decision-making to ensure care is both effective and aligned with their values.

Before pursuing medicine, Dr. Kenneth Ethan Lai explored a range of passions. After earning dual degrees in Biology and Biochemistry from the University of California, Riverside, he opened a popular Riverside eatery featured on The Food Channel. He later transitioned to the IT industry, earning a master’s degree and certifications, before answering his true calling in medicine, graduating from Saint Matthews University School of Medicine.

Dr. Lai believes psychiatry combines science and the art of medicine. Patients value his professionalism, patience, empathy, and attentive listening. He acknowledges the many choices patients have in providers and strives to create a welcoming, collaborative, and supportive environment for everyone seeking care.

Dr. Lai treats both adults and children/adolescents with expertise in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, addiction, geriatrics, and dual-diagnosis care. He is trained in TMS and ECT, is a Certified Suboxone Prescriber, and offers consultations and treatment through office-based or telemedicine visits. His approach is tailored to each patient’s needs, integrating compassionate care with evidence-based treatment.

Dr. Ethan Atwood is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He completed his psychiatry residency and fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and he completed a forensic fellowship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

New patients can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere when beginning their journey with Dr. Atwood. He emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health care, combining medication management with supportive therapies. His empathetic nature and commitment to patient well-being ensures a nurturing and supportive environment.

Dr. Atwood believes in a collaborative approach, working closely with his patients to develop treatment goals and adjust treatment strategies as needed. He is committed to providing ongoing support and guidance, ensuring that patients feel confident and supported throughout their mental health journey.

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LaJoya McDonald is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience across outpatient, telehealth, and managed care settings. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and life transitions.

LaJoya is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients feel heard and empowered. Her treatment style is integrative and person-centered, utilizing evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, supportive therapy, goal-oriented therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques.

LaJoya helps clients explore their thoughts, emotions, and patterns while developing practical tools for coping, healing, and growth. She believes in tailoring each treatment plan to the unique goals, strengths, and values of the individual, and takes pride in walking alongside her clients through life’s challenges with compassion and respect.

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LaTonya Washington, LICSW-S, PIP, is a trauma and couples' therapist with a Master of Social Work from the University of Alabama and advanced training in Brain spotting, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and the Gottman Method for couples therapy. With over 15 years of experience, she provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals and couples navigating trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions.

She specializes in helping couples rebuild trust after infidelity, strengthen emotional connection, and improve communication. She also supports individuals facing anxiety, burnout, and the emotional impact of chronic illness, guiding them toward healing and resilience

New clients can expect a warm, supportive space where they feel heard and understood. LaTonya takes a collaborative approach, tailoring therapy to each client’s needs while integrating practical strategies for healing and growth. Her sessions are focused on fostering insight, building emotional resilience, and equipping clients with tools to create lasting change. Whether working with individuals or couples, her goal is to help clients navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, connection, and confidence.

Jennifer Phillips is a Licensed Clinical Social worker who has worked in the mental health field since 2013.  During graduate school, Jennifer completed her internships at the Tuscaloosa County jail, the University of Alabama Student Veterans Center, and the Birmingham Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in their Health Care for Homeless Veterans program.  Jennifer went to undergraduate and graduate schools in Alabama and moved to Arizona in 2013 to work with the Department of Veterans Affairs to continue working with homeless veterans.  Jennifer also has experience teaching at Pima Community College and is a clinical supervisor for associate level clinicians through the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.  

Jennifer’s prior working experience and training has been with adults, homeless veterans, Native Americans, LGBTQIA, women, and individuals in rural or remote areas, providing access to much needed mental health services in provider shortage areas.  She enjoys working with patients who have anxiety, depression, insomnia, mood disorders, and self-esteem issues.  She is trained in geriatrics and especially loves working with adults over the age of 65.  

Jennifer is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mind-Body Approach, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Prolonged Grief Disorder (where the patient is experiencing grief for at least 12 months).  As she is trained in several different treatment modalities, Jennifer can customize therapy to meet everyone’s needs.

Dr. Jennifer Yen is a double board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who has practiced in a variety of settings, including private, community, and academic medicine. She obtained her medical doctorate and general psychiatry residency at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston before completing her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine. She is currently a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine and has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications on pediatric mental health. Dr. Yen is also a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and has been on the editorial board of Clinical Psychiatry News. Dr. Yen believes in a collaborative treatment approach that includes use of pharmacology, therapeutic interventions, and support networks. While versed in a broad range of mental disorders, she is most passionate about anxiety, depression, minority mental health, and acculturation and intergenerational conflicts. She enjoys finding creative ways to address ongoing treatment issues, and utilizes digital media in the treatment setting.

Lisa Carroll is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 24 years of experience treating everything from adjustment disorders to Depressive Disorders, Anxiety disorders, and trauma, is eager to help others suffering from mental health issues or just adjusting to new circumstances. She has an eclectic approach to care and treatment based on strengths and person-centered care utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused approaches, Rogerian theory, mindfulness, dialectal behavior therapy, narrative therapy, psychodynamic theory, cognitive processing therapy and many others. She is more eclectic in her approach because people are different and need a style that fits their individual needs. She is always seeking feedback from her clients to improve clinical outcomes. She does what is necessary and required to make this the best treatment anyone can get. She wants everyone she treats to reach their full potential. Lisa was trained as an undergraduate in psychology at the University of Alabama, graduating in 1991. She received her MSW in 1997 from the University of Alabama. She became licensed clinically in 2000. She has extensive experience and training in a variety of modalities and therapeutic interventions.